eVGA GeForce 8800GTS 320MB

[darkclow]

I have recently bought a Dell Inspiron 530.
Spec (all they tolld me):

Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)
3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
16x DVD+/-RW Drive

Because it has a intergrated video card along with a empty PCI-E x16 slot, I also bought a EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Card.
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082
It said the PSU requirement is:
Minimum of a 400 Watt power supply.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 26 Amps.)
The power supply they provided is a 300w. Don't know if it has +12 Volt Current rating of 26 Amps or not.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd530/EN/OM/KP338A04D.pdf
I wonder if I need to upgrade the power supply to meet the minimum of 400 Watt or the 300 Watt power supply that comes with the desktop will be able to handle the video card.

If not, where am I be able to buy a power supply that meets the requirement and able to fit the Inspiron 530 case and compatible with the motherboard?

 

[rubix_1011]

Please tell me this wasn't a recent purchase...?

The G90 GTS (320/640) are over a year old and underpowered compared to the newer G92 GTS 512; but cheap, which is probably the reason for the purchase. Not a bad buy for the money, I'll admit.

This is EXACTLY the reason NOT to go to Dell or Best Buy and say, "I want a computer, tell me what to get".

And yes, get yourself a new PSU; I would assume even Dell uses the same PSU size as everyone else in the world...but they have proven me wrong before...every time.

 

[rubix_1011]

^^^That was meant as constructive criticism; not to be taken negatively by you. I have just seen many, many folks screwed by Best Buy and Dell.

 

[darkclow]

Well, only reason I am buying this is so I can use it temporarily for about 2 month then I will switch to a new PC. It was very cheap and meets my temporarily needs.
Would this new PSU work?
http://www.netaffilia.com/ads/electronics/frys/Antec-Earthwatts-500W-Power-Supply/2008/04/30/31763

 

[pauldh]

I would try it out as Dell's power supplies are under-rated. That 300W probably has more 12v power than many generic 400W PSU's. If the system is not stable, then suspect the PSU is a problem. But it's probably going to be fine even with the power hungry Q6600 in it.

 

[darkclow]

Ty, I guess I will wait and see.

 

[maximiza]

I think DElls use something called a mini-atx form factor with the power supplies. They do have aftermarket power supplies with more power specially made for dell models.

 

[Lord Gornak]

A friend asked me about the same model two weeks ago and I told him I would advise against the purchase. That was until he told me it was only $650.00 with the 19" LCD, down from $800.00 a month ago.
His has a 350W PSU, but output on 12V is only 18 Amps. His PSU didn't have any proprietary power connectors, and it is the same size as a regular PSU so any replacement PSU should be fine.

 

[pauldh]

I've seen some 300W Dell power supplies with a single 24 amp 12v rail. Borderline for GF8800's, but still pretty impressive 12v for a 300W rating.