I just upgraded to a p4 3.4. I also have a GeForce 6800 GT 256 MB card. I have a 35 dollar power supply that is supposed to be 500 watts. I am having problems with system crashes and getting locked up. I have artifacts in games and I noticed my video card is running alot hotter. Some games give me an error right in the middle of playing. Can a psu that isn't putting out the wattage I need, make your video card overheat?
That can't be the problem... the graphics card wouldn't even get to booting up the game. A power supply is a crucial component of your system. You should always provide it with a clean line of power which will keep it healthy, and run much more stable. I recommend Antec's True power supply line to provide a good flow of electricity to your power your PC. Get a 550-600watt supply.
500 Watts is more than enough. What brand PSU is it? It sounds like its an overheating problem you got, not a power supply power. Do you have the latest drivers for your video card?
I went out last night and bought a Antec Smartpower 500 watt psu. I played Battlefield 2 for an hour straight and had no problems with artifacts, freezes or crashes. I am hoping it was the psu. Ater i was done playing, I quickly checked the heat of my video card and it was reading about 71-72C. It had gotten up to 82C before!
I believe that you will find that it will be a Heat Issue in your PC case. Artifacts can happen with Over Clocking and if your PSU was sending out the wrong voltages, then it might be a possibility. But Heat usually is the culprit and even anything near the 80c is higher then a CPU should be at!
