Okay, more advice needed

[valis2]

So. I've looked over my system. Turns out the power supply is strangely situated at the base of the unit (check it out) and it's a pain to get out and it's thin. So I can't replace it easily.

I've purchased an ATI Radeo HD2600 Pro 512 MB DDR2, which says it needs 400 watts to operate. It'll be delivered tomorrow.

ETA: Looks like it's a VisionTek model, and it needs 300 watts.

The system's power supply is rated at 460 watts.

I've seen someone on the forums who apparently is running a similar card, with no worries. Most people, though, seem to be suggesting that a separate power supply is necessary.


Dell Dimension XPS Series (Gen 2)
Pentium 4 Processor at 3 GHz w/ 800MHz front side bus
3 gigs ram
Hard drive
DVD drive
CD drive
Floppy drive (I actually forgot about it, lol)

It's hooked to these peripherals:
Scanner
Two printers (only one is turned on, generally)
Camera (only sporadically)
Speakers
Broadband wireless device

So what do you think? Should I hazard putting in the card and hooking it in to the main power supply? Or should I get the card its own separate power supply and just rig it out of the case? Thoughts would be incredibly appreciated.

Comments

[saruwatari.livejournal.com]

My video card calls for a 400-watt power supply and my computer has a 460. It runs just fine. When it says 400, it doesn't mean it needs that much dedicated power--it means that's what your computer should have at least to ensure it won't overheat/otherwise blow up.

Kinda like RAM. If a game says you need 1 GB of RAM to run it, then that's what your computer should have in it. You don't have to think of it as like... well, I should have 2 GB, because my computer uses the other 1 GB to run it's OS.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

It turns out that the one I purchased actually needs 300 watts! Hooray for that. See, with too much stuff running it might all add up to more than 460, so I was a little worried at first, but 300 watts makes me a little less worried.

I've looked further through the forums, and it sounds like it might need two power connections free inside the PC, and mine might only have one. grah!

That's what I get for having an old computer.

Thank you for the response! *hugs*

[saruwatari.livejournal.com]

it might all add up to more than 460

Oh, but that's my point--you don't have to add it all up. Like I said, it's like RAM--if a game requires 1 GB, it doesn't need 1 GB just to itself... it means that your computer should have 1 GB installed, regardless of what other programs you're running at the same time that would also use memory.

Obviously you don't want to push it too far, but if the card says it requires a 300-watt supply and you have a 460, you're fine.

People on computer forums really, really like to tell everyone that they need more, more, more, and oftentimes it's simply not true.

The connections, though, bah. It may. IDK... I guess you'll have to see when it arrives.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I'm just worried about it because...well, I like to run a lot of stuff at the same time, lol. Plus, with all of the peripherals hooked up...and the fact that I run it 10 hours a day...

We'll see what happens! I'm going to cross my fingers about the connections, though. :)

[saruwatari.livejournal.com]

If said peripherals plug into wall outlets, then they draw their power from their own connections, not from your computer. =D

(I'm running a Dell with a 460-watt and a card that has 400 watt specs, and I never turn the arsing thing off. I do mean never. =D It's fine. The only thing I'd be worried about is the connections. Hopefully they're compatible.)

[saruwatari.livejournal.com]

Also! I agree with tapedeck.

If you already have two ginormous fans, though, you should be fine. Some Radeon video cards actually come with their own little fans attached, too. =D

[valis2.livejournal.com]

It just arrived!! eee!

It has two huge fans, plus two fans in the base and a fan in the front. The power supply fans in the base are the ones I'm most worried about. *crosses fingers*

And yep, it needs two power connections. Here's hoping that once I crack the case open I have them both. I'm not holding my breath, though.

[saruwatari.livejournal.com]

*CROSSES FINGERS FOR YOU* I hope both are there. I've not had cause to crack open the cases of any of my Dells yet, so I'm not sure what's standard in there.

[tapedeck.livejournal.com]

You'll be fine.

However given that your PSU is located on the bottom of your system I'd be paying attention to ventilation and cooling because the load increase from a low-power or on-board card.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Looks like I might need a 4 to 6 pin converter, though. *grumbles*

And yeah, I will be doubly crazy about the fans. This system has two enormous fans in the upper part of the case, and it's already hellanoisy, but I'm sure I can figure out something else. *nodnod*

Thanks, I needed that.

[gypsyjolie.livejournal.com]

I have no advice, but lots of sympathy! Good Luck!!

It is killing me that we are coming to Michigan and unable to see you. With L not able to get much time off, we are only doing an arrive late Friday at Jim's then to Harbor Beach at 7am, family reunion Sat/Sun, and then brunch with Gramma Reta in Ann Arbor On Monday AM and drive back to WI to be at work Tuesday. So no visit time with you or with Sharon (my best frined in East Lansing) this trip. *POUTS*

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I am so sad!!! We were so looking forward to it, but honestly, the garage sale is turning out to be even more than insane. We have so much stuff--er, G Reta has so much stuff--that we might actually have to restock at night. No, really.

And I'll be in WI on Monday--ha! But then it'll be right off to IL for a specialty conference, and back to WI for one night, so again, no time. grah!

I miss you, sweetie!! We miss you both.

Good luck with your whirlwind tour! *giant hugs* Remember to breathe, lol!

[gypsyjolie.livejournal.com]

G apparently offered to L to meet for early (6:30am) breakfast before we drive to HB. Are you game? Where shall we meet (somewhere between Jim's house and your or 75 (since we are heading up to (Flint then to 69)?

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Tomorrow morning? Is that what you're talking about?

We could definitely meet, and along I-75 would be nice--however, I will be in extreme stress mode because garage sale starts tomorrow.

I don't know if I'll be able to join you guys or not. It all depends on how much I get done today. eeek!

:)

[gypsyjolie.livejournal.com]

no, sorry, Saturday morning. when we leave Jim's to go to my parents' house.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Oh, okay! Now *that* is much more possible. I think we can both manage that. hooray!!!

So--6:30 on Saturday? Now we just have to figure out where...

[gypsyjolie.livejournal.com]

yeah, I'm counting on you to find a place (even if it is a Denny's) since it's local for you...

[valis2.livejournal.com]

We will have to see--I wonder when Deer Lake opens for brunch? I remember it being fairly early. I'll check with G.