Gigabyte HD 6850 and power supply

[Raekownz]

Hi, I'm not very experienced with upgrading PCs..The only thing I've ever done is put in a Raedon hd 5550 in my pc with no problems.  Anyways, I just ordered this card Gigabyte HD 6850 as I'm turning to PC gaming and ditching consoles. The case is big enough and I put the card in and it fit. I connected the pins into the pins from the power supply. PC wouldn't even turn on. Was a little confused, goodled the problem. Power supply? I've only got 300w. Wondering what the minimum amount of watts I would need to run it, and if this is the only other conflict I will have getting this working. Would 600 be good? 650? I'm ordering the supply online so I can't exchange it so I'd rather be safe than sorry.  I'm on a work computer right now, but my computer is a HP intel core 2.93ghz 6 gigs of ram if that's of any help. Also Is it difficult to install the power supply yourself, thank you for taking the time to read this.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome,

I am sure that you are correct when you determine that the 300w PSU is the cause of your problems. From what you have told us I would suggest a PSU of 650W minimum. Make sure however that you buy a good quality one from a respected manufacturer like Seasonic, CWT, Corsair, Thermaltake, Enermax, Gigabyte, Coolermaster, Antec, etc and try and get one with a single 12V rail if possible.

It is easy enough to swap the two units and if you purchase a modular type it is even easier as you only connect the cables that you require which saves a lot of unused wiring lying around.

[Raekownz]

Thank you so much. If your interested I will be ordering this one as it's in my price range and has great reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010

[Dark Mantis]

Yes that Corsair model should be an ideal choice and from memory it has a 5 year warranty too.   I am using the 850W version on this machine and it has been faultless.