Graphics Card installation (failure)

[chrisofseattle]

I recently tried to install a new graphics card to my computer (EAH5450 silent) and it didn't go so well. At first everything was fine then I started to play DDO and my whole system shut down, powered back up but the same thing. At first I thought it was an overheating issue because that model of graphics card doesn't have a fan and at the time I only had two fans in my system. After installing another fan the issue consisted. I gave up and reinstalled my old card a Radeon x600 series. My new theory on why it didn't work is my PSU isn't giving off enough power its a 550watt(I don't know what brand it doesn't say on the unit's sticker). Does that seem like the solution if so can anyone suggest a PSU that will work?       

Thanks,
Chris

[Salmon Trout]

The Asus EAH5450 is said by Asus to need a 400 Watt minimum poser supply, so in theory your 550 Watt unit ought to be OK, except that we don't know whether it is a 'no-name' cheapo PSU with an optimistic or just plain false wattage rating or a good solid quality PSU. The fact that you cannot find a maker's name kind of suggests the former. A lot of cheap PSUs get stressed when asked to deliver power near their maximum claimed rating. Of course the card might be faulty and need to be returned. 

[chrisofseattle]

Right that's what I figured with my PSU. What are some quality PSU brands? If all goes well my plan is to buy a new PSU try it out and if it is the card use return it either way I figure upgrading my PSU is a good choice in the long run.

[patio]

You could borrow a known good 500 or 600W PSU to test 1st...

[Salmon Trout]

Right that's what I figured with my PSU. What are some quality CPU brands? If all goes well my plan is to buy a new PSU try it out and if it is the card use return it either way I figure upgrading my PSU is a good choice i the long run.

While I am not in the business of shilling for PSU makers, the brands mentioned in the lists in these articles sound familiar. Both these articles have "Good", "Maybe" and "Don't buy" sections.

http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Power-Supply

http://www.10stripe.com/featured/psu/brand.php

A good place to look for info about PSU brands is in overclocker's forums. Don't just take my word for it - do a bit of window shopping on the web, (Google for e.g. "PSU recommendation") and don't go for the cheapest brand.

[chrisofseattle]

Im not sure I know anyone to borrow from. I'm the only one in my family and friends thats into computers enough to even know what a PSU is. 

[chrisofseattle]

Im considering getting this Antec VP550P 550W Power Supply

[patio]

I'd look down the road and maybe bump it up to a 650...

[quaxo]

Before spending any money, have you actually checked the system temperatures?