Hi, Im thinking of getting a PCI video card for my
computer (only has standard pci slots). Probably a BFG
5500 OC. The card reads that it requires a minimum of
250 power supply. My computer has exactly 250. Just
curious if the computer will be able to handle this card or
if I should upgrade to something like 350. Is it really
complicated to change the power supply yourself? Thanks

Upgrade the power supply regardless.

P=VI or power equals voltage times current.

If your adding to the V ( hardware ) Then its generaly a good Idea to add to the P ( PSU ) unless you have a decent PSU.

250 will do, but for maximum performance over time, a 300 or 350 will be better.

Plus remember that the more components you have IE. 2 hd's 2 cd-roms or a burner, sound card nic car etc.. the better off you'll be to upgrade your PSU with the Vid card.

Why cant we put questions here?

Thanks for your reply. Is it very hard to install a new power supply? Or is it pretty much just a swap? Also is there a site or program that will tell me what power supply's will work with my computer or case?

Is it very hard to install a new power supply?

I would rank this as a novice job. Tuoch the metal frame inside the case then follow these steps.

1) UNPLUG THE POWER

2) Follow the leads from the power supply to all the hard ware and gently unplug each one, unplug the motherboard last. There are tabs on the motherboard connector which might be stiff so be very careful.

3) Unscrew the screws from the back of your power supply and gently remove the PSU

Now if your computer is a case, then an ATX PSU will fit, but what you have told us about your machine specificaly is limited so I suggest you read the lable on your current PSU. Report to us the exact verbage on the PSU and we can determine what one you need.

Why cant we put questions here?

Instead of that crappy card, why not get a Geforce 6200PCI? It would be miles faster than a 5500.

http://www.chumbo.com/Info.aspx?id=304966

FX-57 @ 3.1ghz
4GB of OCZ PC-4200
500GBx4 drive array
Sapphire X850 XT-PE
Fujitsu 1920x1080 projector

Didnt know there was such a card - Doesnt appear to be as nice as the BFG 5500 since its overclocked and its 256 instead of 128 ram. Can anybody validate that the 6200 is actually faster and better? Thanks for reply

Was just on ebay and all the 6200's are pci express. But that chumbo link lists as pci 2.0.

Video memory isn't everything. Compare a 256mb 9600XT with a 128mb 6600GT. Which is faster? The 6600GT, by far.

A 5500 is basically an overclocked 5200, and all of the FX series sucked at DX9. The 6200 would be about as fast as a 9600 non pro, and feature all of the video features in the nVidia 6 series.

FX-57 @ 3.1ghz
4GB of OCZ PC-4200
500GBx4 drive array
Sapphire X850 XT-PE
Fujitsu 1920x1080 projector

Hi, I just opend up my computer to find out what the power supply was. It is a Bestec Model # = ATX-250-12E REV:P7. I did a quick measurement and its 3.75(H) x 5.5(W) x 6.2(D). Its pretty crammed in there height wise so I dont think anything bigger than 3.75(H) would fit. Any suggestions? Thanks

Found this - sounds like the dimensions would fit. Would something like that work?

http://aspireusa.net/product.php?pid=21
oops heres the link

Sam, thats an ATX PSU, so given that any ATX PSU will fit back into it's place. I would suggest you grab a 350watt, but these are slowly fadeing away. A 500w PSU with good cooling technology will cost you a bit, around $50 but looking down the road you can always transplant this into a newer case and save that cost on the next major overhaul.

Why cant we put questions here?

Thanks so much for your replies... you helped me out a lot.

Another note, take jacks advice on the video card too. The FX series are just a plain waste. If you got a tight budget and are looking for improvement with out a total over haul, you should try to find the 6600 and mate it with a 350w PSU (400w if you have more then 3 hd and cd-roms).
That should keep the cost down and improve your system overall.

Hope this all helps.

Why cant we put questions here?

Im guessing you meant the 6200 (pci)? So ill get the 6200 from chumbo.com and a 400w power supply. I only have the hard drive, and 2 dvd drives (one dvdrw and one not). But ill try 400w since the 3dfuzion 6200 requires a 300w minimum power supply. Does this sound like a good plan? Thanks for your help guys.