Upgrading my video card, new PSU?

**MattJ** · December 13th, 2007, 12:48 PM

Hello, I have a Dell computer and was looking to upgrade my x800 to the x1800xt, and was wondering if I need to buy a new Power Supply. I am a ppooooooor college kid, and dont want to have to spend any more money if what I have will get by. I have a 350w Psu, and the rest of my specs are...

Pentium 4 3.00ghz
Creative soundblaster audigy 2
1 gig of ram
x800gt
Windows XP

and because Im not good with computers, I dont have a clue what else to tell you guys about it. I do have a friend that is decent with them, and also cautioned that if I needed a new power supply, that perhaps it wouldnt fit in my dell case, any info on that would also be appreciated.

Thanks

edit- Im planning on getting the 256mb x1800xt, not the 5, if that makes a difference

**nickslick74** · December 13th, 2007, 01:16 PM

Your computer being a Dell, yes, you will probably have to upgrade the psu if you go with the 1800xt. That 350 may have enough watts, you really should also look at how many amps it supplies on the 12+ volt rail. There should be a chart on the side of your current psu with this data. Take a look and let us know.

Fyi - a decent 400watt Fortron psu with plenty of amps runs about $40 at newegg.

edit - link to the Fortron: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104952
No guarantee it will fit, Dell's can be a bit weird that way. If the current pus say that it is an ATX psu, then you should be okay.

**MattJ** · December 13th, 2007, 01:20 PM

Ill take it down and type up what it says.

40 bucks eh? thats not toooo bad. I figured it would be 80-90, but like ive said before, I dont actually know anything about this kind of stuff.

be back in a bit.

Unregistered · December 13th, 2007, 01:37 PM

there was a lot of mumbo jumbo on that sticker I was looking at, but Ill just give ya what I think you were asking for.

Output
+12vA/ 22.0 A
+12vB/ 22.0 A

Max output on +12vA and 12vB = 28A

Hope thats everything

**MattJ** · December 13th, 2007, 01:37 PM

That last post was me, btw, I forgot to sign in

**nickslick74** · December 13th, 2007, 02:52 PM

Well, I am a bit surprised at the psu tha Dell supplied. It should have enough power to do what you want, but barely. I estimated your total system specs HERE to come up with your systems power requirements. Your amps are good.