do i have enough power?

[unconditional]

I've been thinking about upgraded my graphics card for awhile now. I've been holding off since I'm not sure if my PSU could take on the card. My PSU has a MAX output of 364W, but it can't exceed 291.6W on the 12V rails. The 12V rails are rated at 12A. Do ya think I have enough juice to run a BFG Tech GeForce 8600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI-E card?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143105

I currently use an ATI radeon x300. Just trying to get an upgrade in my frame rate until I can save up to build a whole new rig myself.
Thanks.

 

[sirheck]

No i reccomend a new psu.

 

[unconditional]

I figured that was what I had to do. It's a sony vaio though, so it has proprietary components. I don't really want to spend the money to get a new psu and move everything to a new case, since I don't think it would fit in the one I have now. I'd rather build a whole new comp.

 

[nvalhalla]

Well, I think that an 8600 should be fine with that PSU. The 8600GT draws all it's power from the PCIe bus, it's not very demanding (less than 70w). I think you would be alright. I would look at a different card though. There are some 8600GTs for $120 that are just as good

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085
Under $100 with a MIR.

 

[snootch]

I figured that was what I had to do. It's a sony vaio though, so it has proprietary components. I don't really want to spend the money to get a new psu and move everything to a new case, since I don't think it would fit in the one I have now. I'd rather build a whole new comp.

Thats what got me into building machines, frigging companies using proprietary parts, so you cant upgrade easily (or on the cheap). If your box is older (2 or 3 years) I would save up $1500 and build a new machine. Then sell the Vaio on eBay to recoup some of your expenses.

 

[sirheck]

There are some 8600GTs for $120 that are just as good

Yeah but they require an extra power connect.

 

[unconditional]

I'm not sure what to do since one of ya say it probably wouldn't work and the other says it would work. I guess I'll just hold out and just wait until I can build my own.

 

[foz]

You can buy a add-on video card power supply and that would solve your problem.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153037
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104019