Power Supply requirements for Vid Cards

[RufusLeaking]

I have a video card that the box says "Requires 350W power supply."

The intended machine only has a 300W supply.  No sound card.  1.5 GB ram, 1 hard drive, 1 CD-ROM. 

What are the odds of installing the card into this machine?  What is the downside?  As it is a 5 year old machine, I am trying to avoid upgrading the power supply.

[Denholm]

Typically you want to make sure the +12V rail has enough amperage to power all of your internal components. The power consumption varies between loads, yet you want at least 15-20 amps on the +12V rail to support your system components along with a 350W required VC. So if your +12V rail has the amperage, go for it. Otherwise upgrade or forget it.

[guncrasher]

I installed an 8400 gt card last year using the existing 300w ps that came with my computer.  everything seemed fine to me I had no problems.  When I decided to upgraded my ps about 6 months ago i spent 60 on a 450 w ps.  the improvement in my fps was very noticeable on the card and on my system itself.  I went from like 3o to 40fps to in the 60's fps.  I guess something wasnt getting enought juice to work correctly.  So your card might work ok but you may not get the full benefit of it.  just something else to think about I just spend another 100 buying another ps, because i decided to upgrade several more components on my computer.  so i have the original 300, an 450w ps sitting around.  I wish I had really thought long term and spend the additional 40 6 months ago to get the ps that I have now.

semp