Windows 7: PSU requirements for graphic cards

im planning to build a pc
i have a true rated 300watts psu, but hd 5450 needs atleast 400watts in psu. is it still ok to run the graphic card in that system i dont know about the amps.

other spec
pentium D 945
2gb ddr2 ram
intel mobo

I have to say no.

It "May" run for a while but the 300 Watt PSU will be under heavy strain and will most likely die at some point, it may wreck some of your other components along the way when it dies too.

In my opinion it is not worth the risk. I would recommend upgrading to the best branded PSU you can afford and higher than the 400 watts if possible, this will allow you the choice to get better graphics cards and components in the future should you wish.

The problem is, you have not filled out your system specs, so we don't know what PC or case you have. This is of importance regarding the PSU too as many OEM cases will not allow the fitment of regular sized PSU's.

Hope that helps a little.

Paul.

I agree with Paul. The power supply recommendation is for your total system. Use a power supply calculator. Extreme Psu Calc I would get a 550 at the minimum, giving room for future upgrades.

ill think ill buy geforce 210 but i checked its psu recommended wattage is 250watts
so is it fine to run in my 300 watt true rated if i changed it to geforce 210

i also checked geforce 210 psu requirements must havge atleast 300watt psu, so my system can handle geforce 210?

Should be OK, you are aware the 210 is a very low end GPU, I mean most cpu's have better built in graphics than that by a fair way now. It's fine for websurfing and basic games but don't expect much from it. I owned one a long time back.

If you want to put ANY GPU in, you will need a new PSU. 300 Watts is just not enough - unless you want to set the house ablaze. And as was said, 550W is the minimum. I would even go with 650W from a reputable company like Antec.

It's fun to wrestle with the wires. Here is when I did it last.

Not wanting to start an argument, I also consider 300 watts to be too low for any modern GPU, but 550W is not needed as a minimum, there are some fantastic lower wattage PSU's available for lower end GPU's when a user is on a budget, for example the XFX Pro core edition 450 Watt or Corsair CX430 or Seasonic G-360 Watt.

In certain circumstances with lower end GPU's these PSU's will do the job and do the job well.

As I mentioned before I would recommend going higher than he needs for the purpose of future upgrades, but the point I am getting at is he does not need 550 Watt as a minimum based on the GPU he listed in his OP.

I get the feeling he does not want to upgrade his PSU so all of this is pointless. Of course my recommendation would be to upgrade the PSU first, but it's up to him if he wants to take the risk.

Nice one Wolfgang

Thanks Drew.