geforce 8600 question...

My pc is:

3gb Ram

Phenom 2.2ghz quad processor

Windows Vista

and Geforce 8400 card

Would I be able to upgrade my graphics card to a geforce 8600 with a 300w power supply taking into account my current set up. I know AMD doesn't require much power ( i dont think) so it may be possible to push it at 300w i hope. Does anyone else know :) ty

It would not be advised. You should really have at least 400+ for that card, and I believe Nvidia's quoted bare minimum is 350. However, what is the amperage on your PSU?

i dont consider it as an upgrade but going to lets say HD4850 or HD4870

now thats an upgrade but ofcourse you need to buy an PSU but still its worth it .

i dont consider it as an upgrade but going to lets say HD4850 or HD4870

now thats an upgrade but ofcourse you need to buy an PSU but still its worth it .

ROCKINGFOOL

I have an 8600GT and while it's not that great of a card, it certainly trumps an 8400.

In regards to your question Neobrio, if you have a quad core with 3 gigs of ram and a couple drives and a system fan and multiple other cards etc., I'd be afraid to try an 8600 with a 300 watt PSU. However, the 8600's don't draw that much power in all honesty. If your current rig is running fine with the 8400, you may just be able to squeek by. Key word there being may. You can buy cheap PSUs that put out enough power for your needs for fairly cheap nowadays though (mind you they won't hold a candle to a nice name brand one), so you may consider the upgrade on the PSU in addition to say a used 8600, to stay within your budget.

As a side note, I wouldn't dare buy a used PSU. They are too volatile and new ones are cheap enough to never warrant going the used route on a PSU. Hope this helps! :D

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1137/11/zotac_geforce_8400gs_256mb_budget_dx10/index.html

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1192/17/twintech_oc_ed_geforce_8600gt_with_hdmi/index.html

The 8600GT only uses 20 more watts then a 8400GS, he will be fine.

Corsair 450 watt power supply $75 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

9600GSO $105 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121251

Get em'. :]