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upgrading watts
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Posted by: flaca55
I have a DEll p3 with 1 gig but my video card is outdated. Unfortunately, I can't upgrade my video card becuase I only have 200 measly watts! ouch!
Do you know If I can upgrade my watts with out buying a new computer and if so how do I do this?
Thank you for you time.
Posted by: Aguillar
Yes, buy a new PSU
This link guides you as to your power requrements:
http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/
Do check the size of your existing power supply as proprietary cases can have smaller than standard PSUs in them. If a problem, buy a new case too. Cheap ones come with PSUs in them [wont be a quality PSU though]
Posted by: flaca55
Thanks for the site. It says I should be needing around 322 after I install a new card. So should I buy a 350 or do you think I should invest in more? Also, what is a "good" PSU brand? My current PSU case is 3.5 x 5.9, is that a standard case or do you think I'll have to buy another one?
Posted by: Araym
My Antec 350W ATX that's just sitting out right now measures 3.375"H x 5.875"W x 5.5"D.
In reality, most modern computers don't draw (much) over 200W. I don't reccomend throwing in a 200W PSU just because your UPS only reads your computer running at @180W because that puts a lot of load on the PSU. A lot of cheaper PSUs will advertise at ~300W and then, somewhere on the label, it reads "Total watts should not exceed XXX" or it doesn't break 180W on the "5V+3V=XXX watts"... A solid-brand 300W or 350W will do you just fine. Anything beyond is simply overkill.
As for your upgrade in the first place... Modern video cards rely heavily on your CPU and a 1GHz P3 isn't quite blazing. I didn't start unlocking the full potential out of my GF3 until I got a XP 2000 / 1.667Ghz. Just wanted to throw you a caution sign before you start shelling out money.
If you do buy a PSU, aim for a decent brand. Not saying you have to go out and buy an expensive unit like Antec or Enermax. A Sparkle or Fortron or Source or HEC... etc... Are really sturdy PSUs for a nice price.
Good luck.
Posted by: redwench
fortunately, antec sells cases with power supplies for a decent price.
the current crop of video cards require a 350W min PSU, so dont go under that. if you come up with 322 is your startup draw, i would suggest going to a 400 or higher, simply so you can upgrade without this same problem cropping up again next year. unless youre planning on keeping your computer build until the day you trash it, always buy with upgrades in mind.
Posted by: Visentinel
that website that calcs your PSU requirements lies alot.
my setup measured 410 watts when i had a 300 watt PSU. not possible.
Same similar events with all my Friends to. itd be rite to, they can make more money selling more powerful PSU's than what people really need, its what ide do if i owned a shop and i put a PSU rate page :P
all you need is a 300 or 350 watt psu for almost every setup unless your hardcore overclocking your cpu and you want to bu ya radeon 9800 or something. then 400 or 450 is what u need.
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