Underpowered PC: Advice needed

[KCo]

I'm planning to buy my first GPU, but I'm finding the process very difficult because of a combination of my own ignorance, bad advice from tech support people and an underpowered PC. I'm running an Athlon64 3800 (2.4 MHz) and I'm looking for a PCI-E card, but my power supply is just 300W and that seems to be severely limiting my options. Most of the cards I've looked at either require at least a 350W power supply or aren't specific on the power requirements.

Can any of you guys point me to the series of cards which might work for me? I'm not the kind of person who's going to need particularly high-end performance, but it's driving me crazy having to play my newer games at the lowest settings and still getting lousy performance.

Thanks a lot!
-KC

[Mike]

I would just get a new power supply if I were you. Choosing a video card is hard enough without being limited by a small power supply.

Also, if you have a brand name power supply, it may not be as big a limit as you think. When people say "minimum 350W" they're talking to the guys with no-name power supplies. If you have an Antec, or an Enermax, you'll likely be ok with just 300W with a midrange card...

In general, if you just stick to the midrange cards, you'll probably be ok. Especially if you don't have a lot of other things sucking power like a bunch of hard drives.

Specifically, something in the 7600 series would probably suit you well...or an x1600 or 6600 if you want something a little cheaper...also check out the 7300GT...

I would definitely avoid the X1800s, x1900s and 7900s...they are power hungry beasts...

[ColonelClaypool3]

+1 on getting a new PSU, a no-name 300 watter won't get you very far..and you run the risk of blowing something if you put too much stress on it.

[Steve]

Everyone has failed to mention the awesome Power Supply FAQ I wrote for these forums.
If you want tons of reviews plus some hard data on which PSUs New Egg customer's prefer check it out here. (http://www.gpureview.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117)

[Mike]

Everyone has failed to mention the awesome Power Supply FAQ I wrote for these forums.
If you want tons of reviews plus some hard data on which PSUs New Egg customer's prefer check it out here. (http://www.gpureview.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117)

Indeed. Definitely read this.

[KCo]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. You've both confirmed what I already thought (that I really need a new power supply) and given my plenty else to think about.