Graphics Card Shutting Down Computer. Power Supply Issue?

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williamsonjdw

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Aug 26, 2013
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My Computer keeps shutting down seemingly randomly and i have managed to narrow it down to my graphics card. I don't think it is driver based as I have tired different drivers and it still shuts down. I am also quite sure its not heat related as the hottest it reaches is 49c and the CPU is at around 62c under load. I am wondering if maybe it may be that my power supply simply isn't big enough. Here is my Computer spec:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 2x 6000+ @ 3.0GHz
RAM: 6GB RAM
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 750GB (used for storage)
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 80GB (used for windows)
GPU: Asus Nvidia Geforce GT630 (2GB edition)
PSU: Bestec ATX-250-12z
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

I have also tried an unbranded (cheapy that came with the case) ATX-500 PSU but the same problem occured. I have run Memtest and Drive Fitness Test and both passed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Cheers!
 
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BrandX
The first thing I would suspect is that the 250w PSU isn't quite enough to handle the graphics card. The "unbranded" 500w PSU is not to be trusted, it may say 500w on the casing but it's actual capacity may be significantly less than claimed. Cheap PSU's can be a nuisance.

I seem to recall reading that some motherboards produced for computer sellers like Dell have compatibility issues with "third-party" PSU's, but I'm a rather clueless layman and I could be mistaken. Still, if you don't already have a good quality PSU it's a worthwhile investment if you are planning to upgrade to a bigger and better computer.
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CraigN

CraigN

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Aug 15, 2013
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250W is a bit low power for a setup like that, but the 500W should have been more than enough headroom. Your temperatures are not nearly hot enough to force the computer to shut down. How did you narrow the problem down to your graphics card, and what motherboard are you using? Those bits of info could be helpful.
 
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DarylEPerez

DarylEPerez

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Apr 30, 2013
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For a CPU, 62C is not a hot temperature. It's a healthy temperature on a load. 70C is starting to become a bad temp, but not 62. In the other side, you're correct CPU is not causing the problem. I would suggest him to take out the CMOS battery, wait 10 scs and then plug it back into it's spot. It would reset any change to the BIOS. If the problem continues, boot on safe mode and try to recover your computer, it might be a program or even a Virus. Now, an upgrade to a 300W PSU wouldn't hurt..
 
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williamsonjdw

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Aug 26, 2013
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My Motherboard is a nasty one. I think it's a NEC Powermate VL360.

I narrowed it down by thinking that my computer never did this before i installed the graphics card and so i removed it and it hasn't seemed to of done it since. So i assumed it was graphics card related.

 
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BrandX

BrandX

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Aug 30, 2013
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The first thing I would suspect is that the 250w PSU isn't quite enough to handle the graphics card. The "unbranded" 500w PSU is not to be trusted, it may say 500w on the casing but it's actual capacity may be significantly less than claimed. Cheap PSU's can be a nuisance.

I seem to recall reading that some motherboards produced for computer sellers like Dell have compatibility issues with "third-party" PSU's, but I'm a rather clueless layman and I could be mistaken. Still, if you don't already have a good quality PSU it's a worthwhile investment if you are planning to upgrade to a bigger and better computer.
 
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williamsonjdw

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Aug 26, 2013
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Yes, especially now the 500W power supply has completely given up. I think buying a new PSU is needed! Anyone recommend a good (and preferably non expensive) power supply? I'm thinking around 750 watts now...
 
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Deemo13

Deemo13

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Jul 18, 2011
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You really dont need that much. The thing is, I run my computer on a 520W Antec power supply. Its not that much wattage, but it is well made and reliable. A power supply being well made and reliable is more important than the wattage. You can even go with a good 400-450W power supply as long as its a reliable brand.

Are you located in the states?
 
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