GTX 260 problems

[KustoM]

last week i bought myself a Gigabyte GTX 260, and after installing it im now getting white lines going up my screen when running games. i have installed the latest drivers, tried checking if the cables are plugged in corectly and tried using the other port on the card but nothing helps. any help is appreciated

[pullmyfoot]

This could be caused by either an overheating card, or the fact that your card is not getting enough power. I suspect the latter. What power supply are you using (brand + wattage).

[KustoM]

SHAW 860W tri fan. bought it a while ago for when i had Dual 8600Gt's and read the 260 needed min 500W so didnt think about it

[pullmyfoot]

Do you know what the amps on the 12V rail powering the GTX260 are? Check the side of the PSU. Also, try blasting a fan into the side of your open case to see if its overheating. If the artifacts are still there then bring the card back to the shop and get your warranty.

[KustoM]

12V1 - 17A and 12V2 - 19A

[pullmyfoot]

Thats very low considering that your PSU can pump out 860W. The card probably could run on that though. However, seeing that its a crappy brand (its very important to get a good PSU brand), it may be pumping out less amps than stated which could be causing your graphics card to not get enough power. Try running your GTX260 on the 12V2 since it has an extra 2 amps.

Even if your PSU is not the problem, I suggest you get a nice 500W or 600W (thats all you really need) PSU from a reliable brand. This is because your voltages are going to be very messy with a brand like that, besides other things. Your efficiency with power is also gonna suck.
AnandTech: Debunking Power Supply Myths

If blasting a fan does not work, send it back

[KustoM]

i might get my self a thermaltake or OCZ 600W PSU then. i can pick them up for anywhere between $100-150.

thanks for your help pull

[pullmyfoot]

Yeah. I wouldnt risk your system on a crappy supply. In any case, this one is more than enough. And its from one of the top PSU brands
Newegg.com - SILVERSTONE SST-ST56F 560W ATX 12V 2.01 & EPS 12V SLI Ready CrossFire Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

[KustoM]

was thinking of this one actually OCZ GAMEXSTREAM 1010W.
in case i want to upgrade in the future ya kno

[pullmyfoot]

That is a waste of money. Id say you need 800W at very most for the next few years. Your system probably currently takes up around 400W at load. Those killowatt power supplies are just marketing hype.

I meant this PSU, sorry. Same price, more wattage and better brand
Newegg.com - PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

750W will hold up even if you plan to add another GTX260 to run in SLI, which I think even the PSU above will be able to handle nicely. I would really check this one out though, since tis on sale at only $100+ . Its $200+ before sale price.
Newegg.com - PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

PC Power and Cooling is pretty much one of the best when it comes to ower supplies