Powersupply and Artifacts

[cw42]

I installed two new case fans today and since then i've been getting artifacts occasionaly on bootup and in windows. it's not all the time, only sometimes. before i added the 2 fans everything was working fine.

is this a case of an under-powered pc? i have a 300w max power supply (connected to it: p4 2.4ghz, radeon9700 pro, 2 hds, 2 fans, soundcard, tv card, dvd burner). also, what is a reasonable wattage power supply i should get?

also is there ANY DANGER of leaving my pc like this, will anything get fried?? i do feeling like buying a new powersupply.

 

[Ape]

Sounds like a power issue to me. I would try upgrading the PS. Try the Antec True Power Series, 430W would work good. Ape Out.

 

[cw42]

what ive been wondering is, why does less power cause artifacts? wouldnt that be a video card issue?

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: cw42
what ive been wondering is, why does less power cause artifacts? wouldnt that be a video card issue?

Unplug the fans you added and look for relationship between problems and fans.

 

[compudog]

Under powering the video card or the rest of the electronics in the PC can cause the problems you are describing. I doubt that electrical interference id the cause.
As suggested, pick up a decent PSU. Antec, Enermax, Sparkle, Tt etc.

 

[cw42]

ok, after some testing i believe my radeon9700pro has crapped out on me. i swapped the video card to a GF4 440mx and it works fine. no artifacting or anything.

also, i looked at the antec trupower and they all have 2 fans. my case does not have a top blowhole, so i can't get that one

 

[John]

Originally posted by: cw42
ok, after some testing i believe my radeon9700pro has crapped out on me. i swapped the video card to a GF4 440mx and it works fine. no artifacting or anything.

It sounds like you memory took a dump. Put the card back in to see if the problem still exists. If possible try the card in another computer.

also, i looked at the antec trupower and they all have 2 fans. my case does not have a top blowhole, so i can't get that one

The "top" fan is really the bottom fan that sucks hot air from inside the case and blows it out. It will fit in your case properly.