Time for a graphics card.

[mmm240]

I've been reading the reviews on newegg about the 4650 and it sounds really good. It plugs right into the 4pin PSU; which leads me to believe that it was designed to be used with smaller PSUs.

[Crazyirish]

ati/amd's website lists a minimum of 400 watts for the 4600 series as well. Unfortunately it doesn't mention anything about the amperage requirements. Which is odd since I remember that being a big deal when I was trying to decide on a video card / power supply combo for my last build.

[mmm240]

I ordered the 4650. This one to be exact:http://www.newegg.com/Product/...61262

After all the reviews I read, no one had any problems with the supplied PSU that came with their tower. I know that they vary, but those who purchased this card were running off integrated video; which is what I'm running, so I'm sure they are all about the same. Some even stated their PSU went from running in the 60 watt range to 70 watt range. And some are now running in the 100 watt range. That works for me.

thanks for the help, I'll let you know how it goes when I receive it.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

I went from an HP 1114n and upgrated the gfx card to a 7950GT a year ago. The stock PSU would not power it. The card also required a special 6-pin PCI-express power input in addition to the power though the slot. As I traded my old gfx card to the guy to purchase the new one, in addition to the 100 bucks, I had to go out and buy a GreenPower PSU rated at 600 watts with two 6pin outputs for another hundred and twenty bucks. I figure your experience may be similar to mine. Of course, your card might not need the extra power input but it never hurts to be ready.

Computers used to be so much less complicated

[mmm240]

Computers used to be so much less complicated

From my searching I've gathered that I should be just fine. It'll hook up with my PSU no problem

[mmm240]

Came in the other day; plugged in real easy. Command and conquer plays great! I don't think the C&C games push it much though. I gotta get a game or two that does.

[Crazyirish]

What other kinda games are you into?

[mmm240]

I like most any game. I like what's good; not necessarily a genre. If it's a shooter, I prefer the use of a controller though.

[Crazyirish]

If it's a shooter, I prefer the use of a controller though.

Intersting. If its a shooter I am exactly the opposite. Put a controller in my hand and I'm terrible. Put a mouse in my hand and I'm decent. (assuredly not awesome though) Replaying Jedi Academy now and recently aquired X3 The Terran Conflict. X3 would definitely give your card a run for its money on maximum settings.

[mmm240]

I've never heard of the game you are explaining.

I started gaming on consoles, so I'm familiar with controllers

[szh]

It's 300watts

'Combined power +12v2 and +12v1 not exceed 20 amp'

I gotta look a little closer at the connectors. Lotsa crap in my way

Hmmm ... a 300W power supply may be too low for this application. Particularly if you have a higher performance CPU and more than one disk drive.

If you start encountering problems, I'd also spend some money on a better power supply for sure!

Z