Radeon help!!!! (splintered graphics)

[Deckhead]

Comp Specs: Dell 8200 2.0gh 400 FSB, 768 RDRAM, MotherBoard (planar maybe don't really know), GeForce4 64MB MX graphics card, DSL modem, Windows XP, PSU only 250watts

Here is where I am so far: Trying to install a Sapphire Radeon 9500 128MB 8X graphics card to play Planetside (need more FPS)

1) I uninstalled old card from Device MGR, deleted all Nvidia files from comp except for a DLL file that it would not let me delete. I then downloaded catalyst 3.5 and the control panel for my new card. I then shutdown comp and uninstalled old card.

2)I installed new card. Turned on comp. Installed new driver. Rebooted. Installed Control Panel. Rebooted.

I must be missing something. When my comp boots up, the DELL symbol is distorted. In BIOS, letters and numbers are distorted. In Windows XP, some letters are blue, some black (very annoying), and also leaves drag lines on desktop. When I play Planetside, or even Tribes II, everything is "splintered" to hell and back!! The actual programs seem to run fine. I DON'T KNOW!!!!

If anyone can help, I am not very comp literate, so I need Layman's Terms, no abbreviations.

Thanks,

Deck

[Kuasimodem]

Power down the computer, remove and reseat the video card, paying very close attention to how the card goes into the slot. It should not be pushing against either end of the slot, it should be centered.

I had a similar problem with a build a few months ago.

[Deckhead]

I tried to no avail. Centered?? There was only one way to place it. Because of the 1 slot on one side, than a little hairpin, then two slots, the card could'nt slide. Thanks for the input tho (future use). What about my wattage?? 250. Is it enough?? I also have a 19" monitor, CDRW drive, DVD drive, Floppy drive, printer. Just about the only thing I have'nt tried is a bigger PSU.

Deck

[tony_j15]

You need a larger psu. Not sure that is your problem, but it has been the root for some.

[Peter M]

Yes, particularly with the weakish power supplies usually found in preassembled major brand boxes, I'd say the PSU is the prime suspect for that kind of symptom.

[Deckhead]

Thanks for all your help, but I now believe it is the card itself. I hooked up to a 400W PSU but nothing changed. I even disconnected the power cord to the card and when it tried to boot, the message that tells you that the cord is not connected is also garbled.

[Peter M]

Of course if normal operation shows a garbled image then so will that message - that's being displayed in the same mode as the BIOS POST screen would.