NEED HELP!!!

[bumblebee666]

i am looking to buy a graphic card and the only good card in my range is the nvidia 9600gt 512MB DDR3...so my question is that is this a good card and is this a good choice in the long run...i need the card to play games from time to time,watch movies and use 3ds max and maya...please give as much detail as possible

 

[wa1]

Well, before we suggesting anything, tell us your complete system specs...
CPU? RAM? Motherboard? PSU? Previous gpu? Monitor?

 

[bumblebee666]

Well, before we suggesting anything, tell us your complete system specs...
CPU? RAM? Motherboard? PSU? Previous gpu? Monitor?

1.60GHz dual core CPU, 1GB DDR2 RAM, Intel 945GCCR motherboard, my current power supply is around 300 to 350watt but i plan on buying a 400watt supply, no previous GPU and acer V193W LCD monitor....also is the nvidia gt240 better???

 

[bumblebee666]

the 9600GT is a solid choice and better then the GT240. Another 1GB of RAM would also help for a total of 2GB system RAM.

you can also get an ATI 5670, similar performance, costs a bit more but you wont need to upgrade your PSU.

if i get the 9600gt is it absolutely necessary to change my power supply to 400watts....will it work with my current power supply around 300-350watt?

 

[bumblebee666]

i ran the 9600GT on a 305w PSU, it certainly does not need a 400w PSU but it does need a solid PSU if you are below 400w. Without posting your make/model or at least the amps on your 12v rail(s), I can't say if it will run without issue.

on my power supply it is written 400watts but i know its not 400W....how can i check the actual amps on my 12v rails???

 

[bumblebee666]

there should be a sticker on it that looks something like this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageGallery.aspx?CurImage=17-371-034-Z99&SpinSet=17-371-034-RS&ISList=17-371-034-Z99%2c17-371-034-Z02%2c17-371-034-Z03%2c17-371-034-Z04%2c17-371-034-Z05%2c17-371-034-Z06&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16817371034&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=Antec%20EarthWatts%20Green%20EA-430D%20Green%20430W%20Continuous%20power%20ATX12V%20v2.3%20%2f%20EPS%2012V%2080%20PLUS%20BRONZE%20Certified%20Active%20PFC%20Power%20Supply

This is the info on my power supply

pentium 4 ATX switching power supply

model:400WP4

AC Input : 220/110VAC 50/60Hz 2.5/5A
Fuse rating: F6.3A 250VAC

DC output max: +3.3V ,+5V , +12V, -5V , -12V , +5VSB
25A 32A 15A 0.5A 0.5A 2.5A


i doubt this info is correct

 

[bumblebee666]

15a on the 12v is rather weak and by your model number it seems to be a 400w

you can try the 9600GT, it barely needs 70w at peak. The ATI 5670 and 4670 are more power efficient models to look at. Both will work for you, the 5670 offers 9600GT performance but costs more. The 4670 is a notch below the 9600GT but needs less power.

the 9600gt is available and within my range so i'll go for it...if i buy a 400W supply what should be a good amp value for it?...and how can you check the actual watts and amperes of a supply?