What would happen?

**Crazian** · February 12th, 2005, 09:16 PM

I just got the graphics card today that i ordered. I am worried about installing it because i dont know what my power is. The card recommends a 350 watt power supply. How would i check to see how much watts i currently have available? And what would happen if i have less power available than what the card recommended and i tried to install it and use it?

**GroundZero3** · February 12th, 2005, 09:18 PM

look on the back of the computer where you plug the computer and it should tell you some information about the powersupply. Search the model number of the powersupply on google.

If you put in a card that doesnt provide enough power, during gaming and other activities it can crash the computer.

**Crazian** · February 12th, 2005, 09:20 PM

Ok so i should make sure i have enough power before using it.

**rpertusio** · February 12th, 2005, 09:20 PM

The power supply should have a sticker with it's rating on it. At the very least it might have a model number which you can look up.

If your PSU is underpowered, you could either
(1) not boot up at all, or boot with a blank screen...
(2) you could boot up fine, but you'd see strange glitches with the machine/video card

- rp

**GroundZero3** · February 12th, 2005, 09:21 PM

well you could get away with running it just with windows, but gaming and etc i wouldnt run it till i know i have enough power to support the card.

one of the things you should of checked out before you purchased the card.

**Crazian** · February 12th, 2005, 09:23 PM

Yeah, i was looking but i couldnnt find anything about the watts i need for it. I probably didnt look hard enough.

**JPMiller** · February 12th, 2005, 09:59 PM

You will have to take the side off the computer and somewhere on the PSU will be a sticker with the info...
I do not suggest installing the card till you know either way.
its even possible you will have to remove the PSU from the case, I have seen instances where the sticker was not available on the side facing out.

Another test either before or after installing the card is to use EverestHome to view your voltage values...

**Crazian** · February 12th, 2005, 10:07 PM

can anyone give me a link to a good cheap psu for 350 - 420 watts

**Crazian** · February 12th, 2005, 10:17 PM

When a computer crashes what exactly happens? Like will i loose anything saved or what?

**noony** · February 12th, 2005, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Crazian

can anyone give me a link to a good cheap psu for 350 - 420 watts

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...159-023&DEPA=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-486&depa=0

**GroundZero3** · February 12th, 2005, 10:18 PM

where do you live?

if you are in the US i suggest www.newegg.com

As for the crash many of the times it will reboot the computer. Sometimes it will corrupt the operating system.

**cunokyle** · February 12th, 2005, 10:20 PM

Here is a good one for under $50
http://www.ditcorp.com/ZONES/Itemdesc.asp?CartId={D60830BE-0C4B-4C98-8EVERESTD66-FED5133FE2AD}&ic=PWSDVN400WF3&eq=&Tp=

It is a Devanni 400watt power supply.

I have a Devanni DeForce DP 368X-LD BMA(not the one in link) and have been extremeley happy with it. You could try to find one of those as well.

**mr.jiggyfly** · February 12th, 2005, 10:30 PM

I think it'll run fine if you don't stress the video card, assuming that your power supply isn't enough.

I recommend just installing it and running some games to see if it goes unstable. No need to spend money if it works right?

**Crazian** · February 12th, 2005, 10:30 PM

What about this?

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...171-002&DEPA=0

**GroundZero3** · February 12th, 2005, 10:31 PM

Mr. Jiggy i agree, i would try it out first. If you have no problems you should be fine.

If you get reboots then you know you should look into a power issue

**JPMiller** · February 12th, 2005, 10:32 PM

theres no need to spend so much... the quality and +12V rail is the main thing...
My suggestions for a replacement on a budget...
Minimum and cheapest... $35 shipped
Second choice for a little more... = $43 shipped

**Crazian** · February 12th, 2005, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by mr.jiggyfly

I think it'll run fine if you don't stress the video card, assuming that your power supply isn't enough.

I recommend just installing it and running some games to see if it goes unstable. No need to spend money if it works right?

Well i guess i could try this. I want to be able to play ut2k4 so maybe it would work. I just dont want it to crash because zero (look up near top) said it might corrupt my computer.

**GroundZero3** · February 12th, 2005, 10:33 PM

it might, i have had my system reboot (power going out and other reasons) with no problems.

its a hit and a miss. DIdnt mean to scare you, just give you a heads up

**JPMiller** · February 12th, 2005, 10:38 PM

yeah.. sure .. thats best case scenario...
worst case... you hear a pop/sizzle and smell plastic burning... OOOOPS, theres goes $300 to $600 worth of hardware...
at least use everesthome to see what your values are at now and then right after the upgrade...
its simple and fast and will tell you if your even running near level now.... let alone after the upgrade...