Curse

LouAl · Jul 21, 2006, 09:54 PM // 21:54

I installed a new vid card a while back (evga 7600gt upgraded from a x300). It played Oblivion just fine, great actually. When I started playing GW again I get freezing. It is similar to lag, but not quite the same, the screen is completely frozen for 5-60 seconds.

I reduced resolution and other things (not that I should have to as my old x300 played GW at max settings), but I still get the same issue.

Could this be a power issue?

The card requires 350 watt minimum (I called evga because of multiple listed min watt numbers and this is what they told me), and I have a 350 watt ps.

here is some stuff about the system

Dell 8400
350 watt ps
3.4 ghz
2x 160 gb hds on RAID 0
DVD burner
DVD player
SB Audigy (can't remember which card)

My guess has to be insufficent power (but why did it run Oblivion just fine on almost max settings?!?) because I have 350 (the min) but have lots of compontents running off it.

Any ideas?

Also, if it is power (most likely), does anyone know where I can get a decent ps that fits a dell and doesn't cost an arm, leg, and left testicle?

Sereng Amaranth · Jul 22, 2006, 04:21 AM // 04:21

350w is somewhat small these days although it should work since it is a name brand computer. Is your Dell still under warranty? If so, I'd suggest upgrading through them so you don't void the warranty. Also, call them and see if they think 350w is enough.

In the mean time, unplug the power cables to the 2 DVD drives and see if that helps. I'm not sure how much power they take when idle though.

LouAl · Jul 22, 2006, 11:38 PM // 23:38

good thoughts. thanks

hopefully something will work...

Divinus Stella · Jul 23, 2006, 01:20 AM // 01:20

Well, id check the temps first before buying a new PCU, most likely just overheating.
If you slammed a new GFX card in without upgrading your cooling then id most certainly say its a heat issue.