Originally Posted by SaviouR
One of them was random pixels/shapes of color and the other was the loud fan noise. When I would power the computer up, it winds up for half a second then wind down then no fan sounds for about a second. After thirty seconds it constantly winds up and down nonstop until I restart the computer and then it goes down to a low hum.
Can anybody help me out?
Sounds like your video card is pulling more juice than the power supply can give. I wouldn't worry about reloading drivers, read the system requirements; they are listed somewhere on the box. I'm sure it says that your card requires at least a 350w power supply.
Basically, HP power supplies are junk. But it's unfair to single out HP as most manufacturers use sub standard components to build PC's. Open up your box, peek inside and see what the sticker on the side of the power supply says. Even if it says it's rated at 300w-350w, it's more like 150 on a good day.
Problem is now, how do I upgrade the power supply? Since most of these manufacturers try to use proprietary parts to fit their cases (so u have to call them when it breaks), it' necessary slightly modify the case to get a standard atx power supply fit.
In addition to making sure those steps are complete, make sure you have the onboard video turned OFF, and that you are plugging the vga cable into the correct plug. I can't tell you how many times I've seen boxes w/ upgraded vid cards, only to find that the user has plugged their monitor into their onboard card.
Moral of the story: read system requirements, and never trust manufacturers rated claims on power supplies.
