GeForce 6800 GT Boot-up Error Message

[H3nry12]

"The nvidia system sentinel is reporting that the nvidia powered graphics card is not receiving sufficient power To protect your hardware from potential damage or causing a potential system lockup, the graphics processor has lowered its performance to a level that allows continued safe operations."

I'm not sure what it suggests doing, but I have noticed a severe decline in performance. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[coldkiss]

Hi, have you plugged in the extra molex power connector? This message usually comes up when its not plugged in, although some cards have a buzzer onboard that goes off to warn you. Otherwise your card may have a fault as I had that same message on an FX5900 and had to get an RMA for it. Hope its the molex connector on your card!

[H3nry12]

Thanks so much for the reply.

I'm clueless with computers, so if you could briefly describe how I could tell if this connector was connected or not. And if it ends up not being plugged in, how/where would I connect it? Thanks again, it seems like you know what you're talking about.

[coldkiss]

You will notice that your 6800gt has a power connector on the opposite end from the monitor connections on the backplate which accepts a connector from your power supply that is similar to those which connect to your Hard drives or DVD/CD-drives. This is called a molex connector and you should plug a spare one into your 6800GT as the card takes extra power from this to run 3D applications and games.

If this molex connector is plugged in and you are still getting error messages then I would contact the manufacturer for support as the 6800GT may need to be replaced.

Good luck and let us know if it fixes your problems!