Putting mid-range GPU into retail computer

[ProfJohn]

I would really like to add a 7600gt or x850xt to my new Gateway, but it only has a 300w PSU.

These cards seem to ask for 400w or more of power, does that mean the GPU won't work in my machine at all? Could it be that the PSU will produce more than it is rated or the card will not really draw that much power.

Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[Golgatha]

What CPU do you have and does your PS list how many amps the 12V+ rail has? You'll need this info to make an educated guess.

 

[Powermoloch]

I would rather stick with the 7600GT just to be in a safe side, and not to worry about connecting it to a molex connecter since it didn't need one to begin with . I installed my 7600GT KO in a dell 5150 with a 305 Watt PSU :evil:

works great since then.

 

[orangat]

Whats your current video card? It depends on how strong your 12V rail is.

 

[ProfJohn]

My computer is a Gateway gt5056.

I have no idea where to find amps on the 12v+ rail and all that. Someone educate me on where to look.

link to specs.
http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/1008835/1008835nv.shtml

Right now I am using just the on board graphics. Bought a 7300gt, but the 7600gt seems SOOO much better.

 

[schneiderguy]

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
My computer is a Gateway gt5056.

I have no idea where to find amps on the 12v+ rail and all that. Someone educate me on where to look.

link to specs.
http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/1008835/1008835nv.shtml

Right now I am using just the on board graphics. Bought a 7300gt, but the 7600gt seems SOOO much better.

15amps on the 12v rail.... it SHOULD be fine with a 7600gt

 

[ProfJohn]

thanks schneiderguy.

Tough question, what is the worse thing that can happen if I put the 7600gt into my system?

Fry something, or just not work?

 

[RajunCajun]

You shouldn't have any problems. My $120 XFX 7600GT XXX from Buy.com went right into my Dell Dim 4700 also with a 305W psu and PCIe. My previous Leadtek 6600GT needed a PCI slot cooler fan blowing right on it to be stable. In went the XFX, out went the fan cooler, and everything is just fine. Fired up COD2, FarCry, HL2, HL2-Ep 1, etc and eveything ran great maxed out at 1680x1050 (Dell 2005FPW).

Worst thing that would happen is the 7600 would have low-power issues. You can't hurt anything to try, but I believe you'll be OK!

 

[schneiderguy]

Originally posted by: ProfJohn

Tough question, what is the worse thing that can happen if I put the 7600gt into my system?

your power supply explodes and your whole system gets fried

of course that is very unlikely... if its not getting enough power it either wont boot up, or it'll restart/lock up/you'll get a "low power" error message when you put the video card under load

 

[ProfJohn]

Originally posted by: schneiderguy

your power supply explodes and your whole system gets fried

[/quote]


Is that when I take it back and say it just stoped working and try not to smile or sweat to much?

 

[xboxist]

This doesn't directly answer your question... but I added a 6800GT to my Dell 8300 (300W) and I've had no issues in two years with this card.