i have a HP a255c computer with a 250 watt PSU. would an 9800 pro work with that or would something bad happen? my PSU: thanks in advanced. here's my lengthy detailed specs: Computer Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition OS Service Pack Service Pack 2, v.2149 Internet Explorer 6.0.2900.2149 Motherboard CPU Type Intel Pentium 4A, 2666 MHz (5 x 533) Motherboard Name MSI MS-6577 Motherboard Chipset Intel Brookdale-G i845GE System Memory 512 MB (PC2700 DDR SDRAM) BIOS Type Award (06/30/03) Communication Port Communications Port (COM1) Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1) Display Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440 with AGP8X (64 MB) 3D Accelerator nVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440 with AGP8X Monitor HP F1703 (CNCGV0X796) Multimedia Audio Adapter Intel 82801DB(M) ICH4(-M) - AC'97 Audio Controller [B-0] Storage Floppy Drive Floppy disk drive Disk Drive Maxtor 4D040H2 (40 GB, 5400 RPM, Ultra-ATA/100) Disk Drive ST3120025A (120 GB, 7200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/100) Optical Drive CyberDrv CW088D CD-R/RW (48x/16x/48x CD-RW) Optical Drive JLMS XJ-HD166S (16x/48x DVD-ROM)
Im supprised what you've currently got works on a 250W Try it, if you have instability, your pc resets or the air out the back could toast bread change it for something more powerful.
I tried running my HDD and 9800 Pro from a power splitter on one molex channel, the HDD kept locking up in games. Make sure you have a spare molex for the card.
I wouldn't risk it at all. This is one big consequence of buying big OEM (like HP). The cynical would say they use marginal PSUs to keep costs very low and prevent users from upgrading. You may also find the mobo, case and even RAM prevent normal upgrade paths too.
my dad wouldn't let me build my own computer because he thought it was more expensive so he went to costco and just bought this for me for college. it cost $1500. what a rip off. A COSTCO COMPUTER~!
