power suply

[Ripwalk]

alright. i know nothing about computers, and i was thing about getting a video card ati 98 p...and i need the 300w power suply. I looked in my computer to look at it, i got a DR-B300ATX and on it it says 300w on it and it also says 280w consumption or sumthing like that. do i got a 300 or 280 power suply? tnx for helpin a newb.

 

[nork]

I believe that means its rated at 300 watt but what you actually get is only 280 watts, but, that should be ok anyway, unless you have a ton of fans running, 280 watts is more than enough. People will tell you that you need 350 and 400 watts, but HP sells new computers with burners, etc, etc, lights, etc, with power supply of 200 watts and i have heard even less.

 

[nork]

What video card is that, can you give more info on the vid card?
Where does it say you need 300 watt power supply?

 

[LiLithTecH]

The 280 rating means it is able to provide 280 watts of CONTINUOUS POWER, but
can achieve 300 PEAK at a givin load.

Newer PC's from HP, Compaq, Gateway, Dell, etc. are designed using components
once only fitted in laptops (for lower power consumption), and can get by with less power.
But then they are likely to be less upgradable in the future (unless you purchase from the
original manufacturer).