Graphics card problems...

[The_Other_One]

So I was asked to help a friend install their new graphics card, upgrading from a 5200 to a 6600GT. The first problem was the lack of molex power connections, but that was solved for the time being. However, the GPU would display artifacts through the whole boot process. POST, the BIOS, windows boot, etc etc... Once it got into windows it was fine.

Now realize he's running a 350w with 17A so it's probably not getting enough juice as is. But still, even without the external power, it'd act up. And in Windows, it'd only work at 640x480. Anything higher and the screen would just stay black(computer was still running).

My guess is a bad GPU. A new PSU is certainly a priority if he plans to upgrade, but I just have this feeling it should at least display correctly... Opinions?

 

[Cleric7x9]

what motherboard is he using? it sounds like a the vid card and the mobo arent making good contact, a 6600GT doesnt use very much power at all, 17A should be plenty depending on what else is on the rail. it seems like a simple fix but try cleaning the contacts on the card and the mobo, its worth a shot

 

[The_Other_One]

Nah, it's not the connection. The 5200 worked fine, and both cards were removed and reseated a few times... Well, unless the card itself was dirty. I wish I lived closer so I could try it on one of my older computers.