Technical Help Please

Zafa · Post by **Zafa** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 6:42 pm

Can my power supply be causing the 'ghosting' I'm getting on my screen? I'm wondering if I don't have enough juice running my system now. All of my icons, text, and my mouse pointer have 'ghost' images on the right side of them. I tried using different power cords for my monitor and opened my case to clean everything. I reseated my video card and checked all the connectors. I tried unplugging my monitor from the power strip, surge protector to see if that was causing it. Nothing has fixed it. The only thing I can think of is that maybe I need more juice.

Here are my system specs:

AMD Athlon 2 GHz Processor
MSI KT3 Ulta-ARU (MS-6380E) Motherboard
MSI GeForce 4 ti4600 128 MB Video Card
Sound Blaster Audigy Gamer
1 Gig of PC2100 DDR RAM (3 sticks - 512/256/256)
30 GB 7200 RPM Western Digital Hard Drive
56X CD-ROM
3 1/2" Floppy
350 Watt Power Supply (Can't remember manufacturer)

Is that enough juice for this system? And if not, could that be causing my 'ghosting' problems?

If my power supply is not the problem, then I think my monitor might just be going bad. I've already had to have it sent in for repairs once. It's a 19" MAG Innovision 986FS.

I could use some recommendations for power supplies also if you think I need a new one. Just keep in mind I'm on a poor man's budget, hehe.

Thanks everyone!

~ Zafa ~

Pee-Wee · Post by **Pee-Wee** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 6:47 pm

First things first.

Try another monitor.

Phade · Post by **Phade** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 7:18 pm

YOu could also try some of the following,

Use a lower resolution

Try updated video drivers

Shake it like an Etch-a-Sketch and see if that clears the problem up

Yafel · Post by **Yafel** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 8:19 pm

If you can replace the monitor cable, try that. Don't think it is anything to do with your power supply tho.

Has it recently started doing this, or has it always done this? If it has been getting worse over time, I would suspect the monitor is failing.

Post by **Panzerfaust** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 8:22 pm

Are you using a extension cable on it? That can cause ghosting if it's shielded.

Also try adjusting refresh rate of monitor in display settings.

Zafa · Post by **Zafa** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 8:32 pm

1) Not using an extension cable.

2) Adjusting refresh rates doesn't change anything.

3) Lowering resolution helped, however there was still some ghosting going on. Besides, what it fixed wasn't worth switching to 800x600.

I can try a different power cord for my monitor if I can find one. Looks like my monitor might be taking a crap on me.

Am I EVER going to be able to stop spending money on this @!&%# computer!?!?!?

~ Zafa ~

Post by **Panzerfaust** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 8:43 pm

Zafa · Post by **Zafa** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 8:44 pm

Should the monitor's power cord be shielded or not?

~ Zafa ~

Lagmatic · Post by **Lagmatic** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 8:45 pm

It definitely sounds like the monitor.

Check to make sure you're using correct refresh rates from the monitor maker's website. Some of the better monitors actually have windows drivers to make sure your video card doesn't take it out of spec.

Most of the newish video cards like the one you mentioned assume a monitor is new and can do nearly any resolution.

Zafa · Post by **Zafa** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 8:55 pm

I'm only running 1024 X 768 resolution @ 85 Hz.

~ Zafa ~