Currently im considering buying a computer
http://www.gateway.com/home/products/ret/ret_gt5228.shtml
and upgrading it with the Radeon® X1600 PRO 512MB PCI Express
http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=2826994
The graphic card says the min req is a 350 watt power supply
but the gateway default factory powersupply is a 300watt one
Is it ok to use the graphic card with the factory power supply?
2006-11-21 13:55:15 · 5 answers · asked by hobomagic001 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Obviousely you may run into trouble, but your power supply is close to what your graphic card suggest.
The min for the 350w for the graphic card also takes into account the power usage of the motherboard, so the graphic card will actually use less than 350, and they would have included a generous margin of error in the 350 calculation.
I think you should not buy a new power supply yet as it might be OK. If your power supply fails, or you have problems then get another power supply.
2006-11-21 14:07:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You answered your own question
"The graphic card says the min req is a 350 watt power supply
but the gateway default factory powersupply is a 300watt one"
Nope..it REQUIRES a 350 watt power supply...do you think that means something else?
2006-11-21 13:58:15 · answer #2 · answered by ○Freeman○ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hey hey, with as cheap as psu's are nowadays, just grab a good 500W or so PSU and you'll be sailing along the way. Definitely upgrade though if it says that is the minimum recommended. Beats not upgrading now and having a computer that won't work with your new card...
2006-11-21 17:57:21 · answer #3 · answered by Jason C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this days you should have larger power supply. especially with add on cards. Try using a computer power supply calculator that are around the web
2006-11-21 14:01:05 · answer #4 · answered by beni_gabor 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
get a new power supply... i recently put one with more connectors in, same wattage because all my components said thats what it needed, and the power supply blew... you wont blow a component with extra wattage, but if your sucking to more juice than the power supply can put out you will fry your motherboard
2006-11-21 14:00:02 · answer #5 · answered by cotir2005 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋