Sorry I forgot old forum pass... but anyways.. Recently: I installed Radeon 3850 graphic card, to replace my old x600.. Other specs is: 2GB ram, 3ghz P4 processor

 

 

 

The problem is, after I inserted card in pci-e slot, my computer is very slow. I can run rendering tests and get 100fps on the card only (which really just makes that 'theoretical' power), but it can't even play any games like Runescape properly, or games like crysis etc...

 

 

 

can it be an issue, that my power supply is just 350W? the card says you need 450W minimum, but can the card really hog so much power the CPU gets low power input -> slow? i don't have any other explanation.

 

 

 

if I plug in old x600 card, everything runs faster and smoother, even though it's about five times weaker card..

If the recommended psu is 450w, then you should really get one. This will cover you if the card breaks, the company can just say 'well you didn't have the right psu we can't fix it', and plus the recommended psu is there for a reason.

 

 

 

Also, pm me if you do want your old account back, I can help with that.

350W should be alright (but not reccomended) as a I run its brother the HD3870 with a 390W PSU but I also use a core 2 duo (albeit overclocked) which is more efficient than a P4. Check the temperatures of the card with CCC or Rivatuner, upgrade drivers, improve airflow in your case and make sure the 6-pin power connector is properly attached.

You need to install the latest drivers for that card.

 

I would advice you buy a more powerful psu as your running a risk. I would also be very wary of the temperatures.

 

P4's get very hot and the new gpu will just add to this.

If it needs a 6 pin graphics power connection and hasn't got one, then it may be clocking down.

 

 

 

The other issue, is PSU quality - a decent 350W unit is probably as strong as many off-brand 450W units, but if you thrash a cheap 350W to the edge of its capacity, it will quite likely burn out and could well take something else with it!

 

 

 

Many cheap PSUs CANNOT sustain their rated output, especially not when the system is warmed up.