PSU/Video Card Question

[VoX95]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums and not very computer-savvy if you know what I mean. I have a dilemma I hope you can help me figure out. 1st off here are my system specs:
2.8p4 ht, 2x512 3200ram, 120gig seagate hd, radeon 9800pro, onboard sound card, cd/dvd burner, abit it7v2 AGP 4x mobo

Now I want to upgrade my video card to a ATi x800XL 256mb but I'm not sure if my power supply unit can handle it. Currently it is a Enlight 300W psu. Here are some stats for it----> Input: 115V---6A 230V---3A
Frequency: 50-60 Hz
Max Load 300W

If I have to, I will go get a new psu but Id rather not if I didnt have to. BTW, what would happen if my current psu couldnt handle the new video card?

[liam858]

Welcome to VDr

I doubt you could run that card along with all your other components on a 300w PSU.

what would happen if my current psu couldnt handle the new video card?

If you tried to run it and it could not handle it the PSU would die, basically

Where abouts in the world are you? so that i can get you some links for replacement PSU's near to where you are.

If you are in the UK i would say get an Antec 450w-ish for around £50.


Liam

[VoX95]

I live in Atlanta, GA down here in the south. I've been researching this problem for a couple of days now and I keep getting the same replies....to buy a psu of about 400-450W from either Antec, ThermalTake, or Coolermaster. Well, thanks for your advice, looks like I'll be going to newegg.com to shop around for a new psu.

[liam858]

One step ahead of you: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103924



Liam

[VoX95]

Great looking PSU but its a little too out of my price range. I m looking to spend about $60-70 on a new psu. Any more recommendations Liam?

[liam858]

One under budget: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153005

And one slightly over: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103908


Liam

[rbc1100]

I have used both Thermaltake and Antec in many builds. I have Antecs powering both my systems right now with a 480Watt Thermaltake in the box as a back up. Both are good units.

[SuperSparks]

Cheap power supplies are a false economy - they don't give their rated output, and what they do give is often unstable. The net result is that you can get all kinds of difficult to diagnose problems.

It really is worth spending the money on a good quality power supply.

http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20040122/index.html

http://www4.tomshardware.com/howto/2...pplies-05.html

http://www4.tomshardware.com/howto/20030609/index.html

http://www4.tomshardware.com/column/20011012/index.html

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1774

[noid]

Would like to add that you need to check that the PSU fan is in the right location, i.e. pointing up or out the back. Even a fan is for ATX there is not obvious indication of the fan location (had to send one back because of that)

Noid