Follow on from AMD graphics problem

[Ballard]

Ok so now since rewiring the power cables the graphics card is working fine but now the motherboard cuts out at random intervals... Changing the CPU FSB down to 133 from 166 seems to stabilise this but it is effectively making my CPU acts an AMD2200 instead of a AMD3000XP+.
Given the graphics card problem and resolution i am thinking this may be a power supply issue. Either a faulty power supply or just an inadequate one.

Is a 350W PSU enough to handle?

AMD 3000XP
WD 80gb 8mb cache 7200 rpm
DVD
ATI 9800 pro

 

[Darzil]

Depends on the supplier of the PSU, really. They vary a lot in quality.

I'd always recommend a decent PSU from a decent supplier. If it feels heavy, it's probably good enough <grin>

Darzil

 

[cHodAX]

If it was an Antec PSU or another quality brand then yes 350w would be fine, sadly though most cheapo OEM PSU's deliver no where near the stated wattage. In my experience as a computer engineer I can tell you that many problems are caused by cheap PSU's and power rails with too much variance that either causes irregular crashes that are hard to diagnose or in very bad causes actually damaged other system components. Personally if the PSU isn't made by Antec, Zalman or Enermax then I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

 

[Comos]

Ok so now since rewiring the power cables the graphics card is working fine but now the motherboard cuts out at random intervals... Changing the CPU FSB down to 133 from 166 seems to stabilise this but it is effectively making my CPU acts an AMD2200 instead of a AMD3000XP+.
Given the graphics card problem and resolution i am thinking this may be a power supply issue. Either a faulty power supply or just an inadequate one.

Is a 350W PSU enough to handle?

AMD 3000XP
WD 80gb 8mb cache 7200 rpm
DVD
ATI 9800 pro

should be fine imo

 

[sibanac]

should be fine imo

depends the 350W is the total output of the psu.
The 350W is split over the diffrent voltages so you might have not enough power on the 12V line for all the HD's and fans.
Could also be that the psu has to much voltage varince on one of the voltage lines.

 

[Neffneff]

Im still standing by my diagnosis. judging by your last problem..and now this one, i'd accuse the PSU first time every time. go get yourself a decent one..plenty of wattage and make it a quiet one at the same time to justify it if it isnt the problem

 

[Ballard]

hmm the variance could possibly explain why it is an irregular crash. And yes it is a cheapo PSU. Came with a cheap and nasty case i bought. All the rest of the components are of good quality tho. I will take it back to where I bought it tonight and see if the guy who sold me the MOBO and case can spot any issues with how I have set up the bios. Failing any solutions to that Ill look at upgrading the PSU.

Thanks for the help.

 

[cHodAX]

hmm the variance could possibly explain why it is an irregular crash. And yes it is a cheapo PSU. Came with a cheap and nasty case i bought. All the rest of the components are of good quality tho. I will take it back to where I bought it tonight and see if the guy who sold me the MOBO and case can spot any issues with how I have set up the bios. Failing any solutions to that Ill look at upgrading the PSU.

Thanks for the help.

If you can source one I really recommend the Antec TruPower range, they are a bit more expensive but the voltages on each rail are rock solid and the total power output is better than an other PSU in the class.

 

[sibanac]

If you can source one I really recommend the Antec TruPower range, they are a bit more expensive but the voltages on each rail are rock solid and the total power output is better than an other PSU in the class.

Or Enermax if you realy wanne spend some dosh

 

[Ballard]

Thanks for the help, I now have a 650W PSU and it has fixed all my problems. I have been able to return the graphics card cabling to the manufacturers recommended layout aswell. Everything runs very well now.

 

[cHodAX]

Or Enermax if you realy wanne spend some dosh

Antec >> Enermax

Seriously.

 

[cHodAX]

Thanks for the help, I now have a 650W PSU and it has fixed all my problems. I have been able to return the graphics card cabling to the manufacturers recommended layout aswell. Everything runs very well now.

\o/ Delighted for you

 

[sibanac]

Antec >> Enermax

Seriously.

tbh at the level of quality we are talking here there isnt much diff, I think it comes down to personal expiriance and preferance (i.e. I had an antec blow up on me)

 

[cHodAX]

tbh at the level of quality we are talking here there isnt much diff, I think it comes down to personal expiriance and preferance (i.e. I had an antec blow up on me)

I have had to RMA 3 Enermax in the last year all with the same fault, wobbly 3.3v rails. I now refuse to take orders that specify Enermax PSU's unless the customer is prepared allow me free reign on choosing the PSU. Enermax do make great PSU's but the quality assurance testing leaves alot to be desired these days, Antec on the other have have served me very well, I have never had to RMA one yet or replace one because it made a system unstable. They also produce a much more stable current, unlike many PSU makers Antec have dedicated output circuitry for each voltage output and less than 3% variance on each rail, whereas every other PSU maker sticks with the Intel standard of up to 5% variance on each rail.