computer will not boot with 8800gt - check my specs- getting stranger now

[gplracer]

My son has a computer with the following:
7800gt
Foxconn 6150BK8MC-KRSH 939 motherboard
3200+ cpu
1 gig ddr ram
250gig hd
dvd writer
thermaltake 430w ps

I wanted to upgrade his video card to a 8800gt. The computer will boot into safe mode but goes to a blank screen when booting into windows xp after it looks like it is going to make it. Could there be a compatibility problem with the motherboard or is the power supply just not enough? Any other thoughts? Thanks!!!

 

[Leros]

My experiences with less than suitable PSUs is that the computer will still boot. The video card will run in a low power mode and not be very powerful. Upon boot, it will inform you of the power issue.

 

[gplracer]

I guess I need to take the whole thing apart and check it out. I can put another hard drive in and install windows to make sure it is not a windows issue if needed

 

[Roguestar]

I've had that happen to me before with an insufficiently powered PSU. If the only thing you've changed is the graphics card I'd be strongly inclined to blame the PSU being too weak.

 

[DSF]

There are isolated incompatibility issues with old motherboards when using a PCI-e 2.0 card like the 8800GT, but they're rare. If you have a more powerful PSU you can test with, it wouldn't hurt to try.

 

[Blain]

Gives us the exact progression of the PC during a bootup.

1. Bios screen is visible and fine
2. The Windows loading screen shows like normal
3. ???

 

[gplracer]

Well... I got another power supply. It is an Antec earth watt 380. I know i need more but read online that it should be enough. It has two 12 rails with 17A each. It came in an Antec case at bestbuy for only $62 for both. I figured it was deal. The weird thing is that i get the same result. But also the computer will sometimes not boot at all. Even when the 8800gt is removed and the on board graphics are used. The fans spin up but that is all. There is not even any power to the cd. Then when all hope is lost after a while it will boot up again. This is really starting to stump me. I might go get an Antec 550 earth watt power supply in the morning. That is the only decent power supply in town for a decent price. I will then return the antec 380 and case if needed if needed. As DSF noted, I wonder if this is a compatability issue?

 

[z1ggy]

Perhaps it is the motherboard..but first try that 550w PSU. It should be way more than you need so if that won't work than try getting a new motherboard. Only thing is you will need a clean install of the OS which can always be a pain. So back up all your important files firs to a flash drive just in case.