I didn't realize you already added RAM. For best performance in dual channel it is advised to run equal and exact pairs but if it is running then let it be.

The graphics card is also an important upgrade that determines a lot of speed and visual quality.

Some 8800 models have been reduced to @ $350 US whereas the high end are still running @ $700.

I don't remember if you ever said what you have now.

If you plan on upgrading to multiple cores and a high end graphics card ensure that the power supply is adequate.

It is not just wattage. Most will say "Quad Core" ready and "SLi" ready.

These will have the proper connections for this high end hardware.

Well according to the site it said that recommended PSU is a 215W. And I plan on getting an Antec which hasn't really failed me. 500W Antec Basiq

http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=23500

That will run one PCI_E high end card (6 pin connector) no SLi or multiple PCI_E.

It will run Core Duo but not Quad Core. Quad requires an 8 pin ATX connector.

These are things you probably don't need but just thought I'd point it out.

The PC has an Sapphire ATI Radeon X1300 Pro 512MB and it is running fine. I do not believe it has caused any problems at all. Do not forget my chipsets are supporting the Crossfire ability and I am aware that they can still support individual Nvidia cards. I do not plan to install a new video card.

As for the PSU I do not need it to support Quad Core as the board doesn't support it. It only goes up to Conroe. The PC isn't used for gaming.

Yea I know as I have installed one before.

215 seems low, did you set capacitor aging to 30%?

I too like Antec supplies.

I guess you are all set then.

Let us know how it goes.

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Threads merged.

Originally Posted by Digerati

215 seems low, did you set capacitor aging to 30%?

I too like Antec supplies.

No. I forgot to do that. With capacitor aging to 30% it becomes 279W. Does that sound better? Btw why did I have to set the aging capacitor to 30% again?

Yes, that sounds better for your current system. I would think it provides little wiggle room for any significant upgrades, however. This means, if your buy a 300W supply today, it will work fine, but in 6 months or a year, if you decide (or Mother Nature forces you) to buy a new motherboard/CPU/RAM and video card, then you will have to buy another supply again. Something to think about.

Btw why did I have to set the aging capacitor to 30% again?

Because, as odd as it sounds, even electronic devices wear out and get weaker. Tests have shown that power supplies lose wattage capacity over time and so setting the aging in the calculator accounts for that.