I'm ordering a new graphics card, but before I order it, I need to make sure I'm good with power! I have a 300w supply. Here is my computer: http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod3710075 Here is the card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121434

Tyler Hushour

Question answered by C-Man

No, the stock power supply isn't sufficient. The first poster was half-right. The stock power supplies in most brand-name machines generally cannot support any graphics cards beyond the $75 level. Dell's factory power supplies are actually better than average, while HP's are very mediocre. Anyway, with a standard 300 watt psu the best card you could support is a Radeon HD 6670. It's the best card which doesn't require an external power connector. But higher-level cards like the GeForce GTS 450 and GTX 550 Ti require at least a 400 watt power supply with a 6-pin connector that plugs in directly to the graphics card. Stock psus don't provide that connector (even when the wattage is high enough, which in this case it isn't anyway). At minimum, get something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371045 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026 While you could save a few bucks going with a 400W power supply, it's always good to be above the minimum requirement on power rather than sitting exactly on it. And spending a little more for one of these leaves you with breathing room for future upgrades: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027 By the way, the GTX 550Ti is an unusual choice- a good card, but not a good value for the money because it's priced too high. The stock GTX 550 Ti models are *barely* faster than the Radeon HD 5770 & 6770, which are only $99 after rebate. The Asus you've linked is overclocked, which helps. But for $140? That's too close to the starting prices for the more powerful 1gb GTX 460. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500202 Your overclocked GTX 550Ti is only about equivalent to a Radeon HD 6790. Both of those cards are still below a 1gb GTX 460. Why not spend $10 more for a better card? The one advantage of the GTX 550Ti is lower power consumption- it only needs a 400W power supply while the GTX 460 requires a 450-500W power supply with dual 6-pin connectors. So if your computer already had a 400W psu, it wouldn't be able to use anything above the GTX 550 Ti. But you're in luck- you haven't bought a new psu yet, so you're not handcuffed by only having a 400W unit! Either of the last two psus I linked can support a GTX 460. Grab one of those, and you'll be in great shape. Performance: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-6790-barts-gpu-geforce-gtx-460,2917-7.html The 1gb GTX 460 is equivalent to the 1gb Radeon HD 6850: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-560-amp-edition-gtx-560-directcu-ii-top,2944-6.html http://hothardware.com/Reviews/AMD-Radeon-HD-6870--6850-GPUs-Debut/?page=12 Good luck!

Is this wish-list too long? Does it sound spoiled? (Christmas, Birthday)?

Okay, here is a list of ideas for a Christmas list (or my birthday). I don't expect any of it really. And the really big things I would ask for on different things. Also, I have to say, I'm making people some pretty awesome gifts. Electric Guitar (preferably Fender Squire Standard Stratocaster) (Like a package set w/ amp, case, strap, picks, etc.) Record Player (I have 3 records but no way of playing them -_-) Lighter(s) Rock Coffee Mug (like the Beatles) Card stock (as in the pre-cut, plain cards) Concept album Clothes (really just shirts... or socks.) Syd Barrett: A Very Irregular Head Any books Magnetic ball cube thingy Yarn Art things (a.k.a. colored pencils) Blanket Posters (maybe?) I really, really want my brother to come home for Christmas. I really feel like this is way too long. I feel bad about even thinking for this stuff. I'd never ask for it all at once. I could eventually buy some of it for myself, too. What do you think? (p.s. I'm grateful for everything I have, and receive. I know Christmas isn't about getting things) Also, guys, this is for anyone who asks. Like family. I'm not asking my parents for all of this. Plus, as I said before, this isn't for just one thing.

Hippie

Question answered by Jessica

Actually my parents encouraged long lists for Christmas. So they could pick and choose what I got so I would be surprised. Just let them know you would be happy with whatever they got you and these are just suggestions to make shopping easier. It always helped me. Just remember it is okay to dream about stuff you want.