New Graphics Card giving artifacts...

[NinjaMoose]

ok thanx guys.. think i'll give the new PSU a go.... what should I be looking for in a PSU then?

[Pob255]

500w is overkill for your system.
A good 350w-400w is all you'll need

The problem with PSU's is to what is actually good, generally speaking the make and price are the best guides, but not always.
As with so many things most makes have "good" models and cheap "budget" models.

I'd note here that your pc is pritty low powered. I actually powered my old Athlon XP 2400+ pc which was almost identical (6800 agp) on a 400w Qtec safely for it's whole life (Q-tec the most hated name for cheap nasty component killing PSUs) however I'd not advise you to get a high numbered el cheapo PSU, it would work but if it dies it'll take other bits of your pc with it. (must say you're lucky your current PSU hasn't done that)

Good names/models to look for (after - is there best models )
FSP - blue storm and blue storm II (note the blue storm (1) has rather short leads that cause problems in large cases)
Akasa - PAX power
Tagan - (I'm unsure which are the best models)
SliverStone - (I'm unsure which are the best models)
Antec - Earthwatts and NeoHE
Seasonic - any (do they make cheaper modles??)
Corsair - any
Enermax - (I'm unsure which are the best models)

However as I've said you should be able to get away with any half decent PSU around the 350-400w range the cost online will be around £35-40 (retail will be a bit higher) if it's £20 or less online advoid like the plague.

EDIT: Also look for 80%-85% effecency
Not easy to find out what retail shop prices are
Best I can find is Maplin selling the FPS Blue Storm 500w for £60 (which DratUK linked to from Scan at £46) so at a guess you're probably looking around £45-55 retail for a good 400w PSU