Why is it I keep reading posts where our members are haveing problems with their video cards and cooling probs or both being related and theres alway at least one or more post responses "How Big is Your Power Supply ?"
One member said he upgraded to 350W another 500W. And their new vid cards draw alot more power and need more cooling re: more fans= more power usage not to mention the rest of what your rig draws.
Todays games with the heavy graphics and memory and CPU draw and the fans it takes to run every thing cool have a hard time with 500w much less 350w or less. And it's the last thing alot don't think to upgrade. Mindset "It came with the case or complete computer so it must be good enough " Think Again !
Some games cost more than a good power supply. Example:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...596&CatId=2496
I got this for free as a replacement for my 550w version. Free Lifetime warranty. Got the 550w in 2005.
A good Powerful PS is almost a basic for any rig that plays the games on this forum we do. And a little overkill is good for that future upgrade/complete rebuild in the future.
I want to scream sometimes when I read a well meaning response from a member telling another "350w as an upgrade should be just fine or the
"BEAN COUNTER ANSWER" go to this site and it will calulate what you need and no more. SO YOUR AT THE BARE MINIMUM.
And if your worried about the electricity useage, BROTHER your in the wrong hobby. Go take up kite flying.
As a final thought. You wouldn't build a house on a weak foundation would you ?