Advice on PCI-E graphics card for 300watt PSU system...

[Sideshow_rob]

Hi Guys,

I need a little advice.

I've just bought a HP Pavilion T3145 system (needed a system fast, to complete a project when my old system died on me...), and overall, I'm fairly happy with it.

Athlon 64 3700+ cpu
1GB PC3200 RAM
250GB HDD

...

The problem...the graphics card is a Geforce 6200TC (256MB RAM).

For my older games...not a problem. For the newer...low resolutions, or/and disabling all the effects are the only way I can get playable-ish frame rates.

Unfortunately, my old system was AGP based...so I cannot use my old card...I need a PCI-Express based card.

The other potential problem is the low rated 300watt PSU.

Can anyone recommend a decent PCI-Express based graphics card which will run with no problems on my system....with particular note to the PSU? (personal experience of using a recommended card with a similar rated PSU would be ideal...)

Overclocking ability isn't needed...and my monitor handles a maximum resolution of 1280x1024...so outrageous frame-rates at very high resolutions aren't necessary (although if the latest and greatest cards will run on my system...that would be a bonus...)

Many thanks for your time...I feel I might be better of upgrading the PSU to something 400+ watts...but I'm hoping someone can recommend a compromise...

[Dougal]

Anything upto a 6600GT will run fine on that, I've seen a dual core SLI system on a 350W.

But if I were you I'd invest in a decent PSU.

You'll need it in the future,

[StormPC]

X800 XL is best!

[mike_w]

If your PSU is a good brand, then you'll probably be okay with 300W. However, if you're getting a better graphics card, it would be a good idea to get a higher rated PSU. Not only does it make sure that you'll be able to run a new card, it'll also probably outlast all the other components. I'd recommend a Tagan, at least 480W.

[sawyen]

tagan 480 + X850XTPE if you're willing..