Graphics Card for 280w PSU

[techtim]

I just purchased a Lenovo K210. (link) It has a 280w power supply. What is the best graphics card, preferably not exceeding $50, that I could get for it. I'd be doing some very very casual gaming, as well as streaming HD video (Flash 10 Hardware Acceleration?), and possibly watching blurays.
Thanks,
Tim

 

[JackNaylorPE]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-310-5970,2491.html

Here's the "winners" from THG's latest (December) GFX Roundup
Best Graphics Cards For The Money: December '09

$50 - HD 4650
$65 - HD 4670 / 9600 GSO
$85 - 9600 GT
$95 - 9600 GT / HD 4830
$110 - GTS 250 512 MB
$120 - GTS 250 1 GB
$155 - HD 5770 / GTX 260
$200 - HD 4890
$240 - 2 x GTS 250
$310 - No winner (HD 5850 Honorable Mention)
$330 - 2 x GTX 260 / 2 x HD 5770
$400 - 2 x HD 4890
$410 - No winner (HD 5870 Honorable Mention)
$465 - No winner (GTX 295 Honorable Mention)
$625 - No winner (HD 5970 Honorable Mention)

 

[techtim]

Thanks for trying to help, but that's not exactly the information that I am looking for. Read the first post.

 

[rodney_ws]

Ugh... so what's the reason for wanting to upgrade the video card?

 

[techtim]

I edited the OP.

 

[rodney_ws]

That PSU is gonna eliminate pretty much every card out there.

 

[techtim]

Are you positive? I've heard about people running 4650s on 250w power supplies before. Is that not possible?

 

[rodney_ws]

The first 4650 I ran across on NewEgg said minimum 400 watt PSU for a 4650. Now I will admit that sounds a bit high to me, but... yours ain't exactly a 375 watt unit either. 280 watts is well, well below that mark.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150396&cm_re=4650-_-14-150-396-_-Product

 

[techtim]

From this source, their system's peak power is 148w with the 4650.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Sapphire/HD_4650_OC/24.html


My specs:
Core 2 Duo E5200
2 Sticks of 2GB DDR2
7200 rpm sata

 

[techtim]

Isn't that a bit overkill for my needs? Just wondering?

 

[techtim]

Not that part but the graphics cards that you recommended, aren't they a extreme for my needs? On another note, I realize I will probably have to replace the psu.
Is this any good? It seems to have good reviews, but is generic.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5371862&CatId=106

 

[techtim]

Uhh... kill the gaming part. By casual, I mean casual. I'm talking popcap style. (Bejeweled)

 

[techtim]

How's this?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276575&CatId=1078

 

[techtim]

Thanks. I need to save up some more money, but after that, I'll be purchasing those. Thanks again.

 

[techtim]

The Thermaltake has a mail in rebate that brought the price down to $30.

 

[techtim]

Thanks again for your help. I can afford $150 total.

 

[skolpo]

Hold on a minute! All you're playing is games like bejeweled? You DO NOT need a GTS250 or anything near that if you do not plan to play games more demanding than Bejeweled. Keep your PSU and look at the GT220 or even the GT210. I play Popcap games myself. They're no more demanding than flash games. These will be sufficient for your blu-ray and HD vids and they do not even draw more than 100 watts for the ENTIRE system.

 

[sabot00]

You can used get a 4350.

 

[techtim]

@skolpo - If that's true, then thanks for saving me $120
@BDDazza - I told you about the type of game I play. Go back a few posts. I still need a HDCP-ready card for blu-ray, though.

I have a question : In my budget of exactly $56, I can get a 4350, 4550, 4650, 4670, G210, 9400GT, or 9500GT. What is the best card out of those that I can use without having to upgrade my power supply. Thanks.


Edit: I forgot, there is one game in my closet I'd like to play, but can't because of my suckish integrated graphics, Viva Pinata. (Don't laugh at me ) It is quite a bit more demanding than the games that I normally play.

 

[techtim]

And if it doesn't work.. what will happen. Will it fry the card or.... what?

 

[techtim]

That sounds like the way to go then. Are you sure that the psu link I gave you earlier isn't very reliable. The one from the post that says"How's this"? It has a lifetime warranty, and Ultra seems to be a pretty big brand.

 

[techtim]

I'm going to throw two more links at you. Are either of these any good?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3441837&CatId=106
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4675269&CatId=106

Edit: Oh, I don't blame you for going to bed. It's only 9:30 here.

 

[sabot00]

Get the OCZ one, it's cheaper but still plenty.

 

[skolpo]

I think your computer will be find as is... The 210 is very sufficient for your needs. The Viva Pinata game does not look demanding whatsoever and if you're watching HD vids that are 720p, the G210 will handle it fine. You shouldn't drop money on a PSU unless you need to.

 

[deadlockedworld]

I just purchased a Lenovo K210. (link) It has a 280w power supply. What is the best graphics card, preferably not exceeding $50, that I could get for it. I'd be doing some very very casual gaming, as well as streaming HD video (Flash 10 Hardware Acceleration?), and possibly watching blurays.
Thanks,
Tim

Hi Tim,

Personally, I think you would be safe with the Nvidia GT 210/220 or ATI 4350. Both are very low power cards--and come on stock systems like yours.

(Be careful of the other "toms effect"--where all us hardware nerds try to convince you buy better hardware than you actually need for everyday use)

If you decide to get a new PSU--The best PSU you can buy under $50 is the Corsair 400CX. ($39.99 after MIR) It is easily capable of running any graphic card under $150 or so. I own it-- its 80+ efficient, silent, blows cool air out of my case, and has a good warranty. When PSU shopping you should look for Corsair or Antec--they are the highest quality brands in this price range. The Antec 380w Green would be a good choice too. (EDIT: The OCZ choice above is pretty decent too)

Also-- Read this earlier post, its very similar.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/275606-33-edit-280w-worth-power-graphics-card-gt220