Weird dots on my computer screen
#1
Posted 29 March 2011 - 10:16 AM
I updated the graphics card's drivers and I tried reseating the graphics card but nothing worked.
I have a few ideas of what might be the problem:
1. The graphics card needs a minimum of 400 watts, and my power supply is 400 watts. After doing a little research, I realized it's usually a good idea to get a power supply at least 100 watts above the recommended amount.
2. I found out my graphics card was refurbished, and not new like I paid for. It might just be the graphics card itself.
3. It could be the DVI cable I'm using.
And here's a picture of the dots:
(Did they show up in the picture?)
My graphics card is a Nvidia Geforce 9600GT.
So yeah, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
#2
Posted 29 March 2011 - 01:19 PM
Does your motherboard have a separate VGA out port on it (e.g. integrated graphics?) If so, if you reboot with the monitor attached to it, do you still have the problem?
Edited by Bagel, 29 March 2011 - 01:20 PM.
#3
Posted 29 March 2011 - 04:19 PM
Looks like graphics card artifacting. Could be heat damage to the card, possibly.
Does your motherboard have a separate VGA out port on it (e.g. integrated graphics?) If so, if you reboot with the monitor attached to it, do you still have the problem?
Okay, so I plugged my monitor into the onboard graphics and the dots are gone now. Do you think it's the graphics card itself, or the fact that it doesn't have enough power?
#4
Posted 29 March 2011 - 08:20 PM
#5
Posted 29 March 2011 - 08:43 PM
#6
Posted 29 March 2011 - 09:10 PM
Most 400W supplies should be able to handle a 9600GT (or even a 9800GT.) 75% sure it's the card.
I'm really hoping you're right. Replacing the card is no problem for me, as they said they'd do it for free. I just don't want to have to buy a new power supply.
Edit: By the way, my PSU is by Chiefmax. I've been doing a little research, and apparently they're known for being pretty bad. Can anyone confirm this?
Edited by ZebraStallion, 29 March 2011 - 09:12 PM.
#7
Posted 29 March 2011 - 10:58 PM
PSU's back in the day used to emphasize the +5v rails but have since changed to emphasize the +12v rails. If you can provide the information on the sticker that should be placed on one of the sides of your PSU then we can help you better.
It should list various voltages etc., that's what we need to actually tell if your PSU is appropriate.
#8
Posted 30 March 2011 - 09:36 AM
If your PSU is made within the past 5 years you should be safe, otherwise you run a good risk of a unsuitable PSU.
PSU's back in the day used to emphasize the +5v rails but have since changed to emphasize the +12v rails. If you can provide the information on the sticker that should be placed on one of the sides of your PSU then we can help you better.
It should list various voltages etc., that's what we need to actually tell if your PSU is appropriate.
There's a chart on the sticker. Here it is:
DC Watt +3.3V +5V +12V1 +12V2 -12V +5VSB
OUTPUT 650 36A 36A 34A N/A 1A 2A
And then something else:
115V/230V 10A/6A 60/50Hz
Of course, I have no idea what any of this means.
Thanks again for the help.
#9
Posted 31 March 2011 - 01:38 PM
Make sure that if the video card requires an additional power cable plugged in, it's plugged in firmly.
Edited by franpa, 31 March 2011 - 01:40 PM.
#11
Posted 01 April 2011 - 09:43 PM
Well at least my power supply arrived today. I set it up and everything's working fine. Now I just need to wait for my replacement graphics card.
#12
Posted 03 April 2011 - 10:52 AM
#14
Posted 04 April 2011 - 10:01 AM
#15
Posted 04 April 2011 - 01:56 PM
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