no, I'd definitely prefer to not buy a whole new system, but I'm willing to put a little money into it now to avoid a lot of headache later.

I was a little surprised by the power req. also, but I just figured it was standard with new graphics cards.

and here's where you reach the end of my knowledge about hardware...

what's a pcu and where is the best place to find one (cheap)?

If it helps any, my power supply is 180W, something I discovered at my system's spec page, which can be found here:

http://support.gateway.com/support/s...?sn=0034035071

hmm pcu = psu (power supply unit) i wasn't thinking

are you running quite a lots of peripherals and things that need power? ie, do you have some unused power points from your supply. Coz your computer might suffer from power brown-outs (when voltage dips slightly if your computer draws too much current). I've never heard of it happen in a computer sense, but it's definately possible.

if you're concerned, phone the place where you got ur gc and ask them if its ok. it should be fine to try it out. These things generally don't go up in smoke. otherwise, if its not the gc, maybe try borrow a psu and test it out. it is a bit pointless to replace working components isn't it http://www.d-a-l.com/help/images/icons/icon10.gif
Talking

I'm not really running any un-needed peripherals. In fact the only modification/addition of any kind I've made is tossing in a PCI wireless ntwk card.

I'll see if I can drum up a power supply somewhere, I've had a lot of trouble finding ones that will fit in my case (take a look at the spec page to get an idea why...)

i have the same problem.. it doesnt look like a problem ith the monitor or the video card.. i think is the wireless card drivers or software.. i install a wireless card too and the problem start after that.. i can work fine for a momento but suddently the machine dies..
i cant do a virus scan.. so i think it could be a virus but i have my doubts..

the wireless card i intalled was the SMC2662w

hope to find a solution..