strange message?

[flyrv56]

Hello again. Got my card figured out, but it is in safe mode. This will be long but this is the message box I get on start up.

"power indication"
problem report... The NVIDIA system sentinel is reporting that the NVIDIA powered graphics card is not receiving sufficient power. To protect your hardware from damage or a system lockup, the graphics processor has lowered its performance to a level that allows safe operations.

Then I have a "ok" and a "troubleshoot" box.  If you click thetroubleshoot box it reads the following:

"to remedy the problem, ensure your NVIDIA graphics card in your system has the supplemental power connector attached. This connection is required and the system may be damaged if not in place. Please refer to owners manual for complete inspection instructions. Power supply in computer must be able to supply ample power to all peripherals."

Obvious question, Do I need to upgrade my power supply in my computer? Not sure what it has.. I have an HP a220n, all stock with 512 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive, and did upgrade to a FX5700 Ultra today.

Thanks for any and all help.

Regards,

Bill

[JBaymore]

Bill,

Hi and welcome to SimV.

High end video cards take a whoppoiong amount of power..... they generate a lot of heat....and have big cooling fans.  Hence they take a LOT of power.

On the card box it likely speced the minimum wattage power supply.  It'll likely be bigger than the "normal" one that comes with most machines.... and WAY bigger than the minimal ones they cram into "package" machiones like many from Packard Bell, the Pavaillion series, and other such machines.

There is a fan power supply connector on that card I would geuss (I don;t use Nvidea stuff).  It is supposed to be connected to your power supply.  IF ....and that is an important IF...... your power supply is up to it.... there is a connection diagram likely in the card box.

It is also possible that you will have to upgrade your power supply to run that card.  It might be looking for a 400-450 watt power supply........ "stock" is often 300 W .... and the package stuff sometimes has 250 W.

Hopefully I am totally wrong here .... and you'll just hook up the power connectors and away you'll go.

best,

.................john

[flyrv56]

John,

Hello and thanks for the reply. Last night after I got done posting I went inside of this thing. Found the connection as you suggested. Made all the connections and all seems to be doing well this AM.

Am pleasantly surprised and happy with the new card. I am still learning and always looking through sites to do some tweaking...

Thanks and Regards,

Bill

[JBaymore]

Bill,

No problem.  Glad it worked out "the easy way".