blackouts

[Peelback79]

Every once in a while when gaming (most noticeably on 2142) my computer monitor will black out totally for a second, and then refresh itself.
I'm running an old 2Ghz athalon with an old GeForce 5950, 1gig non-descript name brand memory. PSU, mobo, don't know. I doesn't do it untill there's a lot of load on the whole system (when flying or moving fast with lots of building, people, vehicles around me).
Someone said I need a new power supply. I going to buy a new computer soon, after the Geforce 9 series hits the market. So I only need this computer to limp along a little more for me. I'll try and get some more specs on my comp because I'd like to upgrade it a little.
That and it's hard to diagnose a problem while knowing so little. Thanks to any replies.

-peelback

PS- Not a shill, but does anyone here ever go through pcusa.com? They have great prices on there stuff but I can't find any feedback on them. Should I repost the above question in a diff. forum?

Thanks to all for replies and help.

 

[Captante]

It could be your power supply, but I think its more likely to be you video card ... try taking the side off of your case & making sure the cooling fan is free of dust/dirt, then run with the side removed & see if the problem recurs.

If it does & you want to eliminate the PSU as an issue you could always buy a nice model now & then use it again in a few months when you get you new PC. (assuming you plan on building your own that is)