Suggestions to replace dead 6600gt on crappy Compaq?

Keeping it under $50 because of system specs, I'd go with the HD2600 pro 128-bit (avoid 64-bit). I have a similar card in my HTPC and it is a decent budget gaming card. This IMO is one of the nicest HD2600 pros' and also about the cheapest without rebate right now. It's 650/1050 clock speeds are higher than most (600/800). http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161099

That card is a true step up from a 6600GT. The cheaper $20-30 cards (8400GS, 7200GS, HD2400 pro, X1300 pro) really are not much (if any) of a step up. Avoid the ATI X1650 series because of power consumption.

Would too light of a power supply damage a card or just cause graphic glitches?

I think for a while I was using a 250 watt powersupply, and I ran a Pentium 4 at 4Ghz, and x800gto, and a 74gb raptor, and it worked fine. I'm not saying yours will work fine. I'm just saying sometimes you'd be suprised about how much they can handle. But then again, it was a Dell pwersupply, which I've heard they tend to be under rated.

Anyway, depending on what your budget is exactly, I was also thinking about suggesting the 2600 pro. But if you want to spend a little more, I think the highest you can go without needing an external power connector would probably be an HD 3650.

It's about $75. I'm not sure if you want to spend that much, but it's definitely a huge improvement over his old 6600gt.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127335

Too bad you don't live locally, I have several old cards that would work for very cheap. I just sold an ATI X800GTO for $10.00. I also have a few 6600GT laying around that I would give you. But here are a few low budget cards that would still be a bump in performance that don't require additional power.

Since I don't know how much you want to spent this is great card for 50.00:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161099
a little cheaper and less performance
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814125076

The upside to this situation is that just about any card you pick will be an improvement from what you currently have. Newegg has tons of cards for under 50.00. I'm not sure what the max amount you want to spend is, but 50.00 should give you a pretty decent card.

Sounds like a plan. And to be honest, the 2600 pro would be fine to move over to his new machine so you would not be forced to buy a new PCI-e card right away. Just obviously have to keep the resolution and details in check.

I'd say go with the 8600GT which doesnt require a power connector and doesnt use to much wattage so it will suit your needs for the moment. It provides decent peformance I guess.

Why did you get that card anyway

I chose it based on the responses I got from this topic. I always come to Tom's Hardware forum when I need advice. I weigh what I read and make a decision based on that. I build my own PCs but like to get advice (because that's a smart thing to do), if I feel I don't have the knowledge I need at the time and don't want to spend too much time getting it. There's a LOT of knowledge on these forums.