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Graphics card help

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:48 pm
by pear40
I got a new computer with some pretty good specs, minus the video card. It's an Nvidia GeForce 9100 integrated. Obviously, the integrated isn't too great for gaming, but I got the computer because it was on sale for 40% off on black Friday, and I'd save more money by just upgrading the card. So, I was wondering about my power supply. I have 300W, and the card I want, The GeForce GT 240, has a 300W requirement. So does that mean that I want a power supply substantially higher than 300W, or I can keep my current one?

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:43 pm
by The Snake 87
You can keep your current one, but it is recommended to get a higher wattage PSU so your system isn't overworking your PSU. 400 watts should do you good if you get that video card.

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:29 pm
by pear40
You can keep your current one, but it is recommended to get a higher wattage PSU so your system isn't overworking your PSU. 400 watts should do you good if you get that video card.

Alright, thanks. Luckily, It's only like $40 on Amazon, so It won't drain my wallet.

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:58 pm
by The Snake 87
Make sure its a trusted company though like Antec or Corsair. Look on Newegg for reviews and specs and compare prices too if you need too.

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:08 pm
by pear40
Make sure its a trusted company though like Antec or Corsair. Look on Newegg for reviews and specs and compare prices too if you need too.

Would I be pushing it with a 350W? Also, If anyone has any specific recommendations it would be much appreciated.

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:41 pm
by The Snake 87
What exactly do you mean pushing it?

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:28 pm
by pear40
What exactly do you mean pushing it?

Would I be risking my computer?

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:55 pm
by The Snake 87
If you get a higher wattage PSU? No, your computer would only draw what it needs from it. Though, just to be safe, you would not want to get a 700 watt PSU if you only need 350 watts or so. But 400 watts should do you plenty and have room to spare.

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:44 pm
by pear40
If you get a higher wattage PSU? No, your computer would only draw what it needs from it. Though, just to be safe, you would not want to get a 700 watt PSU if you only need 350 watts or so. But 400 watts should do you plenty and have room to spare.

Thanks a ton for your help. Is Dynex a reputable company?

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 10:03 pm
by The Snake 87
I honestly would have to say no, I can't seem to find reviews on their power supplies, so I wouldn't.

Newegg, which you probably already know about, is a great source for reviews and parts.

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 1:01 am
by Speed of flight
AAAAHHH!!! If your card asks for a MINIMUM of 300, go BIG! Because you're not going to be asking it to do minimum. You are eventually going to want it to do more than it can draw. Get a PSU that always can put out more than it needs @ MAX, so there's enough for your CPU, your fans, your HDD, the RAM, and anything else that's plugged in. Go big. It can't be that much more for a 600W. It will only take what it needs. For that matter, I'd almost be willing to send you my 550W PSU just to get rid of it! Using ANTEC 850W. The stock one is back in its box. That's a crucial part that you don't want to skimp on, cuz if you plug it all in once, it's a mess to un-do. Best of luck, and happy new year! Hope this helps... :-X

Re: Graphics card help

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 11:58 am
by 757200ba
I agree with speed.
And you also need to think head, in a close (or not) future if you want to update your pc, its one less thing on your mind, and pocket.

So i would go for something with more boost.Nothing less than 600w (for future not for actual condition) ;) :)