This probably is a stupid question but here it goes, I am wanting to upgrade my video card from the 62mb one I have now to something more POWERFUL (128MB, probably) and I was wondering if it would be necessary to upgrade my power supply unit as well. I have a 250 watt one right now and I was told that I wouldn't have to get a new one but personally I think that I would have to but I want to make sure before I do anything.

Thank you.
(And sorry if this is the wrong forum, but this didn’t seem to fit anywhere else)Spuz1......I don't think you should have to install a higher capacity power supply.........Does your new vid card have a cooling fan on it ?
You can quite safely install the new card .

let us know how you make out.
dl65There should be no need to upgrade your power supply - If it POWERS your current video card it will be fine with the replacement.

The motherboard can supply power to everything slotted in it.

You would only need to upgrade the PSU if you are adding more PERIPHERALS such as more Hard Disks, CD's,CD-RW's.

That is not ENTIRELY correct, Mektek. Some videocards, such as the ATi/Radeon 9800Pro require additional power that is fed directly by the Power Supply Unit.

Everything installed in the computer requires power. Not just Multimedia periphals such as CD-ROMs.
Ok, thanks guys. I have another question, hope you don't mind :p It's about video cards. My motherboards bus speed is 200/266MHz and I was wondering if that LIMITS me on what video card I can get, for example would I not be able to buy a card with a bus speed of 500MHz because of my motherboards bus speed? Or does it not matter?

Thanks.Spuz1.....No question is stupid when the asker doesn't know the answer ....Thats how one learns. Usually the vid card will tell you what it requires as far as system requirements. Perhaps you could tell us why you wish to upgrade your vid card. It is possible that if you were to install some of the high end vid cards that you may have to upgrade you power supply, but again the info on the vid card should let you know what it requires as far as power is concerned ...so read the spec sheet on the card before buying it .....

hope this helps
dl65  Your videocards core and memory speed has nothing to do with your processor. However, if you buy a very good card and use it on an average computer, it will not directly affect eachother but you will not make full use of your videocards potentionalCool, thanks for the help