Nope. That's the problem with XP - it's floppy or SOL.

Sounds like it isn't properly seated in the slot.

Compared to running a game on a single monitor with the apps still open in the background, there is no performance difference.

Think what you will about either company, they offer to include those cards only because they've tested and are 100% sure its going to work.

Those are 'safe' requirements in that the manufacturer feels that every 400W power supply will provide ample juice to power the card and the rest of the computer. Depending on if the power supply delivers enough amps and you don't have multiple HDDs, CD Drives, fans, etc sucking on it, you could use a supply with a lower max output. Although in this case 300W might be pushing it - you don't want to get too close to your PSUs max output rating.

I forget the address, but one website offers a pretty handy power usage estimating program that kept pretty well up-to-date with the latest equipment.

What exactly does this red switch do? I remember back in high school, one of my friends said something about it makes it to where the computer can't turn on, but I always wondered exactly what the switch did?

The_Uber_Diablo

If you're referring to the one on the power supply, its a manual 115/220 voltage selector. Its necessary to make the supply compatible with either 115V used in the US or 220V power sources used overseas (its not just the wall sockets that are different).

If you're using torrent software, that is your problem. Unless you tweak down the settings, its going to maxout your connection easily.

I think so. Be sure that your power supply can handle it (I bumped up from 500W to 700W just to be safe when I bought a 2nd 4850). And be sure to address your CPU heating issue first, as a 2nd video card is only going to add to the problem.

Agreed. I wouldn't bother with onboard video. First, it will severely limit your motherboard options (at least it did the last time I looked for one) and second, you'd have to deal with two separate driver installs and that smells of compatibility headaches to me. I'd get a dual head video card and call it a day.Bane_v2

I second that notion. Here's my personal favorite:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161274

HIS Radeon 4650 - Cheap, Dual-DVI and fanless.

If you really want to keep them out of your Internet usage business, stop letting them use the PC under your account. XP, Vista et all support multiple user sessions - give them a limited-access account and keep all your personal browsing out of their sight.