Advice on getting a new graphics card?

[Ziggy]

Usually the info is on a sticker on the visible side of the power supply (when you open the case). If not, you'll have too look up on the manufacture's site (Dell, Compaq, etc).

This is what I was talking about earlier, stock PSU are absolute trash!

[Niode]

You can find it on the PSU it will be a sticker with al the info on it.

250W is not enough for the rest of your system PLUS that graphics card. You're going to have to upgrade your PSU. Sorry.

[Ziggy]

If you drop the video card in there as-is you'll probably be able to turn your computer on and boot to the desktop, and probably be able to browse Windows and the Internet. But your computer will be struggling for power, which is not good. And I bet that, assuming you were able to boot to the desktop, that if you launched a game your computer would freeze, restart, or shut down.

When ever some one wants to upgrade their video card on a computer like this I always tell them to upgrade the PSU as well. And I know it sucks, but I wouldn't bother spending anything less than $80 on a good quality PSU. You can get a 700w power supply for $20 or $30, but you'll regret it. Even if you don't notice, I guarantee that your computer wont be running as good as it would with a good quality power supply.

I recommend Enermax or Thermaltake only. I recently picked out 2 Enermax and 2 Thermaltake PSUs for a friend with similar requirements. I have the IMs logged, so I pulled up the links for them. Two of them are "currently unavailable" but here's the other two if you're interested...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817194048

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817153104

They both have mail in rebates right now.

[Niode]

I bought a Corsair 750W TX for my P5Q-Deluxe, Q6600, 4GB 1066mhz Corsair high performance low-cas ram, HD4870 with 2 1TB drives and an optical drive + Wireless N pci card. That's more than enough power but it's a very stable system even whilst overclocked. The Q6600 is stable at 3.8GHz but I run it at 3.5GHz to keep the heat and noise to an appropriate level. The HD4870 is overclocked to 850mhz core and 1200mhz memory could probably get it to go further but the CCC overclocking utility won't go any further.

The Corsair TX series are very good power supplies and very reasonably priced. They have been well reviewed on many websites.

[Hatta]

When you swap out your power supply, take a second to compare the weight of the old and new one. You'll be surprised at how hefty a good power supply is compared to stock.

The brands mentioned so far are good. I can also recommend Antec or BFG. Make sure you get one that's 80PLUS certified. More efficiency means better design and more consistent output.

You do not need a 700W power supply. 400-500 should be plenty unless you plan on sticking a ton of hard drives in there. It's often easier to find quality power supplies in higher wattages, and extra watts available is never a bad thing. Your power supply delivers only what your computer needs.

[Hobie-wan]

The brands mentioned so far are good. I can also recommend Antec or BFG.

I was going to recommend Antec as another good brand earlier as well, I was just too busy to go find reviews.

[isaacsquared]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

Would that be adequate? I just don't know anything about what kind of 12V rail specs I should look for, didn't know they even existed before this thread hehe. Thanks.

[Niode]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

Would that be adequate? I just don't know anything about what kind of 12V rail specs I should look for, didn't know they even existed before this thread hehe. Thanks.

It's not the most efficient power supply out there but it's fairly cheap and has enough amps on the 12v rail (35A to be exact) for an 8800GT if you decide to get that particular card. Beware of the poor reviews stating reliability issues, DOAs and poor lifespan. Read a few professional reviews before plumping for a PSU. They really are the heart of your system, and a poor quality ticker will cause no end of problems for the components of your system, just like in real life.

[isaacsquared]

Where might I go about finding reliable reviews?

[Hobie-wan]

Where might I go about finding reliable reviews?

http://www.hardocp.com/
http://www.jonnyguru.com/

Dunno if either of those will have a review of that specific power supply, but they're both good places to look at with good reviews beyond just shoving a PS in a PC and seeing if the machine turns on.