Video card help

[whughes1989]

I have windows 7 but currently just went back to XP. I need a new Video card so i can run Windows 7 Properly. My computer specs is as follows

Power supply 270W
CPU: Intel Penntium 4 2.60 GHz
memory 2.5GB ram
ODD: DVD/CD-RW
HDD: 7200RPM" HDD
2 available PCI Slots
1AVG 8X Slot

So my question is what would be the maximum wattage Video card i can put in my computer?

 

[alphanumeric]

Check the box for the recommended minimum power supply wattage required for said video card. You should probably upgrade your power supply to at least 350 watts. That would let you install a good quality AGP card.

 

[thefabe]

alphanumeric is right before you can upgrade to any video card worth upgrading to you'll need to buy a better power supply, 400 watt minimum. Also you'll need to first check the minimum wattage for any card your looking at as well as the proficiency of the power supply.One thing to keep in mind is it is not how many watts it has as much as how many amps it puts out on the 12v rail(s). The other thing is to buy a name brand quality power supply don't skimp on it in order to buy a better card. Find a good balance on how to spend your money and get the quality and preformance you want. If you look on Newegg and click on specs to find out this information.Fabe

 

[alphanumeric]

I've been shopping around for a PCIe video card to replace my onboard video. What I look at aside from the specs is the minimum system requirements, specifically the listing for the required apps on the 12V rail. You will see it listed as "a minimum of X amps on the +12V rail. If your current power supply is close to that value or below it you are going to run into problems. Weird things will happen and or the PC might not even boot up. There should be a sticker on the power supply listing the amps available on each of the different rails. The rails are the different voltages supplied by the power supply. The total wattage of the power supply is divided over the different rails. Some supply more current than others and they have a limit as noted on the sticker. The same specs are usually listed online.