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Started by braddullz | | 14 answers
How can I tell if my GPU is getting enough power?
Basically I'm under the impression that my PSU isn't up to scratch, and I'd just like to know if there's any software that I can get to tell me what voltages are going to each component etc. as I have no idea about power supplies... (I have a HD7850 if it means anything)

Thanks in advance,
- Brad
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July 2, 2013 7:48:03 AM

Cant say I recognize the brand, nor can I seem to find any reviews on it. That to me would be grounds enough to discount it, the PSU is the one component where you want it to be rock solid. I recommend you go for this PSU, which I know to be a good unit (XFX PSU's are Seasonic design's and workmanship, and they are widely considered the best PSU Manfacturer).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-P1-850S-NLB9-PRO850W-Editio...

Though for the rig you have, 850W is pretty overkill. I would think a 550W like this would be best.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-P1-550S-XXB9-PRO550W-Editio...
July 2, 2013 6:49:23 AM

Again, it can be multiple things that cause it.
July 2, 2013 6:45:17 AM

Cause I did a clean install of my Windows, and the monitor seems fine on everything else

July 2, 2013 6:10:13 AM

It can be say, opening a scoreboard in a game too, or changing tabs in a browser also
July 2, 2013 6:03:29 AM

So when the whole screen changes image. My gut feeling is that its either your monitor or something on a software level. Most I can recommend you do is update your GPU drivers (or go back one if you have the latest) and swap your monitor with another (or a TV) and see if the problem still occurs.
July 2, 2013 6:00:18 AM

Usually changing windows, or tabbing into games etc
July 2, 2013 5:59:36 AM

It could be any number of things really, a flickering screen is a fairly common problem. Does it only happen when you do something, can you make it happen or is it random? Any info you think might be relevant?
July 2, 2013 5:55:08 AM

I keep getting screen flickers, occasional black screens, do you think its down to the PSU?
July 2, 2013 5:50:39 AM

So that's really an over-rated 350W unit. The total of the two 12v rails equals 324W, if you include the other rails then you get closer to 500W but in reality its only the 12v that really matters.
The first rail (which I assume would go to the CPU) can output 168W, which for a 55W Core i3 is plenty. However the 156W rail going to the GPU I suspect is cutting it fairly fine. Though given that it likely isn't that great of a unit, I wouldn't be surprised if those numbers arent very accurate.

I recommend you get a good quality PSU, which will have benefits (more efficient, better control of voltage ripple) as well just being more powerful.
Something like this would do nicely with your rig I think.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

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