Dell PSU Issues

[DngrMouse]

I was on the verge of ordering a Radeon 9700 Pro until I remembered that my computer was a Dell and that the power supply (I suspect it is only 250W) will not run it. So, I decided on a Gainward GF4 Ti4600. Now I'm not sure if 250W will even be enough for that.

I am running...

Dell Dimension 4400
DVD
CD-RW
30GB HDD
SBLive Value!
2 sticks 256MB DDR-2100 RAM
P4 1.7Ghz

currently with a GeForce 2 MX400.

I would like to know if:

a) The GeForce 4 Ti4600 will work well with a 250W PSU.
b) If there is any way I can upgrade the Dell PSU without replacing the case and motherboard (I would like to upgrade to around 350W).

 

[Lizardman]

The only way to replace the power supply is to get a new dell brand one. If I were you I would call up dell and ask them if it would work. Make sure you get the persons name who you talk too.

 

[nardvark]

Dell's rating system is much more conservative than normal. All of their recent desktop lines ship with a PSU they rate at 250W, but in actuality it will function like a standard 350W supply.
Lots of Dell owners with Dimension 8100's, 4500's, 4400's, etc...(recent models) are running R9700's now, as well as GF4 Ti4600's. Either should run fine with your PSU.
If you don't believe just me, hop over to the Dell forums and look in the Video board, I just checked over there because you piqued my curiosity and this question has been coming up a lot.

 

[DngrMouse]

Hmm... sounds good.