If a graphics card says "At least 350 Watts in power supply"Should you get one that is a bit over the 350 min.

Question

What price range should i be looking at?

Answer 1

Yes. Probably 400 to 500 watts.

Good power supplies are usually between 40 and 75 dollars. You may be able to find them slightly cheaper on Newegg.

Answer 2

Keep in mind that most power supplies (p/s) are rated by maximum output. So a "350 watt max output" p/s will not do the job. Also, going a "bit over the 350 min[imum]" may not do any good, either. Go with something significantly higher to handle the new card and any future upgrades; I'd suggest a 500-watt unit. Prices vary, depending on what your computer's needs are (bring the current p/s to the store), but a quick look on the 'net suggest an average of about $35.

A few things to keep in mind:

1) The new p/s may be larger than your computer's chassis, so, unless you're willing to keep the outer shell permanently removed and/or saw-off any struts that might prevent the new unit from fitting, find a unit with a smaller wattage or smaller chassis.

2) Not all computer power supplies are meant for all computers! There is no standard arrangement for plugs, connections, wiring, etc. As I wrote, above, bring the current p/s to the store (FWIW, when I needed to trade-up my p/s, none of my nationally-known computer retailer's displayed p/s units would fit my computer, either in dimension or in connection layout! The salesman looked at my unit, and, after spending 15 minutes (!), dug up a near-perfect new one up from the back of the store! It was in a plain brown box, had no "bells and whistles", such as circuit breaker protection, or pretty (but totally useless) lights, and it was just a hair larger than my computer chassis (as I discovered when I got home), but it turned out to be perfect for my needs, and has been working fine for the past 3 years!).

3) Power supplies are potentially dangerous, even when not plugged-in. If you don't know what you're doing, take it to someone who does! Most electronics stores and computer retailers will do it for you at a nominal charge.

Answer 3

Definetly yes.

Check this out. Tigerdirect.com has a sell on Ultra brand powersupplys going on now. I just bought the 500 watt for only 35 bucks. That is a steal considering just how pricey these things can get.

Answer 4

I recommend 450w for most tower computers. This provides more than enough power for all the components on your motherboard as well as cd/dvd drives and USB peripherals. I would recommend power supplies manufactured by the company Antec. You can probably find them for under $100, though I haven't seen prices on them lately and could be wrong.

You can also check your motherboard/processor manufacturer's website, as they often have recommended power supplies listed there.

Answer 5

Yes, and inorder to make sure you are on the safe side, 400-450W is your best choice.