Posted: 10/8/2006 9:09:25 PM EDT
| Ok, ive figured out which video card i want to get, only problem is that is says it requires at least 400W for use. Now, i know my computer only has 250W, so do i need to get an external power supply? If so, how do i know which one to get, and how does it work? |
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You will need to buy a new internal Power Supply. Generally, speaking; computer supplies can be interchanged pretty easily, unless you are running a prebuilt system that has an odd sized powersupply. You will also need to know what type of connections your motherboard has. |
You should just have to worry about 20 pin versus 24 pin for your motherboard, just count the pins on the cord that connects to your motherboard. More then likely if it's a dell it's probably only a 20 pin, The new one should have a 20pin plus an extra 4 pin that I believe just connects with the 20 pin to make a "single" 24pin. Good luck. |
Can't tell if your being sarcastic or not, so I'll go with you not. 400 watts is about standard for todays equipment. Good vid cards will really drain the system resources and needs lots of juice to operate properly. As for the 20+4 connectors, the Antecs generally speaking, will have a 20 pin plus an extra 4 pin that will snap onto the 20 pin so it will work with either one. If this is an SLI card, it may have it's own connector so you will need a SLI ready Power supply. |
I just rechecked and its not an SLI card, so i guess im golden. Thanks for the heads up. |
Wow you had better not that a look at these 1 kilowatt power supplies. Before you know it we all will need naquadah generators or better yet, Zero Point Modules to power our gaming computers. |
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What video card are you getting? The Radeon X1900XT I just bought needs 30A on the 12v rail, for example. I had to get a 535w power supply w 2 12v rails, each with 22a. Depending on the card you're getting, you could need a bunch more power. Most newer cards also need a 6 pin power connector direct from the power supply. |
I wasn't being sarcastic. I have never build a computer that was used for a big stereo system, so I wasn't aware that the mfgr.s were making that large a powere supply. Guess things slipped by since I build my old 286... time to upgrade... 
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Ok, that explains lots. Yeah, power is now a major concern in today's computers. A good power supply can help a stabile compuder. 
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Yep. My SLI capable 600 watt power supply is considered a medium weight power supply. It handled two 7900GT cards in SLI and a shit load of fans just fine though. 2nd Generation DX10 cards are supposedly going to use MUCH less power. |
