video card for 380w power supply

[socalmab]

what in your opinion is the best video card to get for a machine with a 380w power supply? I want to step up from integrated graphics but don't want to hassle with swapping out the power supply. It can be agp or pcie

 

[Aberforth]

why don't you check here: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp - make sure you select high end mainboard.

 

[Art Vandaleigh]

You could probably get away with a 7600GT perhaps? Do you know the amp rating on your PSU?

 

[socalmab]

I'm not sure I had a hard enough time finding the power supply wattage it is a hp a1730n. Thanks for the quick replies. I was looking at the 7900 gs but that needs at least 400w

 

[SickBeast]

It's all about the +12v rail apparently. If you have at least 30A, you can run most cards. Crack open your case and read the specs on the side of your PSU.

You shouldn't necessarily go for 'the best' anyway; it depends more on your display and CPU. It's worth buying a new PSU to get a graphics card that is well balanced w/ your system.:light: