Underpowered?

(K:os) #1

Got a new graphocs card in the end and went for a 9700 pro, at the same time as fitting it i formatted the C: and re-installed XP Pro.

I now have a problem with ET when the game just locks up every now and then for a few seconds (video and sound) then recovers itself. I thought that it would be more stable seeing as it’s a fresh install.

Could this be power related? I’ve had to steal the power supply off the A:\ for now as mine didn’t have a spare power connector. Would Dell have only fitted a PSU that copes with it’s standard system and not enough power for upgrades?

It’s a Dell Dimension 4300

1.7 P4
512 MB SDRAM
DVD-rom
CD-RW/R
2 HDD’s
Soundblasater 1024(?) Live value
Network Card
Modem

(BondyBoy007) #2

What is the power rating of your current powerpack, I imagine that Dell would only have fitted what was the bare minimum for the MB/processor/GFX card combination - and these new cards are power hogs.

That being said, I would not expect an underpowered PSU to cause such a minor fault - all the times I’ve pushed my powerpack too much blue screens and random reboots are experienced

So now I always aim for a 450 or 550 PSU when building new systems just to be on the safe side

([fun]scott) #3

down load a program called rage 3d and set it to maximis your card for wolfenstien mp… this sorts out all your tweaking and visual probs… i also have a 9700 and thought omg when i first playing as it crashed allover the place when steight out the box.

(K:os) #4

Just done some checking and it’s a 250W PSU that Dell supply and ATi recomend 300w+

Is that rage 3d for the 9700 pro or ATi’s older rage cards?

(Kendle) #5

I’d recommend at least 350w to be on the safe side.

(Eyes of Texas) #6

I say just spend a little extra and go for a 400-450W. It can’t be but just a little more, and then you don’t worry about it anymore.

(SJ_Frankenstein) #7

http://www.pixelusa.com/catalog/products.asp?cat=Power%20Supplies

I agree with Eyes that you should spend a little extra for the 400-450 watt p.s. Check out the link above for an idea on prices.

(BondyBoy007) #8

And if you want to look at PSU’s priced in your native currency you could look at:-

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd3N1YmNhdGVnb3J5X3BhZ2U=&subcat_uid=177