Should I upgrade my power supply?

I recently purchased a 1gb BFG GeForce 9500GT graphics card. Before that, I had a eVGA GeForce 8400GS graphics card. That card burnt out my power supply which was 250, because I'm rather ignorant of this stuff and didn't realize cards would need bigger power supplies, or that my computer came with such a small one. Both the 8400GS and 9500GT have a 350 minimum on their power supply requirements. This would tell me that it would work well on a 350 power supply and not burn it out, right?



Well after the 250 burned out, I purchased a 430, despite advice to move up to a higher wattage by the salespeople. They said that 80 left over wouldn't really be enough. However, the card doesn't use the full 350 right? So I figured they were just wanting to get more money, after all, they get payed more for the higher the purchase.



Anyway, when I purchased the 9500GT I was told I should get a 750, and definitely upgrade from the %26quot;small%26quot; 430. So for 111.70 off of Amazon.com, I purchased a Corsair 750 watt power supply. After I purchased this, my friend and roommate told me I didn't need it. He said 430 would be enough. Also recommending that I take the side panel of my computer off. I did this.



Well, now my computer seems to freeze. It's done it twice in a period of two days. I thought this might be the graphics card, but he said since I was just on the internet and not taxing the card (I played Spore and WoW on high with the card for hours and it didn't get slow or freeze on me at all) it has to be a driver issue.



My drivers all seem to be up to date, however, and though that the only two things that have recently changed has been the new card and the removal of the side panel. I looked online, and found that it can cause overheating, which I found will of course cause your computer to freeze. So I replaced the side panel and hope I don't experience freezing anymore.



However, it all comes down to this; when my 750 power supply arrives, should I keep it? Or do I really not need it and return it for the 111.70, since I really need the money back anyway? I also did a power consumption calculator and found that my computer should use around the mid-to-high 200's on average. I don't know how accurate that is though.Should I upgrade my power supply?
Wow.. What a long post...



Anyway, 9 out of 10 times when computers freeze they need to be wiped and the OS reloaded. This will almost always fixes %26quot;freezing/crashing%26quot; problems.



Most people will NEVER utilize a 750 watt PS but buy them because ads say they are good or they have the %26quot;bigger, better, faster%26quot; mentality.



I dont think you have a power problem but an OS corruption problem. WIpe the drive with your current PS and reload the OS. Im sure it will fix the problem.



GLShould I upgrade my power supply?
Well the video card alone requires 350 and your other components may add it up to be more than the 430. By the problems you have discussed it really sounds like you need that 750 watt, I would try to take the 430 back and tell them it doesn't work with your computer. Your not lying, because it really won't work right.



Keep the 750 watt throw it in there, if that doesn't stop the freezing you have something else crazy going on in there. Make sure you fans are all still operating as normal and if you can check your CPU temperature and system fan speeds from the BIOS (so you don't have to touch anything).Should I upgrade my power supply?
I would go out and get a quality 500w power supply. Make sure it is a quality and provides good power conditioning. I would get a Thermaltake. I got one a few months ago for around 30 or 40 bucks.



If you really need the money then return it and get a 500 or a 550w supply. Just remember when you return something you have to pay the shipping back as well as already having paid the shipping to you.

Maybe look on craigslist in your area for an affordable power supply.Should I upgrade my power supply?
You didn't state what other hardware you have in the computer... how many hard drives, cd-dvd roms, card readers, usb devices.



Every device pulls power. The 350 watt recommendation on the video card is also the minimum allowed. This means the card need a minimum of a 350 watt power supply to power up, add in the motherboard, hard drives, and other hardware...



I'd not go with less then a 650 with a high end video card and I build computers for a living.



Hope this helps.Should I upgrade my power supply?
Yes you may keep it because if in future you are willing to add more hardware it will prove to be a boon for you but for now it is wastage of electricity. Rest its your wish.Should I upgrade my power supply?
Years ago, I had a Cadillac Coupe De Ville with a big 429 CU engine with a 4 barrel carb on it. If I slowly accelerated on the freeways or city streets I got great gas mileage. This is basically because the motor was actually running mostly on two barrel carburetion.



When I put my foot to the floor, It smoked the tires!



Sure a 750w may be overkill but it will satisfy all your power needs and be able to keep up with fluctuations of need without starving other components. A power supply that runs critically close to it's limits generates tons of heat and can reduce it's life as a result.



Should you choose to return it, there may be a re-stocking fee and shipping costs to consider.Should I upgrade my power supply?
The salespeople have been telling you rubbish. They told you need a high watt PSU in the hopes that you'll buy something expensive from them.



There is no way a computer with a 9500 GT would require 750 watts. Even with an overclocked Quad Core cpu + 1 or 2 standard hard drives, LED fans and aftermarket cooling, a computer with such a low end card shouldn't require more than 450 watts. 430 in your case is plenty. I used to run a 9600 GT on a 350 watt generic.



Its up to you whether you want to keep the PSU or return it. Having a more powerful psu means you won't have to upgrade it again when you decide to get a better card, and as long as its a quality one it'll last you long enough for you to use it in your next computer.



Your main concerns with freezing is probably associated with temperatures or driver problems. Try monitoring your temps, if they look normal (no higher than 60-70 celsius during full load) update your drivers to the newest Forceware version.Should I upgrade my power supply?
Do you really need the money ? Just know that a 500-550watts PSU is the same cost. so you have a good deal. About the heat issue figure on mounting an elevated 80mm fan on the door facing your 9500GT (come standard on many o.e.m. gaming computers), 25mm aluminum spacers and 3/16%26quot; allen bolts w/ nuts that have spinner lock washers ; on the inside of the door. You might even use a bigger fan.