I’ve been looking into getting a new video card to replace my Nvidia 8500GT, but first I have to upgrade my power supply (I have a 350 Watt, most cards say they need more).
I don’t know that much about power supplies, though. What’s a good wattage to look into? Other than having the right connectors and size, what do I need to make sure is compatible with my computer? What’s a good brand to look into that won’t break my wallet?
Thanks.
What card are you getting and whats ur comps specs.
You probably wouldn’t need a power supply larger than 600W. That said, it’s dependent on what else you’ve got in the system. Yes, the video card draws a significant chunk of power, but your requirements should also be based on how much power your processor, hard drives, CD/DVD drives, etc. collectively use. This normally isn’t a whole lot, but it’s better to have some significant headway than having your computer starved for power.
There’s also the issue of how many amps that are running on the 12V, 5V, and 3.3V rails. Most definitely, you’ll want a power supply with at least a dual 12V rail with high amp ratings, since those feed the most power hungry areas of the computer.
Another thing you’ll need to look for is the form factor. Most computers use the ATX form factor, but some pre-built vendors use MicroATX, BTX, or their own proprietary one.
As for quality brands, I’d recommend Antec and OCZ. There are others out there, but I’ve never had issues with these manufacturers.
Corsair
Alright, thanks. And I’m looking into an XFX Geforce 9800GT. I don’t need a killer system, I just want games to run a little smoother.
Specs are:
Pentium 4 631 processor
350 Watt Power supply
1 Gig of RAM (probably getting more)
Vista 32 Bit
Geforce 8500GT video card
There are things like this out there that can tell you what sort of wattage you’ll need (tho this particular one doesn’t do the Amps calculations in the free version).
Wow, thats a really great tool. Anyway going to get a 450 or 500 Watt supply, and make sure it has enough amps on the rails and everything. This way I can get a new card and be able to thoroughly enjoy the mod when its released. 
I would personally go with a 690 - 750 watt psu so u can have some upgradibility but not go overkill since ur running a pretty basic setup.
You should be able to use this until the end of eternity (Duke Nukem Forever).
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004
inb4 MTL
700W is REALLY overkill. You might also consider getting something like a Geforce 9600 and upgrading other components, since you’re probably not going to realize the 9800’s full potential with the components you have.
Yeah, I’m getting 2 gigs of RAM anyway. I could also upgrade my processor. Maybe a core 2 duo, I know my MB and everything could take that. Any suggestions?
I’m using an E4500 because they are famous for overclocking(mine goes to 3.2ghz) but you could also look into the Core 2 Duo E8400 because it’s even more legendary for overclocking.
Antec Earthwatts are the most inexpensive high end power supplies check it out:
Antec Earthwatts 650Watt (84$)
Yeah I don’t need a monster processor. Frankly I don’t need a monster anything, as long as it goes a little faster I’ll be satisfied.
That 750W powersupply I mentioned is really good, with it you’ll be able to use even the most highend card (from ATI max intake 300W) and you would still have enough juice to put in 5 more hard drives on top of all that. At local computer stores it would be 130$ and since you won’t be using it to its full capacity it would last a LONG time like 20 years probably.
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