Since getting my 6800 Ultra a few weeks ago, I've noticed my normally sturdy voltages on my Antec TruePower 430 began to swing. Before, it was rock steady at 11.98. Now, it swings between 12.10 and 11.82 on the 12 volt rail, and I get weird problems from time to time. Most recently, fuzzy black screen flashes that last for about 2 seconds, then everything is back to normal. Is this a voltage issue? ( I assume it is) If so, what should I go for? I'm debating between the Antec TruePower 550, and the Neopower 480. I'm not really interested in the modular design, but just want the best performer. These 2 are in the same general price range.

How did you measure the voltages?

Also that psu is very easy to do a sense mod too. If you like soldering then I can give you a link.

The voltages were measured with MBM 5. I know that isn't exactly accurate, but it never waivered before the Ultra, and I never got these weird problems. Does the fuzzy black screen flash sound like an underpowered PSU problem? I have also gotten a few little flukes where I would here a beep and the game or whatever I had open would minimize.

I plan on getting a digital multimeter, as the only one I have now is analog, but my wife just had our first child on Tuesday, so time and money is scarce. If you think a better PSU would solve the problem, please recommend one in the $80-$120 price range.

I would purchase a digital multimeter before you decide to go out and buy a new PSU. I would rather make sure it actually is the PSU causing the problem. Heat might also be another factor to consider as I know those 6800's run pretty hot.

why does everyone tell you to get a multimeter!!

no matter what, if his voltages were not swinging before, and are swinging now... CHANCES ARE something is wrong!!

I feel the same way about the multimeter. I am not concerned with the actual number, but rather the fluctuation, which is probably represented well. Anyhow, I doubt it is temperature related. These cards do run hot, but I have played Doom 3 for hours with temps at 72C and have had no problems. It is actually quite intermintent and not dependant on load or temp.

Do the problems I describe sound more like an overheating or low power problem? I have seen artifacting on a video card, and this isn't it.

If you do not have a multimeter and you overclock then there is something wrong. It is like drivin at night without lights, it is not safe and it is stupid. Numbers do mater when overclocking, and the ONLY way to check your rails is to use a multimeter. Do not tell me that MBM will cut it.

Seriously, try reading the whole thread. I said nothing about overclocking, and I never said that MBM was accurate, just that it was showing large swings after the video card upgrade. I feel these swings are represented accurately, as I never got them at all, nor did I experience any of these problems before the video upgrade. The numbers may be off, but the variences are probably not.

Why is it so hard to get an answer. I GET IT, I NEED A MULTIMETER.

Now, what kind of problems will low voltages cause to a video card. I know it can be damaging, but exactly what symptoms will it cause?