Q: Hey guys there is this new graphics card I am buying but apparently it says there is a min requirement that the battery watt should be at 400. I supposedly believe I have a 450 watt, because at the very bottom of the battery it says 450. I was wondering if this is ok.
A: I presume by battery you mean power supply. That recommendation is convoluted. It all depends on the drain you whole system puts on the power supply. For example if your current max draw is 255W and adding the new card makes it 305W, you are fine. However, if you are currently drawing 350W and will increase to 400W - then there is no way I would recommend that - unless you get a new power supply. You have to examine what your CPU, Motherboard, RAM, Hard Drive(s), ROM drive(s), Fans etc are pulling off the power supply. There are many wesites that will tell you what your pull is - at least an estimated draw. Then you have to look at your power supply and determine if it can correctly supply the power you need with the new video card. Many power supplies state 450W, but will falter at that draw and cause a large headache for you.