Best graphics card i can get with 300W PSU?

Not all 300W PSUs are the same quality.
Got a make and model on yours?

The Nvidia GT220 is what they use on laptops. The power requirements are based on the entire PC, being that they use top end hardware, you SHOULD be able to get by on your 8200 and 300 watt power supply. The card does not require any additional power cables. IF you can you may wanna purchase this locally and see if it works.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

The GT 220 is the highest nvidia card at a recommended 300w to my knowledge.

Not sure about ATI, 5750-5770 are.. Well pretty sure they take quite a bit more than that 300w should be able to even though they are pretty efficient for what they do.

I think the 4550 needs about 300w minimum.

LiteOn, isnt that a disc drive?

What about those 9800 gt EE cards? Anyone knows if the are safe on a 300w PS? Here's the link:

[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133279&Tpk=9800%20ee][/url]

Not such good news I'm afraid.
The 19Amps +12V MAX rating probably means the continuous rating is even lower. And it's the +12V supply that determines how powerful you can go in the video card.

For comparison here is the data plate on a good 300W PSU (looks like +12V 24Amps continuous=288W divided by 12):



fun_fan's find of that 9800GT EE card looks to be about the best chance of finding a card that will run the 23" monitor (1920x1080? or 1680x1050?) on med-low quality settings and still be playable for new games. Left4Dead should be OK on med or even med-high as it's not that demanding a game.

and with my quadcore processor?

Probably not your best bet going with a video card that is two generations behind.

I suggest this 4670, it does not require a secondary power cord, and should run nicely, its XFX so it is of good quality, and for $70 you can be playing all the new games at med-low settings with high resolution and perhaps even a little AA/AF.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150450

To be 100% honest I suggest going with a new PS/Videocard, because PSU's and Videocards can be carried over to a new rig. This is a solid pair that can very well last through a new build.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.274502

Price: $250.00 (free 3 day shipping)

This is a very solid duo, Antec is known for there superb PSU's and XFX is known for there top in class video cards support and warranty. The 750watt PSU will last you for a time to come, and the 5770 is a current generation card with power to spare.

http://www.techspot.com/review/209-ati-radeon-hd-5770/

soooooo you're saying i can probably run a 9600gt or less?

I'd say it's worth upgrading your PSU if you're running 4 cores and a modest gaming card. It might work with the 300w job but they degrade over time and there's invariably spikes and troughs in the power supply that take their toll. I'm not sure you really need an expensive one though, I'm not sure they're worth the money.

Ever since I started just overbuying no name PSUs I've never had a problem. You can get a no-name 650w for less than an Antec Basiq 350w and they last longer if you don't stress them too hard. 600w would be the minimum I'd recommend anyone get these days for peace of mind, longevity and future proofing.

I know you're on a budget but having a struggling PSU can be a whole world of seemingly random pain that can be avoided for the sake of an extra £10/£15. Also it may well pay for itself in the long run by...

a) Not melting in 6 months
b) Not needing to be upgraded when you get a beefier gfx card in the future.
c) Maybe lasting long enough to make it into your subsequent box!

Roger