I recently bought a HP a6009n computer and also bought 2GB of RAM.
Now I want to buy a XFX GeForce 8500 GT video card, but I don't know how compatible it is with my computer.
I'm not sure what the a6009n's power supply is, but I've heard it's only 250W. I've also heard the 8500 GT needs at least 300W, so should I buy a new power supply unit along with the video card?
Can anyone give me some definite values for the video card's power supply requirement or the a6009n's PSU?
2007-07-04 10:41:26 · 3 answers · asked by alex 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
Jake: I found the PSU requirements for the video card at http://computers.pricegrabber.com/video-cards/m/35861039/details/ut=4683d8b9d44b8c19
2007-07-04 11:04:26 · update #1
I looked at various sites and none mention how much power source is installed in this desktop. Best thing is to grab a screwdriver and unscrew the cover on the desktop. There should be a box inside from where all the wires go out to the different components of the computer. This box is the power source. It should have a sticker on it which should show what the power supply is. If not, you may have to call HP as I don't even see it on their website. My guess is it should be about 300w which should be okay if you are not using multiple hard drives and so on. The implication of being under powered is that your computer will crash or the game will freeze if there is not enough power to power the graphics card. You could buy a power supply for somewhere around $30-40 cdn (might be cheaper in US) or you could disconnect your other hard drives not needed when playing the game (cheaper alternative). Hope this helps.
2007-07-04 11:14:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to your computer's specs, it has a PCI-E x16 slot available for that very reason: upgrading to a better video card. Unfortunately, you're correct about the power supply. 300W is what that card needs, and I would go a little higher just to give you a better safety net. I don't know if HP's power supplies are proprietary or not, but a good way to check is its shape and connector to the motherboard. If it's not to ATX standard, you'll have to upgrade it through HP. The ATX standard is below.
2007-07-04 11:07:09 · answer #2 · answered by Jago 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
idk but the 8500 does not require a separate power cable, so it should be able to work in ur system. i cant find out the power requirements for the card newhere
2007-07-04 10:52:33 · answer #3 · answered by Jake 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋