Just installed Radeon 9800, computer randomly shutting down

[IonizeMyAtoms]

Hey, my friend just installed an ATI Radeon 9800, and it seems to be working fine, except his computer now randomly restarts. We think it might be a heating issue, as when he removes the side of the case it lasts a bit longer between restarts, but we're not 100% sure. He does have the latest drivers, and he doesn't overclock or anything
Any help?

 

[bosox188]

What's his power supply? It may not be enough to support the 9800.

 

[IonizeMyAtoms]

500 watt psu, should be plenty

 

[NeptuneUK]

erm get ATI tool (google it) it will tell you your GPU temperature.

as far as i know when the graphics card overheats with ATI, you may briefly see visual artifacts then the card will power down to prevent damage. i know this from stupid overclocks i did with my X700

 

[IonizeMyAtoms]

The thing is, he doesn't play games, so there's no strain on the card or anything, it just restarts when he's on the internet and stuff
But I got him to download ATI Tools, thanks

 

[dream431ca]

Probably the power supply.

 

[IonizeMyAtoms]

Think so?
I used to run that card on my 250 watt psu without problems, his is 500
Anyway, he went to pick up a new fan today so we'll see how that works out

 

[DreamThrall]

Is there anything specific that he is doing when the computer shuts down? By default, Win XP will restart instead of blue screen if it crashes.

 

[Glirk Dient]

His PSU might have crappy rails. Look on the side of the PSU and read the sticker. Post what amps the 3.3v, 5v and 12v are running at. This sounds like they could be pretty low.

Or the fan in his video card isn't running/working very well so it overheats after a while by itself without much strain.

 

[bryanf445]

erm get ATI tool (google it) it will tell you your GPU temperature.

as far as i know when the graphics card overheats with ATI, you may briefly see visual artifacts then the card will power down to prevent damage. i know this from stupid overclocks i did with my X700

the 9800 pro doesnt have a thermometer to gauge the temperature, well atleast mine didnt

 

[NeptuneUK]

my x700 didnt. then one day. not sure whether it was new drivers or ATI tool, but temp started gauging

 

[Asus]

The 9800/9600XT have the temp sensor (started putting them in here). The 9800/9600 Pro do not (older).
If you are not putting any pressure on the GFX card with 3d games then it probably is just heat or driver conflict. That does not rule the powersupply out totally though, just less likely. Have a front fan blowing air in on the machine?

I would actually try running a somewhat intense 3D game for awhile and see what it does.