Whats wrong with my PC?

[upas]

Last month, my computer was running and I started getting artifacts on my screen.
Soon, the whole picture went. I checked out the graphics card and it had blown/popped capacitors.

I thought, ok, I'll replace the graphics card... but after about 2 days of running, I had the same symptoms with the new card, and again, popped capacitors.

I'm guessing this is a PSU issue, but I was wondering if it could have been a mobo issue. The last thing I want to do is buy a new card and psu just to have the card pop again.

Thanks

EDIT: This is the PSU I had: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189005
This PC is 3 years old.

 

[haydox]

At a guess I'de say PSU (someone on here should know for sure). For something to blow the capacitors it's going to be an overload of power through it and I don't think the motherboard could do that.

A while ago I had a PSU (cheap one...never again!) blow and it took with it my memory and motherboard, then a few weeks later my graphics card died!

 

[rolli59]

Did the graphics cards you blew have external power or where they only powered through the slot on the motherboard?

 

[wa1]

About your PSU, i think that's a decent PSU, the reviews is good but i'm not sure about that... cause i have:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256037&Tpk=ST50F
which the price is about twice yours...

To be safe, i suggest u to get PSu with high quality like Corsair, Antec, PCP&P, OCZ, etc...

What is your mobo?

 

[upas]

This is my mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136152

The graphics card were only powered through the slot.

 

[rolli59]

Since the GPU was only powered through the slot it can be the motherboard because if it was the PSU you most likely would have issues with the motherboard as well since they are using the same connection from the PSU.

 

[upas]

Would you recommend replacing the Mobo at this point or doing a complete gut swap not including hard drives?

I have an Athlon X2 4200+ (socket 939) and 2 GB DDR1 Ram

I also have this PSU lying around: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817148027

Is that good enough to replace the current PSU (just in case)

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Both the Apeiva and XClio are "bargain" PSU's.

This one has overcurrent protection and is relatively inexpensive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371020

 

[coozie7]

I would rather change the PSU than the motherboard, it's easier and more likely to be the problem.
Stick with good brands: Antec, OCZ, Pc Power and Cooling, Silverstone, Corsair and FSP are among the best.
Do not get a cheap unit, it would be better to go for a lower wattage from one of the above makers than a higher wattage 'cheapo' unit, the less expensive supplies often do not deliver their rated wattage and lack protection; A double edged sword that makes them more likely to fail and likely to wreck the system when they do!

 

[haydox]

Check out a tiered list of PSUs too, I found this one which I don't think is dead up to date but still gives an idea of the better brands.

http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

When I built my current gaming PC a while ago I was told to get either a tier 1 or 2 PSU.