Graphic Cards Can a bad power supply cause artifacts?

S

saumilsingh

Forerunner
Since last week my 6600gt agp has been showing small green artifacts in some parts of the display. Real small green flashes every now and then.
This happens in most games although it happens only sometimes, not always.

I checked the temperatures and it's not over-heating (55-57C max).
My pc cabinet is open at all times, so it can't be a ventilation problem.

I know the temps drop by a good 5-6 degrees as soon as I minimize but here's the kicker - As soon as I minimize then restore the game, the artifacting stops completely. No artifacts anymore even if I play for hours and hours.
Also it happens at all resolutions, 1280 or even 1024. Will try going lower.

Can it be my generic 300W psu? Can psu's even cause such artifacting at all?
My +12V rail does only 11.7V, but it's always been like that and I have zero stability issues.

PS - The card isn't overclocked and running at 500/1000 (yep, not even factory OC speeds). Using 81.85 whql.
 
The 6600gt box says 350W minimum and I am running a generic 300W alongwith hdd and combo drive lol.
Will try disconnecting the combo drive and get a new psu either way, the ratings are just too low.
 
Don't know, the temps seem fine...

And the instant I do a minimize/restore, the artifacting goes away completely without a trace. Doesn't matter even if I game for 3 hours after a minimize/restore, the artifacting never returns.

I tried downclocking to 400/900 and the artifacting still happens and it still gets solved completely by a simple instant minimize/restore.

Maybe my shitty psu can't handle the initial load, and minimizing/restoring gives it a much needed fresher? Sorta like air conditioners when the compressor kicks in.
 
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