PSU Upgrade help

[varlb001]

Hi, I have a Ge-Force 9600gt 512mb, 3gb RAM, 360gb HD and an athlon 64x2 2.30ghz CPU, all powered by a 300 watt PSU, Ever since I installed the new Ge-Force 9600gt, I think the CPU speed went down, Is this anything to do with over powering my psu? If I get a new PSU will my CPU and overall performance increase? and If a was to get a new PSU are all PSUs around the same size because my PC isnt that big?

Thanks, Ben

 

[starams5]

Hi V

The 9600GT has power requirements, check the specs at the manufactures website for specifics. I know for sure its above 300w (PSU).

CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

 

[theAnimal]

Ever since I installed the new Ge-Force 9600gt, I think the CPU speed went down, Is this anything to do with over powering my psu?

Did the CPU speed go down? Use CPU-Z to check. If the PSU is overloaded it should just shut down.

 

[SpadeM]

The CPU speed going down is normal, it's called AMD Cool'n'Quiet. It throttles your CPU speed when you're idling or when there's not a substantial load on your CPU. If your PSU can't deliver the required wattage it would either:
1. Dead PC, no start, no power ok
2. Overload the PSU and cause it to go boom. You can check for this by putting your hand at the back of the case were hot air gets expelled by the PSU. If the air that you feel si hotter then usual (presumably your room temp is around 20 degrees Celsius) then it might mean it's components are subjected to a higher current then recommended.

 

[varlb001]

So, do you recommend me getting a new PSU, around 500 watts?

 

[theAnimal]

So, do you recommend me getting a new PSU, around 500 watts?

How many 12V amps does your PSU have available?

 

[varlb001]

19

 

[varlb001]

Did the CPU speed go down? Use CPU-Z to check. If the PSU is overloaded it should just shut down.

The CPU stays at around 1000Mhz when nothing is running, it should be 2.30ghz, is it possible that the CPU ajusted itself due to only having 300watts PSU?

 

[theAnimal]

As SpadeM said, the difference in speed is likely AMD Cool n Quiet throttling back at idle.

19A is plenty for your system.

 

[varlb001]

The CPU has been at 1000mhz for the last two months, is there a way to speed it up again?

 

[theAnimal]

It should automatically speed up when there is a load on it. Try running Prime 95.