PSU Problem?

Hey Everyone,

I've been up and down several roads with this problem, and now I'm focused in on power supply issues. First off my system:

MB- Intel DX58SO
CPU- Intel i7 920
PSU- Ultra 1000 W
RAM- 6 Gb Corsair XMS3 DDR3
OS- Windows Vista Ultimate 64 Bit
GPU- PNY GTX 285

I've calculated my total power, including fans, hard drive, dvd, etc. several times to be around 705 W at 90%. However, on certain games when I switch the resolution up I'll get an instant black screen/computer start required. After watching my card through my coolermaster case I can see the power LEDS turn from green to red at the same time as the crash. Could this be a PSU issue? I have run several other games at 1680*1050 max everything without a problem. Thanks for reading and any advice would be much appreciated.

As far as the PSU..can you get a Digital Multi-Meter ???
If so hook it up...You should be able to pick up a cheap one between $20-$40 bucks

READ HERE

Watch as you boot-up / restart and when the game crashes
If the reading goes under 11.4...then it's probably the PSU.

It could also be driver realated...but rare.
What games are you talking about in particular ???
Could be the card itself...I remember when I had my 7900GT,after 1 1/2 years it would no longer play BF 2...I could play Spearhead/COD 2/4 but not BF 2.
Some games stress the GPU more than others.
Just because it's newer doesn't mean its good...took EVGA 4 RMA's to get me a good card...Chit Happens

I'll work on getting the meter some time this week. As far as specific games, it crashes with fallout 3, cod 4, ghost recon aw 2, and company of heroes but doesn't crash with assassin's creed, crysis, or bioshock. I'm running the later without a single crash at full resolution with max graphics options turned on. Again, with the previous, as soon as I increase the resolution to 1680*1050 I'll get a blank screen and the red (insufficient power) lights on my card. It just doesn't make sense that a 1000w power supply would run into this problem. Again, drivers and games updated to latest. I'm willing to try anything at this point.

Also, I've now heard some people saying that it's my brand of PS (Ultra) that's the problem. Have you heard this as well?

Its not one of the best...but some units are ok.
I did build a comp for a buddy and we used a 500 watt Ultra...he's had no probs with it.
I tested it for a week before I shipped it to him...it was Rock Solid,actually worked better than a ThermalTake 420 PSU I had

OK,

Now the initial problem is happening without being in a game -- just on the desktop in vista. I'll just randomly drop to black screen, same red lights come on, and I'll have to reset. Is this more reason to think bad power supply? Thanks

contact PNY and get a rma number for the card so you can send it back to them.

by any chance do you have another pcie card to test out the system?

Unfortunately I dont have another card. Are you thinking that since there was no load on the PSU it's more of a card issue?

Could be a card issue ...just because its NEW doesn't mean it can't have its problems.
Especially if its doing it in 2D and not only gaming.
Just a little tip next time you buy a card try going for an EVGA/BFG/XFX...all these have a lifetime Warranties.

I'd be RMA'ing the 285 to PNY.
Their not a top tier videocard maker
Follows Papa's advice and go with EVGA/BFG/XFX if ya want a top of the line card with a damn good warranty!!

Thanks to everyone who posted advice. It was the PSU! Don't buy ULTRA for a high end rig. I learned my lesson. Enermax Revolution was my new purchase.

Thanks again.