upgrading video card on 1st homebuilt

[localrob2]

I built my first pc 2 years ago and I've been having some graphics trouble. My best guess is that it's the video card going bad, so I'm going to upgrade the radeon x800gt with the Geforce 8600gt. But I don't know if I have the power. My PSU only supplies 300w, but I can't find anywhere how much power the geforce needs. Do I need a new PSU too? Thoughts, advice, or suggestions?

Other info if it helps:
I don't overclock
MOBO: MSI K8N Neo4
Win XP
1gb ram(PC3200)

 

[nvalhalla]

the power drow on the 8600 is minimal, probably the same or less than your current card. you'll be fine.

 

[nvalhalla]

if you can swing it, another GB of RAM would really help as well. what is the PSU, out of curiousity?

 

[localrob2]

The PSU came with the tower that I bought, it's an ISO-400. But it says the power output is only 300w.
Thanks for the info.

 

[nvalhalla]

uggg... that's too bad about the PSU...

it'll still work, but I'd look at getting a new one. the antec earthwatts 380 is $30 after mir right now at newegg. or an FSP PSU if you don't like the mir. not a huge issue yet, but cheap included PSUs tend to melt and kill computers eventually...

 

[localrob2]

When I can, I will have to get more ram and a new psu. Thanks for the quick responses.