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Power Supply for Graphics Card PLease

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Hi,

I am buying the 6600GT 128mb graphics card from scan.co.uk. (LINK)

I have a dell dimension 4550 with a power supply of 250w.

For this graphics card, it requires 300w, so will need a new power supply (I think).

Will any say - 400w be compatable with my computer. Any good offers going around please?
Does the graphics card only need to connect to power supply to work.

Many thanks for any help,

:D Cheers:D
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Comments

  • gaming_guy
    gaming_guy Posts: 6,128 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Will any say - 400w be compatable with my computer. Any good offers going around please?
    600w or 700w should work, but i recommend about 500w (which is what i have)
  • Zagu
    Zagu Posts: 2,711 Forumite
    500w will be fine. Dabs have some for about £20.
    "I'm not even supposed to be here today."
  • Cheers,

    I'm hoping to spend up to £30 inc. postage.

    Will any standard supply fit into my machine?

    Cheers
  • Tallymanjohn
    Tallymanjohn Posts: 1,060 Forumite
    It's not the overall power that's so important as the individual current available on each of the voltage lines. For a modern pc with decent graphics card separately powered you need a +12v line of at least 18amps. Also make sure you go for a decent branded one with overload & current protection - cheap power supplies may supposedly have decent power/current ratings, but should they blow then without the protection you can destroy other components as well. Look to spend at least £30 on a reasonable one. Not 'any' but most supplies will fit. Your PC will take a standard ATX supply - new ones have a 24pin connector for the motherboard but have the end 4 pins detachable to fit 20 pin connectors
  • bartman
    bartman Posts: 324 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    If you're replacing the power supply on a Dell, I seem to remember that the connections between the power supply and the motherboard are not standard. In other words, if you buy a replacement power supply and connect it up, it will either not work or damage some components.

    This may only apply to older pre P4 models - perhaps somebody more knowledgeable than me will be able to help!
  • wolfman
    wolfman Posts: 3,225 Forumite
    TJohn gives good advice. I think 18A is a bare minimum. Ideally you should be fine with 22-26A. It's always well worth spending the extra money and getting a decent one.
    "Boonowa tweepi, ha, ha."
  • TJohn and Wolfman are spot on here - there is a reason that some 450W PSUs are more than twice the price of some 6-700W PSUs its always better to pay the extra as otherwise you rin the risk of not just the PSU failing but it damaging other components. My one to avoid is Qtec.
  • Cheers,

    Any advice for the best / most reliable makes and where to buy from?

    Cheers
  • This is a good deal for a cheap psu 600w cheap psu

    600w psu with surge protection!

    I personally use either aria.co.uk,dabs.com or novatech.co.uk for my computer equipment just depends on what the best deals are on their sites
  • Can anyone recommend any good brands for around £25-£30,

    Many thanks:D
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