Is this a power supply problem?

For the past months my computer has been crashing (monitor and computer both still on, but screen black). This only happens when I am on hard to run games such as World of Warcraft. I have also noticed that it crashes MOST of the time when there is a lot happening on the screen.

I have looked into it possibly being a graphics card problem, I have gotten newest drivers, fans, even REPLACED the entire last card (Geforce fx 5200, to a Geforce 6800+, which cost me $180...)

I know very little about power supplies, but I THINK mine is 250w, and I do know that it is the original power supply for my 3 year old Emachines.. so I think it is about time for a new one since I have replaced most of the parts in the computer.

If anyone could lend a hand I would appreciate it.

 

wow, im surprised that it even works! that is a possiblity, try replacing it with a higher rated psu. i think that GPU's recommended PSU is 350W

 

I will start looking into a new one.

 

But before you buy, try use Big B's PSU sticky as a guide.

PSU STICKY

 

Ok.

 

Emachines have underpowered PSU's and crap power switches, a PSU that kicks ass is Antec Smart Power II also replace the power switch (from mobo to front of case)

 

Thanks, I was just wondering if there was a thread like this around here somewhere.

 

Man you are right donkey 42, i work on allot of emachines only to change there
week power supplys and switches.. This as too be one of Gateways flaws...
Since eMachine is built by Gateway , I have notice the same Flaw in Gateway
Pc's as well. emachine's are a good computer after a little tweaking..

 

well, i didn't know Emachine were built by Gateway, but yeah, Emachines are great (after a little tweaking, thats why i've got one, with an Tagan TG330 & obviously a bod-j ed power switch

 

i have an old emachines 150DVD, power supply started dieing in it, wired noise coming from the power supply, sounded like the bearings in the fan were going, and it was a 120w psu !!!! , i have had all the parts of that e machines out and all over the place, even dropped the mobo once, everything still works perfectly, my old e machines is about 4 years old now, dont use it anymore, it served its last days as a mandriva 2006 file server then an SME Server for file server and floating profiles, it's in a cuboard now, i sat a 300watt ower supply on top of it, emachines are reliable tho, anyone should get one if theyt just surf the net :good: