I am looking to replace my ATI Radeon x1300 256mb, but my computer's PSU is only 300w (it's a Compaq Presario). Is there a decen gaming card out there that is better than the x1300 but won't need more than 300w of power? Any help is appreciated.

What PSU do you have? How many 12v amps? 7600GT requires 19 to 20A on the 12v rail and does not require an auxillary 12v power lead from your existing psu. The 7600GT draws power from the MB's PCIE slot. A 7600GT would be a noticable upgrade from the x1300 and your 300w psu may handle it fine.

It's a Bestec. Not exactly sure what I'm looking at here but I'll do my best. On the "Output" line it says 12v --- 19A. So do you think I could get a 7600GT and run it ok?

I think the 7600GT should work with that PSU. Give it a try. Here's a lnk to an EVGA 7600GT. I am using two of them in SLI on this computer. Someone else may have some other suggestions.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130062

Thanks, I'll give it a try. Some reviews say it's loud, but I know some people think that just being able to hear it is the definition of "loud." What are your thoughts?

I have Zalman hsf's installed on my 7600gts. Noise is not a concern and I don't remember the stock fan being loud to any extent. Mess around with this chart pitting the x1300 with the 7600GT.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/grap [...] &chart=309

I have a bfg 7600gt and the fan is quite audible when it spins up. Idle, it is basically silent. But, I wouldn't worry about the noise of the fan too much.

Go for a 2600pro 256mb. Uses hardly any power.

Ok, so I went for the 7600 GT, works great (or so it seems). It's very quiet when idle, but when watching video or playing games (Oblivion looked good on my x1300, and even better now!) it gets loud. Is there any way I can check to be sure it's not damaging my system or using too much power? Also, I may have to install a Zalman on it to reduce the noise. Is that an easy thing to do? I know the fans themselves are cheap...

its not damaging your system unless you smell burning electronics or you get alot of graphical corruption. if you dont know what your doing, and you dont want to void your warranty i would bear with the fan noise.

Ok, I guess I'll deal with the noise. It's just new to me, I guess I'll get used to it. Just doesn't sound too healthy! (but again, probably because my old card's fan was barely noticable)

You'll be fine with the PSU and don't worry about fan noise.

I used a 7600gt on a Compaq Bestec (purchased in 2004) along with an overclocked Opteron, 2 hard drives, DVD burner, etc. for about a year.

One thing I would worry about is HEAT. My Compaq case had one 80 or 92mm rear fan, no intake. Combine that with the tiny size of the cases and it's a recipe for overheating.

That's what I'm concerned about. The card itself seems like it has lots of room, but I don't want anything overheating. Any suggestion for keeping the small Compaq case cooler?

got a 9800 pro(about 4 amps) in a small hp case....no overheating(9800 pros are HOT) at all....the fan(rear) will spin faster if it gets too warm warm(never needed to)....this was on a bestec 250 watt psu.... (they are not as bad as you may think) gave it a FSP 350 later to be safe...but it was doing ok...

Power wise you are more then good....the card its self only takes 3 amps MAX on its own...and thats only about 5-8(about 0.6 amps more then a x1300) watts more then the 1300(was it XT or pro?)

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get too hot. It's in my basement too, which even in the heat of summer is always a bit cooler.

As far as the x1300, not sure, but I think it was a Pro.