graphics card power! HELP!!

[AlwaysAce]

Hi,

i have recently bought my pc and i would like to upgrade my graphics card, the problem i'm having is that the current power supply in my computer is 250w maximum output.

the 6800gt/ultra or x850xt cards i'm looking at use minimum power supplies of 300w/350w respectivley.

i dont want to have to mess around changing my power supply so if anyone has any alternative ideas they can share with me, i'd really appreciate it.

thanks!

[Ciaran]

You will need a new PSU. No way around it.

If its a dell or some other prebuilt PC it might not have a standard size PSU, so it won't be as simple as buying a new one and sticking it in.

[AlwaysAce]

http://www.packardbell.co.uk/product...ber=pb13307401

its this one

[AlwaysAce]

so the potential upgradeability of this system is next to none?


this is all you need to hear after shelling out ?700

[Roost]

He did say might...

[Ciaran]

I don't know if there is any easy way to check so just grack it open and put a tape across it. A standard one is about (HxWxD in mm): 85 x 150 x 140

If it comes to the worst a quick cut with a dremel and a bit of mecano should solve your problem. Worked for my brother for 3 years

[AlwaysAce]

the measurements you gave me match my current power supply! yey!

well give or take a couple of mm.

is it difficult to replace the power supply? i've only added/removed pci/agp devices before

or should i take it into my local pc shop for a price?

[Roost]

Piece of piss!

[AlwaysAce]

ok so its easy to install the power supply, but what about connecting all the components to the power supply? are the voltage/watts values on each wire?

and can someone recommend me a brand model, for around the ?50 mark.

cheers for all your advice people!

[Ciaran]

To replace the psu all you have to do is unplug everything inside, remove 4 screws. Put in new psu replace screw and cables

Each connector is moulded so it can only go in the right slot.

Any PSU by antec or Tagan would suit you perfectly and 350-400w would be more than enough. Stay away from cheap brands like Q-tec, they cause more trouble than their worth.

[Hohum]

Yes, avoid cheap and nasty PSUs - if something goes bad with those it's highly likely to take out your expensive computer equipment with it.

[AlwaysAce]

would 350 - 400w be enough for any graphics card on the market? and also when i eventually upgrade to pure pci-e will there be enough wattage for sli mode?


thats my very last question, thank you so much!

sorry if i sound really noobish.

[Jei]

Yes, unless it's an SLI rig with 2 of the things in.

[AlwaysAce]

ok what wattage for a potential sli rig? 500w?

[Jei]

I know that the recommended for an SLI rig with 2 6800GT's is 400.

The 430 tagen is ideal, or go for the 480 like i did