Another question about my purchase

[Michael Carter]

While I'm happy with this sytem overall, the power supply is its weak point.

At only 250 watts, I'm afraid I may not be able to get a decent video card for this system.

I've heard that some people will run a high-end video card on a separate PSU. Can this be really be done? I mean theoretically, there's nothing to keep it from working, but I thought I would ask.

I read also, that changing the PSU in a factory-built PC is not always as easy as it is in a home-built or custom built PC. I'd rather not mess with this until after the warranty period, but what would the difference(s) be in wiring a new PSU into a factory built computer vs. a home-built computer?

[737NUT]

All you have to do is cut the Green (there is only 1) on the 24 pin connector and any of the blacks near it. Splice those into your computers same 2 wires. Now your one button will power both PS's. That is how i do it on my PC with a dedicated PS for the video card.

[Michael Carter]

Cool. Thanks for the info. Now I don't have to worry about this anemic power supply.

[Michael Carter]

Check out this neat solution...

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817153037

And I'm going to mate it to this Sapphire card...

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814102075

[Michael Carter]

I couldn't really afford the 512 version of the 1950 card so I bought the 256 version instead. It should be OK for FS9.

The dedicated power supply will sure help out too.

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814102061

It will be a definite step up from my 9800 Pro. That's an AGP card so I couldn't install it in my new system anyway.