Video Card or Power Supply?

[falhawk2]

I just installed a new mobo, cpu, and vid card

the new mobo is a Biostar SLI 939 mobo (model N4SLI-A9)the cpu is athlon 64 3000+, the vid card is a 7800GT

Anyhow when I installed the mobo I noticed that my power supply, which is probably 8 months old, has a 20 pin connector and my mobo has a 24 pin. I plugged in what I had and it worked (I'm posting using it now) more on this later.

Anyhow I've finally finished updating everything and installing all drivers etc. So I fired up CoV. I got to the character creation screen and had a shitload of artifacts (tons of red dots and other graphics issues) finally the whole thing locked up.

I rebooted and ran dxdiag. The direct draw test had the artifacts. On my motherboard I ahve a power connector specifically for when you use SLi. I plugged a connector from my source and it actually got worse.

I tried a different rail from my power supply and that didn't help.

So, I'm thinking I just need a newer power supply but I'm not entirely sure. Could it just be that the vid card is DOA?

I did read this thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1478987&enterthread=y

and it was usefuly. I just plugged my 20 pin connector into the first 20 pins. Do I need to actually buy the converter or do I need a whole new power supply?

thanks doods

 

[Geomagick]

Welcome to the forums.

I'm not sure of the specifics with the Biostar mobo but I would certainly first try using a convertor. They aren't expensive so is worth trying.

Also what power supply are you using? As i'm sure you are aware they are not all created equal.

I doubt that your graphics card is DOA. For a start it works in windows normally. Nvidia cards all increase their clockspeed dynamically when you fire up a 3D application. This helps reduce heat and power consumption during normal windows usage. The by product is that when it spools up it draws quite a bit more power. The extra 4 pins on the ATX connector are just for the PCIe, so if they are not connected then the card might not get enough power.

 

[falhawk2]

i went and got the power converter. It was $7 so I figure it was worth a shot. I fired up City of Villains and got the artifacting/crash at the character screen.

So I figure I probably have to get a power supply. It is just tough trying to figure out what is decent but won't cost an arm and a leg.

I think I might order this one tonight

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817182016

However, does this still sound like a power issue?

thanks for the help to this newb!

 

[daveybrat]

Well, we can't answer your questions until you answer ours.....George asked you what brand and wattage of power supply you had, and you have yet to answer him.

We can't help you unless you co-operate with us.

That being said, the power supply you linked is very good and would be fine for you.
But it would still be nice to know your current power supply.

 

[falhawk2]

oops sorry about that

my current pw is a Sunmax 500w