Video card selection for my new SFF system

[deathwalker]

Ok "videofiles"...sharpen your pencils and minds. I just built a new system based on the Soltek EQ 3701M SFF Nforce2 IGP box. Its got a 2.8 barton, Mushkin 512MB PC 3200 Level One Dual (2x256MB), 40 gig maxtor drive, TDK 440N multiformat burner and floppy drive. Im currently using the Integrated graphics to get it going. I want to drop a video card in it but i am very worried about the power margin in the system. This box only has a 200w PS in it..specs as follows: +12v - 10amps, +5vsb - 1.5 amps, -5v - .3 amp, -12v - .5 amps, +5 v - 20 amps, +3.3v - 10 amps. So, the $64,000 question, do i have ample margin for a AGP video card and which ones would not have excessive power requirements that will bring my system into darkness with its power demands. I dropped in a loner 9600 PRO EZ. Under normal operation it seemed ok. But during 3dmark 2001SE (build 330) testing my "ALWAYS" crashed at mid point (nature scene) testing. Not sure if this was a power issue or something else. I used both 3.6 cat. and 3.8 cat drivers...same results. I really want to drop a card in this and not use the Integrated Graphics...but..I don't want to throw $ down the crapper with a card that won't marry well into the system. Ok...pile on guys...give me your best thoughts.

 

[DahDee]

Well, I'm sure we'd all like to help, but you violated the First Rule of Video Club: Never buy a video card with "EZ"or "Lite" in the title.

Edit: Seriously, though, I'm not sure what to tell you; a review that I saw said this about your box:

"The Qbic EQ3701M even allows you to install large AGP cards just like the Shuttle and even has more room to spare."

The review talked specifically about installing a Ti4600, and I'm guessing your pseudo-9600 can't be a much bigger drain, if not less so, on the PSU, so I'm not convinced the PSU is the problem, although 200 watts doesn't seem like much for a system that can supposedly handle a decent video card.

 

[deathwalker]

DahDee...thankfully...the "EZ" was just a loner..i returned it to the owner with great joy.