How do you tell what wattage your PSU is?

[Scott78945]

I just got a new Gateway system and I am looking to put a video card into it as it comes with the integrated Intel 900, which I am sure is crap. When browsing Newegg many state that I need at least a 350 watt PSU. I took the side of the case off but I cannot see anywhere as to what the wattage is of this unit. How do I tell? Is there a way that I can tell from Windows?

 

[mgob]

uh... open up the case and look at the PSU?

 

[Scott78945]

Uh, if you read my post I told you that I did and you can't see anything. Nothing is labeled. Read before you go sarcastic on someone.

 

[RiDE]

What model Gateway?

 

[Scott78945]

Its states its a GX701SE. I don't believe its on their site. The computer was boughten through HSN.com.

Link to computer specs on HSN.com

I assume that it has to be at least 300 watts. I was hoping for the 350 but I highly doubt it.

 

[RiDE]

Well this one has a 300W and it has what looks like the same specs as yours. You're right maybe it is 300W.

The next one up has a P4 830, 320GB HD, and a 400W PSU.

 

[Jiggz]

Before assuming that you're gonna need a new PSU it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and install the new video card and see if the system even boots. If the system boots then go with the driver installation. If you encounter problem, which most likely will occur during boot time since this is the time where power requirement peaks, then maybe you will need a new PSU. For PSU, you'll try to get the biggest and the baddest that you can afford. Now don't be miscarried, bigger is not necessarily better.

 

[alimoalem]

gateway must be going pretty cheap if they don't give u at least 350w for that setup, especially at nearly $1600. go with the previous poster, just try out the new card

 

[Scott78945]

Ok, thanks guys. I guess that I will get a video card that will only require at least 350 watts as I know that there is no way its a 400 watter in the sytem. I wanted the 7800GT but I will definately have to upgrade as they requires a 400 watt PSU. I didn't know that if there wasn't enough power that it wouldn't boot up.

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, There should be a label on the supply someplace, but definitely does not show in your case. Sometimes you can take the screws out and manuver the PS so you can see the lable without unplugging everything. If not, you will have to completely remove it. If the label doesn't show the wattage it may show individual output wattages. Add them up. If no wattages are shown then Watts=Volts X current. Calculate and add. Luck, Jim