Wierd PC issue...video won't initialize sometimes

[Direwolf20]

Ok, this is definately a wierd issue, and Hopefully you guys can help me out with what might be the problem here....

First, the system:
I have a P4 3.2ghz processor, ati Radeon X700 256MB video card, 1g DDR ram. I have a 300 watt power supply, which according to the Radeon X700 box is the minimum.

I know my way around the inside of the computer pretty well, but I'm not really a hardware expert, I reside more in the software realm .

Now, the problem:

Sometimes if I turn off my computer, and open the case to do something, when I put the case back on and turn on the computer, the video won't initialize...I can hear the system booting up, and I'm pretty sure its going into Windows (because once i DO get it working, it says windows didn't finish booting last time, yada yada). Theres just NO video.

It seems to me at that having the computer on its side would give it a better chance at booting properly, but usually when I would stand it upright the video would freeze. For example, several times I laid it on the side, and turned it on, video showed up and all was well. I let it boot into windows, all is fine. I stand the PC up, and then I move the mouse, where the mouse cursor used to be is now a box of wierd colored dots, and the whole thing is frozen up.

I'm positive the video card is securely in the system. Its not loose in any way shape or form.

Also, it seems if I unplug the monitor from the back of the case for a few seconds, then plug it back in, I have a better chance at getting it to boot properly.

After several tries, I usually get it working from a standing position, and then I just leave it on. Once its working, it works FINE. No problems, runs beautifully, and as long as I don't shut it down I don't have ANY problems.

So, pretty wierd huh? Any advice? Anything I can check? I'm totally confused ;(.

 

[z-lite]

If I were you, I wouldn't go with the minimum. What brand of PSU is it? I would recommend a name brand and higher wattage PSU to see if that alleviates the booting problem.

 

[Zidoas]

Happens to me on my Biostar iDeQ SFF. I'm running a Radeon 9800 Pro. It is a PSU supply problem. You will fix the issue once you replace the 300w with a stronger/reliable PSU.

If you don't want to, well just unplug everything and replug them and cross your fingers Work for me =)

 

[Direwolf20]

Thanks guys, I think its moreso laziness for me about the PSU. Its a bit of work getting one out and a new one in . Hopefully once I go through with it, that will fix the problem.

 

[lithium726]

i say card.

ive had pcie 6800GT's taht did that too me. otehr cards are just fine in teh system, including a 7800GT.

 

[SJetski71]

Anytime i've had that happen it was always the card not sending a strong enough signal. I would always clear it up one way or another but never by replacing the psu.

Of course there may be more than one reason why it happens, who knows maybe replacing the psu will help...

 

[qbert3]

I used to have this problem with a 350watt psu.
I now have a 450, problem solved.

 

[Direwolf20]

Cool, ok, yes it definately started happening after I got the new video card, so I think I'll grab a new PSU at my next chance and cross my fingers . Thanks a ton guys!