[Mobius]

The problems I have been experiencing for a while are pretty worrying now. 

Until a few days ago, the monitor randomly became black and displayed a box with "Not optimum mode - recommended mode is 1280*1024 60Hz" or something like that. Now it happens shortly after I turn the PC on: I'm posting this because, thanks to some kind of miracle, the PC is running as it did before(it's somewhat slower, however). Yesterday I didn't manage to run it at all and I'm afraid my attempts could definitely damage the PC. 

Galemp told me that the problem might be caused by an inefficient energy supply and he might be right. What do I need to do to solve the problem? 

EDIT: My monitor's an LCD, Samsung SyncMaster 913n. I hope that might help.

[Ghostavo]

Get a new PSU?

[Mobius]

A new what?

[Dysko]

Power Supply Unit, or "alimentatore" in Italian.

[Ghostavo]

Something that resembles this.

[Jeff Vader]

Power Supply Unit

That, or Phantasy Star Universe, according to Wikipedia.

Basically, the thing in your computer where you connect your power cord.

[Mobius]

Basically, the thing in your computer where you connect your power cord.

Please translate this, Dysko.

Are you sure that would solve the problem, anyway?

[Dysko]

Basically, the thing in your computer where you connect your power cord.

Please translate this, Dysko.

Are you sure that would solve the problem, anyway?

The power supply unit is what we call "alimentatore" in Italian. Lobo said "è quel pezzo del tuo computer a cui attacchi il cavo della corrente". Ghostavo even posted an image, you should have understood by now

[IceFire]

Basically, the thing in your computer where you connect your power cord.

Please translate this, Dysko.

Are you sure that would solve the problem, anyway?

If you're getting allot of different problems that don't seem to be specific to one part then its probably the power supply (PSU = power supply unit).  You'll need a new one.  Do research and don't buy the cheapest PSU available as they all vary in quality.  Look specifically at the amount of wattage they can put out.  I have a 550W power supply which is good enough for my system.  Depending on your system you may be able to get away with less or you might need more power.  Having more is a better thing with PSU's as its better for them not to be operating at full capacity.

[Jeff Vader]

Basically, the thing in your computer where you connect your power cord.

Please translate this, Dysko.

Are you sure that would solve the problem, anyway?

The power supply unit is what we call "alimentatore" in Italian. Lobo said "è quel pezzo del tuo computer a cui attacchi il cavo della corrente". Ghostavo even posted an image, you should have understood by now

Hmph. I could have done that too. With the almighty Babel Fish. Just listen:

Basicamente, la cosa in vostro calcolatore in cui collegate la vostra lavapiatti viola della scimmia del cavo di alimentazione.

[Mobius]

Sorry if I write in Italian but I'm a bit confused...

Non capisco, sembra che uno stia parlando della ciabatta mentre l'altro parla dell'alimentatore(che, per quanto ne so, sono due cose diverse). Che cosa devo comprare, esattamente? Avevo pensato di comprare una ciabatta nuova, anche se il problema non è correlato a lei un eventuale acquisto sarebbe una cosa buona, giusto? La ciabatta costa pochissimo mentre l'alimentatore sembra una parte più "tecnica", con un costo che a mio parere dovrebbe essere di gran lunga superiore. Non ne capisco molto e mi dispiace, ma vorrei risolvere il problema perchè staccare la spina ogni volta non è proprio consigliabile.

If you're getting allot of different problems that don't seem to be specific to one part then its probably the power supply (PSU = power supply unit).  You'll need a new one.  Do research and don't buy the cheapest PSU available as they all vary in quality.  Look specifically at the amount of wattage they can put out.  I have a 550W power supply which is good enough for my system.  Depending on your system you may be able to get away with less or you might need more power.  Having more is a better thing with PSU's as its better for them not to be operating at full capacity.

What do you recommend me to do? I'm afraid I can't spend more than 70€.

Basicamente, la cosa in vostro calcolatore in cui collegate la vostra lavapiatti viola della scimmia del cavo di alimentazione.

Don't use that tool anymore!

[Dysko]

Ok, Mobius doesn't know if he has to buy a new PSU or a new multiple cables connector. He says he has no problem in buying a new multiple cables connector, but buying a new PSU seems too "technical" and expensive for him. Well, I bought my 500 W PSU for 50 € and it never gave me any problem.

Basicamente, la cosa in vostro calcolatore in cui collegate la vostra lavapiatti viola della scimmia del cavo di alimentazione.

Don't use that tool anymore!

Err... I think he wrote that on purpose

[Jeff Vader]

Ok, Mobius doesn't know if he has to buy a new PSU or a new multiple cables connector. He says he has no problem in buying a new multiple cables connector, but buying a new PSU seems too "technical" and expensive for him. Well, I bought my 500 W PSU for 50 € and it never gave me any problem.

So it's a typical scenario. Moby starts a thread explaining that he has issues with his computer, then the friendly people here explain what the problem is and how it can be fixed and then Moby says "No". Again.

Err... I think he wrote that on purpose

... No, I just translated the phrase with Babel Fish, like I said. (Though I did add "purple monkey dishwasher" at the end, just for kicks.)

[Mobius]

"Moby" wants to be sure.

By the way, Wolfy, try to understand my point of view: I can't spend something like 50€ and find out that nothing changed. It's not like DLing a certain build of FS Open instead of another, it's a matter of money here. I want to be sure because I don't want to complain.

[Jeff Vader]

Well, if you want absolute and undisputed cerainty, good luck. Ain't gonna happen.

If you are willing to concider the most likely option, then it's probably the PSU. As it has been stated on a few occasions on this thread. As well as on this thread. And as it has been stated by you as well on that thread. 8-9 years is disturbingly much for any electronic device, and a PSU is not an exception.

If you want to try some elimination methods, you could try to find out if it would be possible to temporarily borrow a PSU from a friend. If that works, you'll know that your PSU is the cuplrit. If not, you'll just start concidering other options.

And 50e? That doesn't qualify as "a lot of money". Sure, good dough, but even a half-decent mp3 player will cost at least twice as much. Just lay off the booze and/or skip 2-3 Eros Ramazotti albums and you're alright. j/k

[Mobius]

It's more like "I want to know someone else's opinion": the more people post the better it is.

Dysko told me that his connector was 15 years old and works fine so I got even more confused.

One question: PSUs are universal or I need to buy a specific model for my PC? In other words I need to go personally or I can send a relative with poor knowledge of computers?

And 50e? That doesn't qualify as "a lot of money".

It does when you have no economical support. If I say that the PC might get broken if I don't buy a PSU I wouldn't get help, believe me.

[Jeff Vader]

It's more like "I want to know someone else's opinion": the more people post the better it is.

You could deliver your rig to your local computer dealer. They'll surely figure the problem out. And charge for their services accordingly.

It does when you have no economical support.

Get a job. A job is a great way to make money. Or robbing old ladies on the street.

[Dark RevenantX]

Mobius, do the following:

Start > Run > type in: DXDIAG

Use the button to save everything as a .txt file, copy and paste it to these forums.  I'll tell you what PSU wattage you need and if yours is underpowered.

[Mobius]

Done.

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[Ghostavo]

One question: PSUs are universal or I need to buy a specific model for my PC? In other words I need to go personally or I can send a relative with poor knowledge of computers?

They are universal in the sense that they all supply power to the various components of a PC in a standardised way. Short answer, yes. That said, normally it's not advisable to send a relative with poor knowledge of computers to buy ANYTHING computer related. They would probably bring you connector cables and be left with a puzzled expression when you face palmed yourself.

See if you have a spare computer with a PSU or have a friend who's into computers lend you a PSU like Lobo said.