do I need a power supply?

[gunslinger]

I have a few questions about my machine that I hope someone can help me with. I bought this computer from Gateway in early '04. It doesn't have a real graphics card, only Intel Integrated Graphics. I've been looking into a graphics card for an AGP slot, and I found the GE Force 6600 recommended on another thread as an AGP card that would probably run M2 fairly well. The specs for that card require a 300 Watt power supply.

I can't find any power supply listed in my system information. I ran my serial number through the gateway website, and it has a 250 Watt power supply listed twice:

Power Supplies

250-Watt ATX Power Supply R0 [Part #6500836] Support Docs
250-Watt ATX Power Supply R0 [Part #6500843] Support Docs


Please note the two different part numbers. So, does this mean that I have a 500 Watt supply, and I'm safe to get the graphics card, or will I need a power supply upgrade?


One more question, if someone will indulge me a bit. When I bought my computer, hyper threading was all the rage. I asked for an HT processor. According to the records at Gateway, I have a:

Processors

Intel Pentium 4 (Prescott) 2.8GHz/800MHz CPU R0 [Part #4501031] Support Docs

However, in the System Information on my computer it says:

Processor x86 Family 15 Model 3 Stepping 3 GenuineIntel ~2793 Mhz
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 3 Stepping 3 GenuineIntel ~2793 Mhz

Yes, it's written twice. In the Device Manager Under "Computer" it says:

ACPI Multiprocessor PC

So, do I have a dual core or not? Is it possible that Gateway could accidentally send me a computer with two processors? I'm sure I would have remembered it if they had told me I was getting a dual core. Remember, I bought it in early '04 when that wasn't too common.

[doc_bean]

I seriously doubt you have a 2.8Ghz dual core, Intel barely manages to makes those now I know my 'system information' always teels me i have two gfx cards (wel primary and secondary) even though i have only one, it might be a similar thing.

As for the power supply I don't really know, I don't think I ever heard about two seperate power supplies in a PC case, but then I know very little about those...

[Husar]

I would suggest to get a new decent power supply with at least 400 or 450 Watt output. I had to get a new one with some older GeForce and an AMD 2400+ because the 250Watt thing didn't cut it anymore. Given that your Pentium uses roughly the same energy as the AMD, the Graphicscard should definitely consume a lot more so I'd go for a good PSU, if you get a decent one, you may be able to keep it for later upgrades.
Concerning your processor, ACPI Multiprocessor is most likely applied because HT simulates a second Core that doesn't really exist. Instead it uses free parts/ressources of the single core you have and uses them as if you had a second core. To let Windows take advantage of this, it has to pretend to be two cores I think.

[Husar]

I seriously doubt you have a 2.8Ghz dual core, Intel barely manages to makes those now I know my 'system information' always teels me i have two gfx cards (wel primary and secondary) even though i have only one, it might be a similar thing.

Maybe you forgot to turn off the onboard graphics in your BIOS?

[doc_bean]

Maybe you forgot to turn off the onboard graphics in your BIOS?

Nah, it's twice the same Radeon card that shows up.

[Husar]

Nah, it's twice the same Radeon card that shows up.

You could simply try to delete one, may have to do with installing drivers twice or teo different drivers, I had that with some controllers IIRC and deleting them did no harm, if really needed, windows should detect and install them again.

[doc_bean]

You could simply try to delete one, may have to do with installing drivers twice or teo different drivers, I had that with some controllers IIRC and deleting them did no harm, if really needed, windows should detect and install them again.

Honestly, I never had a problem with it

[gunslinger]

ok, so if I do need a new power suppy, are they technically challenging to install? Are they expensive to buy? Are there compatibility issues I need to know about, or will any 450 Watt power supply work with my pc?

It looks like I bought this computer at the tail end of two eras: HT and AGP were both fine when I bought it, and now no one is making new AGP cards and the HT is somewhat obsolete.

[Lemur]

ok, so if I do need a new power suppy, are they technically challenging to install?

Depends on your level of comfort with the guts of a PC. Also depends on the model -- if your PC is a Dell, you're going to need to buy a Dell-compatible PS. PC Power and Cooling makes them, and I'm sure other manufacturers do as well.

When replacing the PS, you're going to need to re-cable most of your components. If that makes you swoon with fear, you might want to pay an experienced geek to perform the operation (or call in a favor with a geek friend, if that avenue is open to you).

Are they expensive to buy? Are there compatibility issues I need to know about, or will any 450 Watt power supply work with my pc?

If your PC is anything besides a Dell, a standard ATX power supply should do the trick. They do not need to be expensive, although you get what you pay for in this market. You should at least purchase a name-brand supply, such as a Thermaltake or Antec.

It looks like I bought this computer at the tail end of two eras: HT and AGP were both fine when I bought it, and now no one is making new AGP cards and the HT is somewhat obsolete.

On the bright side, most video games are GPU-bound, not CPU-bound. So if you have enough RAM, and you can throw in a good AGP GPU, you should be in good shape for a while.

[Dutch_guy]

I've heard that videocard packages usually contain a recommended PSU number which is, usually, way higher than the PSU number which is actually needed. Is this even remotely corect ?

I'm asking because my Dimension (yes...a Dell) comes with a standard 250 W PSU, and it therefore seems necessary to get a new PSU device for me to play with a 350 W videocard. Now, obviously nobody likes to spend an extra 50 > dollars/euro's on a new (needed?) PSU device. So, is it absolutely necessary, or is it more of a precaution and investment in the future.

[gunslinger]

hmm. I just came across a decent looking deal on a radeon 9550 256mb vid card. It has Shader 2 and it says it will run on a 250 Watt PSU. That should run M2, right? Any comments or suggestions?

[Lemur]

hmm. I just came across a decent looking deal on a radeon 9550 256mb vid card.

The 9550's get good reviews and NewEgg. That's worth something.

I've got a 9700 pro that I'll be getting rid of within a week or two. If an Orgah wants it, I'd be pleased to part with it at whatever is a good below-market price. It's probably worth a whopping $60 at this late date. But it might be a lifesaver for a strapped Orgah with an AGP system.

[gunslinger]

So, does anyone else have any info about the 9550?