What do I need to get this graphics card to work?

I wanted to get a Geforce 9600 GT (here) for my computer. I have a Compaq Presario (here). I was wondering 2 things about this.

First, this card says that it's a PCI-Express 2.0. The slot in my computer doesn't say anything about 2.0. Is this a problem?

Second, as far as I can tell, my computer has a 250w Bestec ATX-250-12V power supply. The card has a minimum requirement of 400w. Will this be a problem?

Other than these two things, I think that the card will work with my computer. Am I right?

 

The card will reduce to regular 1.0 speed, your power supply is the main issue here, besides your card being way too good for the CPU/mobo you have. Also anything from the 7xxx series cards up will probably kill your PSU or just plain not work. I'd rethink your plan.

EDIT: Hmm, also sounds like you have a miniATX mobo and I doubt there's even enough room for the card to fit..

 

So do you think I should upgrade my PSU, or rethink my choice in graphics card, or both?

(By the way, I should mention that I'm trying to get a rig that can play The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion)

 

Definitely need to get a better power supply, 500W should do the trick and can be found at a good price.

 

Thanks very much for the advice. I'll definitely look at another power supply. But what does augiedoggie mean by saying that the card is too good for my CPU/mobo?

 

I think Augie is saying your CPU and mobo will be a 'bottle neck' for that card. The card would be slowed down by the rest of your system. You can most likely buy a cheaper card and get the same amount of improvement.

 

Your CPU is not even up to the task for the minimum required which is a 2GHz P4. I think you would be very disappointed in the game play, if you can even get it going, after spending money for a good PSU and card. Sorry man.

EDIT: FRED G is right in interpreting my ramblings.

 

Thanks for clarifying, that's good to know. Unfortunately, I'm not very hardware-savvy, so I have no idea how my CPU treats cards. I definitely don't want to buy more power than what my computer will allow, so do you have any suggestions on what card would be best suited for my situation?

EDIT: Yes, my CPU is below the minimum required--but only by 0.2GHz. Will this really make much of a difference?

 

Well, all I'll say is anything that is near minimum requirements, be it an operating system or a game, it'll work to an extent but you will not be pleased with the results, you will have to upgrade sooner or later, may as well save your money until then.

 

Well, the minimum requirement was 2GHz for a P4 processor, but mine is an AMD Sempron Processor, which might make a difference. I found a chart on this site showing various processors and their equivalent requirements. What do you think? Is my CPU good enough?

 

The Sempron is a low-end proc compared to the P4. Forget about it man. I'm outta here.

 

beamer, new computers are cheap to build right now... I think you need a new box! :-D