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PSU question

A

amabee

Member
I am trying to troubleshoot some issues with my computer and I am wondering if my PSU may not be the problem. I have an Ultra X-connect 500W PSU, here are the rest of the specs:

Windows XP Home SP2
CPU E4500
Mobo Intel DG965RY
Ram 2Gb Corsair XMS2 PC6400
Video card EVGA GeForce 8800GT 512Mb Superclocked
HD 320Gb Seagate Barracuda
Optical Drives x2
Sony DVD ROM
Sony DVD/CD burner
PSU Ultra 500W X-connect
120mm rear case fan
2 80mm front case fans
1 80mm top case fan

Problems are, with certain demanding 3D games my computer will either completely shut down just as the game loads, or may work for a short time before shutting down. It will run them on lower settings. Keep in mind all was well just a couple days ago. Could this be a issue of the PSU going out and not being able to supply the graphics card with enough power.

I also had some issues getting it to start back up after turning it off and moving it. The computer would come on for maybe a second, then completely shut off and then back on. It did this over and over. Finally it began to get further into the boot process and eventually started back up. Again, could a faulty PSU be a possible culprit here?

Thanks for any and all help.

Allen
 
Sounds like one of two things are happening:

Overheating: This could be the PSU overheating. Make sure both fans on the PSU are spinning and are NOT clogged with a bunch of dust-bunnies.

Overloading: The PSU may be just getting over taxed and shutting down. Sure, it worked a couple days ago, but if the PSU is failing, it's ability to put out power will diminish.
 
Ok, so it is possible it could have become weaker to some degree. I am also wondering if it could have been partially damaged when it was at this other location since that it is when this problem seemed to start, for all I know the outlet wasnt wired correctly, who knows. Both fans are working and I have cleaned out all the dust etc, including blowing it out.

I think its time to try a new PSU, will a 500WPSU be enough for my system provided its a good one?

I am looking at these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817194003

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139001
 
Enermax out.

Is the Corsair a good model? I am definitely going to order one tonight, Ive got to start somewhere to figure this out . It just died on me a minute ago doing nothing?? Also the longer the computer is w/out power, the harder is to get to restart.
 
Just talked with someone from EVGA tech support, he also feels this sounds like a power supply problem.

You guys have any suggestions on brands?
 
Corsair HX520, VX550

Antec Earthwatts 500 Watt

Silverstone Element ST50EF Plus

all can be had for under $100

There are more out there that are more expensive, but not any better than these units by that much.
 
It's possible that it could be a video card problem, too, except for the fact that it's a pretty new evga.

Does it shut itself off if you try to run something like orthos?
 
At this point I have not counted anything out. I have a new PSU coming from Newegg, I went with the Corsair 520HX. I dont even want to try a stress test as the problem is getting worse, it seems to take less and less to cause it to power down. I think I will take the 8800GT out for the time being and just use the onboard video.
 
It was the Ultra PSU causing the problem. I just put in a Corsair HX520 and so far so good. COD4 is running on high full setting again. Thanks for all the help everyone.

Allen
 
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