New Graphics card, new PSU?

[Captain Beer]

I got me a PCIe HD2600pro the other day. Problem is that my computer runs like a constipated ******* after I installed it, probably 80% slower than normal. It starts slowing down when Vista is about half loaded.

I'm sure it could be the PSU, but want some more opinions before I spend a ton of cash on a new one. My pc is about three years old now, maybe it's the motherboard?

Specs:
400w cheapo PSU
MSI RS480M2
Sapphire HD2600pro
Athlon64 3000
1Gig DDR400
2 x SATA
2 x IDE
1 x DVD

Any ideas?

 

[The_Techie]

I'd say you're about due for a new power supply, preferably a name brand like Thermaltake or Coolermaster

Which graphics card did you have previously?

 

[SanchoP]

Use the extreme PSU calculator to get a rough idea of how much juice you need. (use google, not sure of the URL)

 

[Captain Beer]

Thanks guys.

Just had ****e onboard graphics before, ATi x200.

 

[PostmanPot]

Got the latest drivers for the graphics card?

Heard of anyone else with similar problems?

 

[Ekhaatvensters]

That card uses very little power. If you system was running fine before on the same PSU, then I don't think it would be the problem.

A new PSU wouldn't hurt though, but 400Watts is already enough.

 

[PostmanPot]

AFAIK if it was too little, the PC wouldn't boot up?

 

[howardb]

Did you disable the onboard graphics in the BIOS?

Sounds to me like it could be the graphics driver - uninstall the previous drivers and load up the standard windows VGA driver - this is important so that your system is not using any of the previous driver files. Once done and rebooted, install your new drivers, and ensure they are up-to-date, and compatible with Vista...

... or maybe your problem is just Vista bloat-ware? Recomendation - go back to XP!

 

[Fudzy]

I suprised you didn't notice the slowness in Vista before the graphics card, it must struggle with 1GB of RAM and a A64 3000. I've got a 3500 and I'm not even bothering.

 

[Ekhaatvensters]

Using discrete graphics would only free up RAM that was used for onboard, so it has nothing to do with Vista.

Home Edition without Aero would probably run okay.

 

[killadoob]

dude your specs are to low for vista man

that 2600pro is a piece of rubbish that should not even have been made just like 8500 and 8600 series

 

[Robin Hood]

AFAIK if it was too little, the PC wouldn't boot up?

Correct...or certain devices will simply fail to work, but it wont effect speed. Sounds like a straight Software prob 2 me.

 

[Glordit]

Correct...or certain devices will simply fail to work, but it wont effect speed. Sounds like a straight Software prob 2 me.

Could be Vista, never realy liked it, im a XP man myself

 

[Robin Hood]

Could be Vista, never realy liked it, im a XP man myself

Also dont underestimate the power of faulty VGA Drivers

 

[PostmanPot]

1Gig DDR400

2GB RAM recommended for Vista - if you're considering upping to 1.5GB or 2GB DDR400, I have 2 x 512MB DDR400 modules that I'd like to sell.

 

[SanchoP]

Does the 2600 have a PCI-E power plug? Maybe he never plugged it in...

 

[Captain Beer]

I've tried a clean install of Vista, didn't make much difference. I put it in an A64x2 with a 400w PSU and it runs fine.

The A64 and 1gig of RAM run Vista fine with all the features turned on, I don't care if the HD2600 is a piece of ***, for the amount of gaming I do it's more than enough.

PostmanPot, send me a PM.

 

[PostmanPot]

I've tried a clean install of Vista, didn't make much difference. I put it in an A64x2 with a 400w PSU and it runs fine.

The A64 and 1gig of RAM run Vista fine with all the features turned on, I don't care if the HD2600 is a piece of ***, for the amount of gaming I do it's more than enough.

PostmanPot, send me a PM.

Will do.