Noobie help, upgrading graphics card

[beachbum87]

Hey guys, so I'm probably going to get laughed at for my system. I have an old Vaio that I'm putting a new card into. Here are my computer's specs:

http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-Sony-VAIO-Digital-Studio-PCV-RX850

So basically it has a P4 2.4 with 2gb RAM (can't remember the speed), I've upgraded the hard drives, threw in a 128mb 9800 Pro AGP and that's about it. I recently bought a new monitor that runs 1920x1200 and have bought a 256mb X1950 Pro. What kind of bottlenecking can I expect with the X1950 Pro since my system is so old? My 9800 Pro has run CS:S pretty well and that's about all I play. I don't play games that often, so that's why haven't had the need to get a new computer.

Another thing is my PS only has a DC output of 270W max. Should I replace the PS with a new one or could I just run a second PS, put it on top of the desktop and just run the power cable to the card? I'm not sure how to go about replacing the PS since it's a Sony and it takes a certain kind that locks into the inside of the computer.

Does Frys sell the 4 pin molex to 6 pin PCI-E power cable adapter needed to power the card?

TIA for any help

Here's my PS's specs:

Output-
+5v 25A max
+3.3v 13A max
+12v 15A max
-12v 0.2A max
+12vsp 1.2A max
AUX +5vb 1.8A max

+12, +12vsp total 180W max
+5, +3.3v total 146.3W max
DC output total 268.9W max

EDIT: Well, I took a closer look at the PSU and saw that there's an attachment that the PSU slides into. So, I guess I'll be looking for a new PSU.

Now from what I've read, I should get one that's >400W and has at least 30 amps on the +12v rail. My question is, does the 30 amps need to be on one rail or can I run a PSU that has (for example) +12v1 18amps and +12v2 18amps making for a total of 36amps on the +12 rails?

 

[beachbum87]

Well, I took a closer look at the PSU and saw that there's an attachment that the PSU slides into. So, I guess I'll be looking for a new PSU.

Now from what I've read, I should get one that's >400W and has at least 30 amps on the +12v rail. My question is, does the 30 amps need to be on one rail or can I run a PSU that has (for example) +12v1 18amps and +12v2 18amps making for a total of 36 amps on the +12 rails?

 

[TheViper]

You won't have any bottleneck with that card and CPU set up.

You will definitely want to upgrade to the PSU you mention and it's OK if the rails are single or double.


I don't know if FRY's sells the adapter but they can be found at most computer stores and online.