Power Supply

[ThatComputerDude]

I have a 250W power supply in my Dimension 8200 (its one of the exceptions that uses a standard power supply). I recently bought a video card that recommends at least 300W. Since my peak is probably over 300W, is it safe to put the card in or should I upgrade the power supply? I know this is probably a dumb question but i don't know anything compared to you guys (that's why I'm asking here).

 

[Aluvus]

What card?

Those recomendations are just guesses. And Dell under-rates their supplies by quite a bit.

 

[ThatComputerDude]

Originally posted by: Aluvus
What card?

Those recomendations are just guesses. And Dell under-rates their supplies by quite a bit.

Radeon 9800SE (im not an intense gamer so it's all I need)

 

[Jiggz]

I would recommend upgrading to a 400W. You can get a half decent 450W PSU from Directron for about $25.00. I was thinking about maybe try it with the exisiting psu but there is a chance you might burn your PSU which could affect the system. I think $25.00 PSU is well worth it.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: DELLman
I have a 250W power supply in my Dimension 8200 (its one of the exceptions that uses a standard power supply). I recently bought a video card that recommends at least 300W. Since my peak is probably over 300W, is it safe to put the card in or should I upgrade the power supply? I know this is probably a dumb question but i don't know anything compared to you guys (that's why I'm asking here).

it has been my experience that video cards manufacturers recommend so many amps per card...

Where does the wattage enter into the picture?

Just asking...

 

[ThatComputerDude]

That's what it says under system requirements: A minimum 300W power supply

I've seen it for many others too

 

[twitchee2]

i 2nd the Forton opinion

 

[Aluvus]

Keep your power supply. You should be fine.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161171

is just an example of a given wattage. i'd suggest a new psu along with your new video card...

 

[Bobthelost]

Originally posted by: Aluvus
Keep your power supply. You should be fine.

Keep your current one, the Dell PSUs aren't bad ones and despite the Pentium you're running you will NOT be even nearing 250W of power draw. Look at the SPCR write up of power distribution, it took a P4 and a 6800 to break the 200W mark at full load.

 

[pkme2]

My friend's computer shop constantly replaces underpowered Dell PSUs and their disastrous results. How Dell keeps putting out underpowered PSUs like Gateway, eMachines; I'm at a loss. If the video card manufacturer recommends a higher powered PSU, how can anyone in good sense, disregard that fact. Nvidia/ATI recommends higher power, especially if one uses their cards. Your Dell definitely need a PSU upgrade in my opinion and since you have no warranty, can you ignore that fact.

If you want to play Russian Roulette, that's your forte. Having the possibility that one can have a burnt out card and possible mobo problems, etc; I wouldn't want to go there.
Well here's my two cents, some may find my opinion not acceptable, but what the heck, some things need to be said. Good Luck

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161171

is just an example of a given wattage. i'd suggest a new psu along with your new video card...

He has a DELL and that requires a specialized PSU. The only place to get a quality aftermarket PSU is from PC Power and Cooling.

http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/dell/

 

[ThatComputerDude]

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161171

is just an example of a given wattage. i'd suggest a new psu along with your new video card...

He has a DELL and that requires a specialized PSU. The only place to get a quality aftermarket PSU is from PC Power and Cooling.

http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/dell/

I already told you my dell is one of the exceptions. It uses a standard power supply.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Originally posted by: DELLman

I already told you my dell is one of the exceptions. It uses a standard power supply.

You're assuming the people that respond to posts in this forum actually read and comprehend the entire post.

I'd stick with the Dell PSU unless you encounter problems after the video card upgrade (artifacts, locks.) These problems may occur due to voltage sag because a rail is overloaded.

Dell PSU's tend to be engineered for the build with correct rail distribution and realistic environment temperatures. In most cases, if you were to go out and buy a 400W power supply, you'd probably end up moving sideways instead of up!

One of the requirements Dell puts on a manufacturer before using their PSU's is overvoltage and short circuit protection, so even if the PSU is overloaded to the point of self destruction, you're probably not going to hurt anything.