Need input on new gfx card

Hello, I have recently decided to upgrade my graphics card and before I purchase one I would like to got some recommendations. My price range is between $150-200$. If for any reasons my specs are needed here they are:


Machine name: HP-A1250N
Operating System: Windows XP Professional
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Hard Drive: 200GB
Graphics Card:Radeon x1300 pro (PCI express)
monitor: 22" samsung Sync Master 226BW

x1650 Pro PCI express £112.99

I cant recommend anything unless you say what your going to be using it for.

There's a good article you may want to check out Here over at Tom's Hardware.

What kind of power supply do you have (brand and wattage....model# if possible)? I would recommend the x1950xt, but they draw quite a bit of power and you may need to upgrade your power supply to use it. However, the x1950xt is nigh unbeatable as far as speed and features in that pricerange.

EDIT:
Ah, I see that the fellow from THG agrees with me. No big surprise there...if he didn't....well....he'd be wrong....

My power supply is 300 watts. : (

I would seriously consider upgrading your power supply as Dex said.

If you attempt to run a newer card on 300w, expect unexplained blue screens of death, graphic glitches, random reboots.

How many watts should I get for the new power supply?

Wattage isn't nearly as important as the distribution of amperage across the rails, and the quality of the unit itself. Also keep in mind that some OEMs (assuming your PC is an OEM) like to use proprietary connectors for the power plugs, and proprietary size power supplies. Therefore your new PSU might not fit in your case, and / or not have the proper connections for your motherboard.

slap a 8600gt if you can =) 120-150$

What about this card: http://www2.pny.com/8600-GTS-256MB-P...P2320C269.aspx

Well, any comments?

If you're going to go to $220 you might as well go to $260 and get an 8800GTS 320mb instead, it's an awesome card.

edit:

After more digging, STAY AWAY FROM THE 8600GTS AT ALL COSTS. It's crap. Get a 7900GT instead, you can find open-box 7900gt's for as low as $189 at newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16814127218R

Yes, I understand the 7900gt is a dx9 card - but you're not going to get playable dx10 framerates out of that 8600gts, period.

Will this do? - http://www2.bfgtech.com/bfgr79256gtoce.aspx

Also, try and make sure that your new PSU has the neccersary power connectors for the card. The majority of modern PCI-e cards require a direct connection to the PSU because it's impossible to draw the required power through the PCI-e socket.

You'll definatelly need to upgrade you PSU aswell. If you slap in a new card with only 300W your computer probably won't even boot.