Dealing with a Mico ATX

So, I've been learning a lot about computers these last few days. I don't have the money for a new PC so I am just going to upgrade the PC I have now.

So I just discovered the I have a Micro ATX instead of a normal one, and if I'm going to get the 9800GT graphics card, I will need to meet a 400W requirement for it. So I'm thinking of upgrading to a 400W Micro ATX PSU .

But I just read that you're not supposed to be using a PSU at full capacity. So now I'm going to need one with more than 400W, but I can't find any PSUs higher than 400W.

What should I do? Just keep the 400W one? Thanks in advance.

P.S. You don't have to read this but I'm planning to upgrade with the following in the coming months:

1.6Ghz Pentium Dual Core >> Overclocked to around 2.0Ghz

Intel Integrated 64MB Video >> NVidia 9800GT

2x512MB RAM DDR2 >> 2x2GB DDR2 RAM

250W Micro ATX PSU >> still unknown...

Thanks for the response!

This is my case

http://images.tigerdirect.com/skui [...] SR5250.jpg

That's not my computer but the casing looks identical.

Yes, here's a link to the Antec 500 Earthwatts.
http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=NjU=
- 3.39"(H) x 5.91"(W) x 5.51"(D)

although slightly different, it will fit in that case. Occasionally there's a slight difference in the back panel, but i've never had trouble installing one.

You get what you pay for

What graphic card are you planning on using ? That will have an effect on what power supply you need. Perhaps a Corsair, Seasonic or a different Antec might work. I'd really try to stay away from untested or unreviewed power supplies. 2 good sites to check for reviews are.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.p [...] ecatnum=13
and
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/page/power

Now I'm thinking of getting the 8400 GS- $53.00 5 star rating lifetime warranty, 450W power supply- $40.00 5star 1 yr warranty, $40.00 2GB RAM 5 star lifetime warranty. Total $167.59 CAD including taxes and shipping/handling. How's that sound for running CSS, Battlefield 2 and Left 4 Dead?

@DellUser1 I think this power supply will be sufficient because it's not like I will be using it to it's capacity or anything. Seems good quality, maybe not *great* but good enough.

a beter idea may be telling us what your exact sped u have at present.

so Motherbaord,ram,graphics card (if any), Processor, PSU, hard drive.

then saying what the upgrade is for

then give us a budget

so we can argue over the best solution that be CPU, GPU and possble PSU upgrade

do u need a new PSU like is ur current one dead... or do u need a new one for ur upgrade.

as a 8400 GS prolly wont require a new PSU

I need it from a Canadian site, because shipping it would cost a lot more. My current CPU is like 250W, but I have a 350W lying around that I could try, but I don't know if it's enough. Plus, I don't think the 350W has PCIe x16 cables either.

yeah i was giving example of things on the UK look for around the same in canada,

the 8400 GS is pretty crap a 9500 GT will be better for the games u like. personally id go for a 9600 GT or enven a 9800 GT or qual from ATI. look at the benchmarks from toms hardware

I can have 4gb of ram now for still under $200. Anyone know the power needed for 9500gt?

Yeah the 4670 is around 30% faster than (8600GT/9500GT) good recomendation Dirtmountain, atm ATI is prolly ur best bet for value for money.

So I should get this: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicat [...] VIEWS#tabs

Instead of the 9500gt? There's a 1GB version but I read that it's pointless to have and more to attract hardware newbies.