Gateway Parts

Effects of insufficient computer power supply?

Many months ago I bought the nvidia gt 220 graphics card and I never really considered that my power supply wouldn't be powerful enough. (I have had my computer for about 4-5 years and it is a bit old, but I'm only 15 so I can't really afford a new one or better parts:[ ) Well, I found out that I need a 350W system power supply minimum with an Nvidia GT 220, but I looked and my current power supply is only 250W. What effects on my computer does an insufficient power have? Would it cause my computer to randomly crash? Decreased performance? (My computer was very fast when I got my new gpu now it is a LOT slower and no matter what I try, it doesnt make it faster again!) Any and all help would be great! My computer specs: -Microsoft Windows 7 Uktimate Edition (build 7600), 32-bit -AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+, 2.4GHz -Kingston DDR2, 2GB -NVIDIA GeForce GT 220, 1gb -(C:) 120gb, 36GB free (F:) 1TB, 400GB free

Public Comments

1. definitely need a bigger ps..id recommend at least a 500w and 36 gig left on your c drive is cutting it thin
2. Geforce GT 220 is a 58 watt card that draws power mainly from +12V rail of power supply. Processor, its voltage regulator, the fans and motor drives of HDD, CD/DVD also draw power on +12V rail. It is very likely that +12V rail of your 250W power supply has been severely stressed by the full or near overload and it may fail soon. Better get a 350W or larger power supply. A higher rated unit generally runs cooler, stable and gives more elbow room for future upgrades.