Video Card Questions

So I'm looking to upgrade the video card in my HP Pavillion A6137c and I have a a question that I would like answered.
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1) My desktop only has a 250W PSU, if I get a card with no fan (I.e.- Heatsink) I won't need to worry about the power supply, correct?
:confused

 

In a word, no.

The video card fan may draw 5-10 watts. It's the GPU (video processing chip) that requires an ample amount of power.

Most decent video cards (even entry-level ones such as an NVIDIA 210) require a minimum 300 watt power supply.

If you upgrade the video card using the current power supply, you're playing a PC version of Russian Roulette: Although the current PSU may support the card for days, weeks or even a few months, it will eventually fail. With cheaper PSUs (such as the OEM ones HP uses), there is a slight chance that - when the PSU does fail - it may damage the video card or motherboard in the process.

If you are opening up the case to install a video card, spend an extra $40 for a name brand 380-450 watt PSU. Check the ratings and prices on Newegg and Amazon. Don't fall for no-name PSUs claiming to put out 500 watts for $25 - cheap manufacturers often stretch the truth by listing peak (not constant) output. Antec, CoolerMaster, ThermalTake and Rosewill are all decent brands in the $40 range.

Hope this helps.

 

Alright thanks, are PSU's generally easy to install?

 

Just a standard tower, nothing special.

 

Standard towers use a standard size ("ATX") power supply.

Simply disconnect the 2 cables (24-pin and 4-pin) from the motherboard and disconnect the plugs to the drives and (if applicable) fans. Remove the 4 screws that hold the PSU in place and remove it.

Reverse the above steps to install the new one. The whole process should take less than 10 minutes.