How can I tell if my GPU is getting enough power?

[braddullz]

Basically I'm under the impression that my PSU isn't up to scratch, and I'd just like to know if there's any software that I can get to tell me what voltages are going to each component etc. as I have no idea about power supplies... (I have a HD7850 if it means anything)

Thanks in advance,
- Brad

 

[manofchalk]

To measure the voltages going to the PSU, you would have to pull out a multi-meter and check yourself. Some high end graphics cards even have voltage measuring points so you can check.
The computer would tell you if power is insufficient if it were so.

What PSU are you using, and whats the rest of the rig?

 

[braddullz]

I've got an i3 3220 @ 3.3GHz, a Western Digital 1TB, 6GB RAM, and a CiT Pentium P4 Model 500U at 500W peak output.

 

[manofchalk]

Does the PSU have a table on it? Should look something like this.

What are the Amperage values ("number"A) underneath any of the of 12v rails?

 

[braddullz]

 

[manofchalk]

So that's really an over-rated 350W unit. The total of the two 12v rails equals 324W, if you include the other rails then you get closer to 500W but in reality its only the 12v that really matters.
The first rail (which I assume would go to the CPU) can output 168W, which for a 55W Core i3 is plenty. However the 156W rail going to the GPU I suspect is cutting it fairly fine. Though given that it likely isn't that great of a unit, I wouldn't be surprised if those numbers arent very accurate.

I recommend you get a good quality PSU, which will have benefits (more efficient, better control of voltage ripple) as well just being more powerful.
Something like this would do nicely with your rig I think.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013&Tpk=XFX%20550&IsVirtualParent=1

 

[braddullz]

I keep getting screen flickers, occasional black screens, do you think its down to the PSU?

 

[manofchalk]

It could be any number of things really, a flickering screen is a fairly common problem. Does it only happen when you do something, can you make it happen or is it random? Any info you think might be relevant?

 

[braddullz]

Usually changing windows, or tabbing into games etc

 

[manofchalk]

So when the whole screen changes image. My gut feeling is that its either your monitor or something on a software level. Most I can recommend you do is update your GPU drivers (or go back one if you have the latest) and swap your monitor with another (or a TV) and see if the problem still occurs.

 

[braddullz]

It can be say, opening a scoreboard in a game too, or changing tabs in a browser also

 

[braddullz]

Cause I did a clean install of my Windows, and the monitor seems fine on everything else

 

[manofchalk]

Again, it can be multiple things that cause it.

 

[braddullz]

Okk thanks dude, does this look any good to you?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powercool-X-Viper-Modular-Bronze-Active/dp/B009Q1EEEM

 

[manofchalk]

Cant say I recognize the brand, nor can I seem to find any reviews on it. That to me would be grounds enough to discount it, the PSU is the one component where you want it to be rock solid. I recommend you go for this PSU, which I know to be a good unit (XFX PSU's are Seasonic design's and workmanship, and they are widely considered the best PSU Manfacturer).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-P1-850S-NLB9-PRO850W-Edition-Supply/dp/B0045L4BNW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_computers_4

Though for the rig you have, 850W is pretty overkill. I would think a 550W like this would be best.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-P1-550S-XXB9-PRO550W-Edition-Supply/dp/B004RJ8EKI/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1372776463&sr=1-1&keywords=XFX+550