8800 Ultra OC + Enermax Liberty 500w?

[zagood]

Trying to help someone out who's crashing to desktop and getting freezes while gaming. He thinks it's cooling, I'm going with PSU. Still could just be the video card. All are possibilities.

Main Components:
CPU: Q6600 (stock)
Mobo: ASUS P5Q Pro Turbo
Video Card: BFG 8800 Ultra OC (http://www.bfgtech.com/bfge88768uoce.aspx)
PSU: ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT 500W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194003)
RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 4GB 6400C5DHX
I believe just one HDD, one optical, no sound card.
6x120mm fans :eek:

Load temps:
CPU: 60c
GPU: 70c

When he lowers the Ultra to reference speed, GPU load temps drop to 50c and games are stable.

He's got very good airflow through his case, in fact I have no idea how he can stand the noise with the 6x120mm fans he's got running.

So, I'd say possibilities are a) temps b) PSU or c) card just can't handle the OC speeds.

That PSU, while no slouch, still only provides 384w on the +12v so it's cutting it pretty close.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[Zero82z]

The PSU is definitely not being overloaded, so unless it's faulty or failing, I doubt it's the issue. Have him try to run Furmark on his GPU with the CPU unloaded, and set the card to its maximum fan speed. It could be that the GPU is just going bad.

[zagood]

Ok, thanks for the response. I'll let him know.

[MrWicked1968]

good lord the 8800 Ultra was an expensive card when released.

[davidhammock200]

If buying new, don't go under +12V@40A with any high-end GPU, but I really doubt it is the Enermax.

[zagood]

Update...

Z: "Wow man, this is f'ing frustrating. Wait...have you checked the heatsink to make sure it's not clogged up with dust?"

One day later...

PP: "YOU'RE THE MAN!!!"

*sigh*