Just built system w/ 9700 pro...something isn't right

[Unkempt]

Hello,

I recently assembled a computer for a friend of mine. This machine will be used primarily for gaming. The video card is a Sapphire Radeon 9700 pro. After putting everything together, including connecting the power cable to the video card, I turned on the computer. The first thing I noticed was artifacts and what looks like giberish all over the screen. I can see about half the display while the system is posting, and when windows loads, I can see the desktop, but there are little blocks covering the entire display.

My initial thought was that the 350 watt psu that came with the case I ordered was simply not putting out enough power. However, just to make sure the motherboard wasn't flaky, I installed my Ti-4200, and the machine ran beautifully. So, out came the Ti-4200 while I await the arrival of a new psu.

...3 days pass...

Ok, after doing some research online, I ordered an Enlight 420 watt psu. I installed it tonight, and I have the very same problem. Artifacts and weird blocks/gibberish all over the screen. Is it possible that I need an even better psu? Shouldn't this Enlight power supply be enough? Is there something else I could be missing, other that the power supply?

System Specs:

Athlon XP 2400+
Epox 8RDA+
Kingston pc2100 DDR 256MB x 2
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 platinum
WD 200 GB Hard Drive
DVD & Floppy Drives
Sapphire 9700 Pro 128 mb
Enlight 420 watt psu
Windows XP Home

If there is any more information you need from me, just let me know.

I need to get this computer finished as soon as possible, so any and all advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Unkempt

 

[Viper96720]

Can you put the 9700 in your computer? Make sure its not the videocard. Otherwise sounds like return the video card.

 

[Unkempt]

Originally posted by: Viper96720
Can you put the 9700 in your computer? Make sure its not the videocard. Otherwise sounds like return the video card.

I did install the 9700 in my own computer, and the same thing happened - blocks and gibberish. However, I do only have a 250 watt psu in my system, so its possible that is was underpowered then as well.

Unkempt

 

[SickBeast]

dude it sounds like you got a bad card. i would exchange it at this point.

 

[Looney]

Has nothing to do with the PS, looks like the card is just bad. That's artifacts your seeing, so i would RMA it if i were you.