Do I need a new PSU?

[CompooterNoob]

Hello PC fanatics. I have a question regarding whether or not I need a new PSU after installing a new GPU.

Here are my specs first off:
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40GHz
CPU Speed: 3.4 GHz
RAM: 8.1 GB
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 (build 7601), 64-bit
Video Card: Intel(R) HD Graphics
Memory: 1TB

I'm going to be buying a new graphics card for my computer (factory default computer bought from BestBuy). This is my computer: asus.com/Desktop/Gaming/Essentio_CG8350/#specifications

Heres the GPU I'm going to get: bestbuy.com/site/EVGA+-+GeForce+GTX+550+Ti+2GB+GDDR5+PCI+Express+2.0+Graphics+Card/3628074.p?id=1218421871605&skuId=3628074&st=geforce&cp=1&lp=1#BVRRWidgetID

Apparently my computer has anywhere from 400 to 500 watts. A lot of people are also saying Amps are just as important, but I really have no clue what thats all about.
Basically, I need to know whether or not my computer will run smoothly with my current PSU after I install the GTX 550. Nvidia is saying the minimum required watts for that card is 400, which is what I have. But a lot of people also say its 'better to be safe than sorry'. Plus, I don't want to spend another 70 bucks on something I don't even need. And if I do need a new PSU, this is the one I plan on getting: bestbuy.com/site/Corsair+-+Builder+Series+600-Watt+ATX+CPU+Power+Supply/2193241.p?id=1218313325720&skuId=2193241&st=600w%20psu&cp=1&lp=6

Thanks for any response!

[Raikiri]

You should be fine, don't buy that card from BestBuy though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125435

Ever so slightly faster, $70 less, quieter cooler, uses less power and you even get a free game.

[CompooterNoob]

Thanks for the suggestion I might have to buy from Best Buy though because my parents will only buy a card if they can spread the payment. Layaway

[Raikiri]

Ah, well in that case then this might be an option: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/XFX+-+HD...&skuId=3930822

It's from a BestBuy marketplace seller though, so I'm not sure if you can pay monthly. Regardless I would talk to your parents about it, you can get a faster, quieter card for a lot less money.

[CompooterNoob]

Wow, if the price goes down to around 120 that's not a problem where I buy it from. Do you own the card? If so, what resolution are you running it in? I just watched some BF3 gameplay with it, but it was in 1280x720 resolution. I'll be playing in 1920x1080 16:9. Obviously performance will suffer, but will it be substantial? I just want to make sure that the card I get runs ANY game in 1920x1080 on high graphics with no lower frames than 30.

Also, if you HAD to recommend and nVidia card, what would you recommend? I've been interested lately because of some of the bonuses they are offering with their drivers directed at certain games such as Borderlands 2. Thanks

[Raikiri]

550Ti 1gb at that price point. Although they'll struggle with some games at 1080p/high settings (as will the 7770).

If you want to run at those settings you'll want something nearer a 560Ti/7850 which will be a lot more costly and likely require a PSU upgrade.

[CompooterNoob]

Alright, much appreciated. I understand my options now and I shall make my decision... soon.

[scaryjim]

Forget the 550Ti. Forget the 6770. Buy an ASUS 7770 instead. $135 from Bestbuy, faster than both the 6770 and the GTX550Ti at 1080p, and draws less power than either of them. A decent 400W PSU will be fine for that card; I'd assume since ASUS are marketing that PC as a gaming box that the PSU in it will be of reasonable quality.

Job done

[Raikiri]

Forget the 550Ti. Forget the 6770. Buy an ASUS 7770 instead. $135 from Bestbuy, faster than both the 6770 and the GTX550Ti at 1080p, and draws less power than either of them. A decent 400W PSU will be fine for that card; I'd assume since ASUS are marketing that PC as a gaming box that the PSU in it will be of reasonable quality.

Job done

Bah, I had intended to link the 7770 from best buy and not the 6770. My mistake.

[Samwood]

As for the PSU have a check if you have a spare 6-pin or 8-pin PCIE connector comming form your PSU.
They will look like this: http://techreport.com/r.x/psus-0907/pcie-connectors.jpg

400W should be enough for the GPUs you are looking at, but if you can find a product code for your PSU (look on the unit itself) and look up its specs you'll be able to get a more definitive answer.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

What PSU model does the computer the OP has already contain?? What motherboard is the OP using??

It seems Corsair really price dump the CX series in the US. Although I am not a fan of the CX 430W,it is around $15 to $20 cheaper than the alternatives:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Corsair+...=430&cp=1&lp=4

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Corsair+...lder&cp=1&lp=6

It should be fine with this HD6850 1GB:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gigabyte...6850&cp=1&lp=3