What exactly would/could happen?
2007-10-01 20:34:10 · 6 answers · asked by unknown 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
If 300W PSU has a weak +12V rail, it will just be black screen after you power ON. If the +12V rail is strong, the PC will display POST and possibly even BIOS menu. BUT once it loads Windows with the blue scrolling bar, display would shut off. The video card is in low load when displaying DOS text or 2D. It kicks to full load when displaying movement or 3D.
Don't just get any 350W PSU. Get one with strong +12V rail, 16 amps or higher.
2007-10-01 23:41:34 · answer #1 · answered by Karz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you even think of doing this?
For one, if you plug in that card...your warranty is probably void. Next, it may not receive all the power it needs and will brown out or have voltage drops that may damage the electronics on the video card itself, the motherboard, or other devices that are plugged into your power supply.
Just go out and get yourself a higher wattage PSU for peace of mind. 400W units are not going to break the bank, and you'll get the power you need for your entire system.
Yes, there is a chance that little could be damaged. One can look up specific power requirements of their entire computer and see if it falls under your 350W peak limit at full load. But if your power supply is even 80% close, you need a new one.
GET A NEW POWER SUPPLY! Go to newegg.com, zipzoomfly, axiontech, or other websites if you are going to order online. You can do a price search in google products for a 350W or 400W PSU or you can do the same via Tom's Hardware (http://www.tomshardware.com) "price comparison" option. Local computer stores and Best Buy also carry those devices. So you can also check their websites if you need the thing ASAP.
Do not ruin a nice new video card. If it claims "requires 350W power supply", it is at least a Geforce 7600+ one.
If you know friends that build computers, you may even ask if they have one laying around. I have replaced 350 + 400 watt units in cases with 500+ watt ones on many occasions and had the old ones simply laying around going unused.
So here is what you can do if you want to be safe: Look up the voltage requirements of your main board, RAM, Video Card, Sound Card and network card (if they are all on-board, the motherboard requirements will be all), any CD-ROM/DVD drives, and USB peripherals.
If that falls under 280W, you are OK. If it is above, you're playing with fire. If it is over 350...don't even try it.
Don't forget your A drive (if you got one)!!!
2007-10-01 20:45:35 · answer #2 · answered by Mullah Mike 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
u should be ok, most psu are underrated so 350w on a psu listed at 300w should work.
at worst if it doesnt work ur pc just wont start up completely or it will shut down in the middle of games but it wont blow up or anythin.
dont listen to the other posts below me who say ur cause dmg. while its true that possibility exists but in ur case the wattage difference is very minor and that is unlikely to happen.
2007-10-01 20:43:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you would burn out your PC, just like one time I thought I could substitute a Commodore 64 power supply for an Atari GS power supply, wow was I wrong. They were both the same voltage but something was way different that was the last time my Atari GS ever worked again, I fried it!
2007-10-01 20:45:02 · answer #4 · answered by Wade C 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you would experience that the machine restarts constalty as it does not have enough power ( wattage ) to power all of the devices or it would not turn on at all.
I would suggest that you at least get a 400 watt or more power supply and replace the one you have.
2007-10-01 21:32:12 · answer #5 · answered by gecko_au2003 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know, why wont you try it and let us know? :D
2007-10-01 20:36:37 · answer #6 · answered by sara c 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋