I'm a bit new to PC gaming and I'm about to upgrade my outdated computer with another one. All it needs a graphics card. I'm planning to buy a GeForce 8600. The power supply needed is 350 watts. My computer's power supply is 350 watts exactly. Will this be enough or do I need to get a new power supply? (If so can somebody show where t obuy a cheap one that will work?)
Upgrading Question
- Thread starter Neji49
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ChaoticFlame
Posts: 7 +0
Could you post your additional system specs? The wattage ratings for graphics cards doesn't seem to take into account additional non-standard components that would place an "abnormal" strain on a PSU.
High-end gaming motherboards, the latest and greatest multi-core processors, Raptor hard drives, (or just having lots of hard drives) high quantities of RAM, etc. are all examples of factors that will contribute to the draw your system places on a PSU beyond the "normal" expectations.
In fact though, all of these are the things that MAKE a good gaming system.
Get back to us with more info, and don't trust anyone who just makes a PSU recommendation based solely on the graphics card you're getting.
High-end gaming motherboards, the latest and greatest multi-core processors, Raptor hard drives, (or just having lots of hard drives) high quantities of RAM, etc. are all examples of factors that will contribute to the draw your system places on a PSU beyond the "normal" expectations.
In fact though, all of these are the things that MAKE a good gaming system.
Get back to us with more info, and don't trust anyone who just makes a PSU recommendation based solely on the graphics card you're getting.
Okay, I have an intel core duo 2.13 ghz. Currently, I have 2 gb RAM, though I'm thinkging of upgrading it. It has a Maxtor 213 gb hard drive and another 213 gb hard drive(if the power strain isn't too much I'd like to add a SATA hard drive). The motherboard is a Intel® Desktop Board DG965WH. So will I be able to use the card?
ChaoticFlame
Posts: 7 +0
It might work... Might.
Would I do it my own system? Hell no.
I'm really afraid that gaming would put too much strain on a system that's already teetering on the brink of not having enough power, and I can't honestly say that not buying a new PSU is advisable.
You sound like you're very upgrade minded, so I'd look for something starting in the 500W range, but anything over 650W is going to be excessive unless in the future you make major system configuration upgrades.
Would I do it my own system? Hell no.
I'm really afraid that gaming would put too much strain on a system that's already teetering on the brink of not having enough power, and I can't honestly say that not buying a new PSU is advisable.
You sound like you're very upgrade minded, so I'd look for something starting in the 500W range, but anything over 650W is going to be excessive unless in the future you make major system configuration upgrades.
fullmetalvegan
Posts: 122 +1
A 9600/8800GT would use as much power as an 8600 would. A 500-600W PSU would suffice for all three cards. =] I was running two 8800GT in SLI with a Core 2 Quad, 4GB RAM, on 650W.
fullmetalvegan
Posts: 122 +1
Yeah, sure. I forgot to mention. I also have 3 SATA hard drives on my 650W PSU. Hard drives and DVD-RW/peripherals don't use much power at all. Like 20W tops at the most, mostly just around 5W.
500-600W would be enough for what you seem to be planning. Make sure you pick up a 80%+ efficient PSU though, Antec are pretty good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371002&Tpk=antec%2btrio%2b550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007
500-600W would be enough for what you seem to be planning. Make sure you pick up a 80%+ efficient PSU though, Antec are pretty good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371002&Tpk=antec%2btrio%2b550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007
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