I got a new graphics card today, and ever since I installed it trying to play Skyrim results in my computer shutting down. The game will work smoothly for a very brief period, usually 1 or 2 minutes before causing my PC to crash.

Some info on my system:


Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506)
Processor: AMD Phenom™ II X4 960T Processor (4 CPUs), ~3.0GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8192MB RAM
Page File: 1587MB used, 14793MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti
Display Memory: 4015 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1967 MB
Shared Memory: 2047 MB

I am using the drivers that came on a CD with the card.

What power supply? You can't keep on using a stock branded PC's PSU when you upgrade to any Geforce beyond an entry level business grade. They just eat too much current, and when the PSU stops feeding them enough, they quit, causing the rest of the system to become unstable.

First, you should http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us. That may not do anything, but having the latest (working) drivers can't hurt.

Your card might be overheating. You should monitor the heat with a program like http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/download.htm.

It could also not be getting enough voltage.

When it crashes does it go to a blue screen or just black?

Agh... I never even thought about my power supply when purchasing the card. My power supply is 250 watts, and the minimum requirement for this card is 400. Thanks.I guess I'll need to buy a new power supply if I wish to use this card, any recommendations for how much power I ought to get for this card? Or would the minimum requirement of 400 watts probably be sufficient?

Never go minimum as you have to account for decay over time.

Minimum IMO, if no overclocking is being done, would be 500w.

To be absolutely sure (or at least close to it), this handy dandy tool will help you on your way; http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp.

Power supplies all degrade roughly 10% a year with regular use, and once you have done one upgrade, you don't always know you are finished, so a "cushion" saves both having it go bad far before the rest of the system, or requiring a further change of PSUs when you do add something more. About 30 - 40% beyond current needs isn't going to far at all, and enthusiasts tend to go more on the order of 75% to 100% more than required, because you cannot OVERpower. The system takes what it needs, and the highly spec'd PSU lasts somewhat longer just because it can "idle" more often.

I'd go with about 550, but I will also tell you that the "400" named is probably exaggerated to account for the generally poor quality of most power supplies, a Chieftec, for instance, rated at 500 watts may be less well built than that 250 watt in your system now!! Choose from Antec, Corsair, Enermax, Fortron, OCZ, Seasonic, and Sparkle for several barnds you mostly can't go wrong with.

Hmm? While typing, I saw a warning from the system that someone else posted at the same time, then the little note disappeared, so I don't know whether I'm now redundant, or what?

Go ahead and use a PSU calculator like this one to determine optimum wattage: http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.html

Generally these things OVERestimate, but that's good if you're not getting a super-high-quality PSU.

Also, make sure you get one with a SINGLE RAIL. Saves you so much damn trouble.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

don't go cheap brand psu..

ENSURE your psu has NO LESS Than 36AMP on the 12v rails ( many have 2x 12v... listed as typically 12v1 and 12v2, under each they shouldn't be lower than 18amp per meaning 2x 12v both rated 18amp will give you 36amp)

For your machine.... a 500watt 2x12v 18 amp PSU should surfice... but personally i would spend a few dollars more for quality product.

A cheap but good product is a Coolermaster 500watt Extreme Power

Alternatively a ROCK solid super reliable power supply would be a Corsair 500 or better watt

if you can get one with 40+ amps combined on the 12v on a psu for something relatively decent.... go for it.. just don't think "why would i spend $60 dollars when there is this 500watt for $18....." because there is a damn good reason. I don't think you want to make your computer flash and bellow out blue smoke do you?

After replacing my old power supply with a Corsair 600w everything is working perfectly! Thanks everyone.

Ouch.

Sweet, good times!

This reminds me of my first experience with upgrading my system on my own nearly 20 years ago. Spent several days researching graphic cards and finally found one (an hours drive back-n-forth) only to discover that the PSU in my system wasn't good enough. Of course that took several days to figure out, several more dollars invested, and a lot more time wasted. This lead to learning that the PSU I bought wouldn't fit into the chasis that I had so I ended up having to get a new case...which lead to a new motherboard since my current one wouldn't fit the new case...yadda, yadda, yadda.

A whole new system built around a $100 graphic card on a $100 budget. Great times.