Graphics card problem/upgrade advice

Hi.
This morning my desktop would boot up but would not display anything to the monitor. I used more that 1 monitor and checked both my DVI ports, but I still could get no display. I then opened the computer up and used some air on it and attempted to re-attach the card to no avail. However, my motherboard has an on-board VGA input, and attaching my older monitor to that input gave me a display.
So, i guess where I need some help is deciding whether the video card is trashed. It was working last night and never gave me any noticeable problems before. So i have considered upgrading it, but i am really not sure which direction i should go. I can't afford more that about $175, so any advice is appreciated.
I have a 350W power supply, and any other relevant information should be in the attached report (I had to cut a bunch out, but if I cut necessary information out of the report please tell me). Thanks for the help!

 

Well if you've tried different monitors and different cables and you get image with onboard then it would point to your GFX card unfortunately.
You could try VGA port on your card if it has one but it doesn't look good.

What card do you have?
What do you want to do on your pc? (play games? video editing etc or just email/internet type stuff?)

$175 is plenty enough to replace your card with an average card. If you don't game or do heavy image work then you will only need half that money

Plus your power supply is most likely too weak for any card costing $175.

I will think on what else it could be, but the hockey is on so I can't concentrate :-D

 

I was running an 8800GT, not overclocked. I do play some computer games, the most graphically demanding probably being empire total war or COD MW2. I was also playing the bad company 2 beta, but my computer could only run it on low settings.
I would not be against upgrading the power supply, but the combined cost would have to be around $175, $200 tops. Also, it may be helpful to know that I am using a 22 inch monitor that displays in 1680x1050. I guess im really just looking for the most bang for the buck.

Thanks Again!

 

and its a good game so far. :-D

 

Ok well before you spend any money, you have a 350w PSU, acording to Nvidia the 8800GT requires a minimum of 400w, meaning you should have at least a 450w.

Is there any way you can try a different PSU? preferably a 400w +

I'm not saying that is what it is but it's a possibility and you want to make sure before you go spending money.

Empire TW (great game) requires more CPU than graphics and MW2 is reletively lightwieght in the requirements department.
So if it is your card $175 will get you a card plenty good enough to run the likes of those, BUT... your PSU will be a problem with a card at that price.
Meaning you will be looking at $50 plus, probably closer to $70 for the PSU, it's the one thing you should never cheap out on, no-name brands look good on paper but if/when they fail there's a chance they will take your whole system with them.

And yes, this game is off the chart!!

 

I think the gfx card or psu is gone

I'd say a GTS 250 and a 500watt quality PSU if you wanted a new card. I'd still get a new PSU anyways to see if the card works.

 

So what would you guys think of a combo like this?

http://www.provantage.com/pny-technologies-vcggts2501xpb~7PNY90E8.htm

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817339009

Thanks, for the third time

 

The card is fine although I havn't looked for cards, I will later and see if I can find you more for your money, maybe mabey not.

But the PSU definitely not, it's your choice but I wouldn't even look at that PSU.

This is about the cheapest I would consider from Newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171038

Or if newegg Canada will ship to the US or if you're in Canada.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171031

PSU is very important and you shouldn't go cheap, go with respected brands. I realise it's more money but for the sake of $30-40 it's better than a cheap one blowing your card, mobo, cpu and ram and maybe HDD's with all your info on them.

 

You make a convincing argument. Thanks again for your help.

BTW, great game. Crosby is the man. :-D

 

Very bad and very low quality PSU

My Suggestion:

GFX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130514
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

OCZ is higher quality then Cooler Master

I have a OCZ psu in my other pc going for a year now no issues at all.

 

Can't argue with that, OCZ is higher quality and thats a good price.
But C/master are fine, I've got one, my boy has one and they are both working perfectly, his is about 15 months old. So either or.

And agree with the Card PClover suggests too.... except I'm an ATI boy

Edit: So being an ATI boy, here is ATI's answer to that card, same price anway lol

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102866

The ATI has a lower clock speed, Nividia 738, ATI 700, but the Nvidia Memclock is 2.2, the ATI is 3.0 and the RAM on the Nvidia is Gddr3, the ATI is Gddr5.

They are both great cards with pros and cons, it's down to preference.

 

I'd go a 4870 if you wanted to go ATI

 

lol Me too but it's another $30 on top, although you get quite a lot for that $30.

I personally would go for the 4890.... thats why I did :-D but thats double the price.

What card are you running PC?

 

gtx 275

 

Nice, I kept toying with the idea of an Nvidia card but I've always had Sapphire ATI's and I'm too scared to change :-D