New graphics card?

[Sla1012]

My 7600GT is not cutting it, I play competitive css and this card is really holding me back. I was talking to my clan mates and they said my 2 year old Gateway will probably not have a big enough Power supply to run an 8800.

So I wanted to ask you guys, I can give you my specs if you tell me how.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT* After searching, I liked this card Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards.

But I am not sure if my PC has enough power.

 

[Trotter]

Nvidia recommends a 400W PSU for the 8800GT... and I will lay money that you ain't got one in your pre-built.

Since you will need a new PSU, you could stand to save a little on your card in the process. Here are some alternatives to consider.

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-RX387512H Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
$130, $100 after MIR. About the same performance as the 8800GT.

Newegg.com - XFX PVT96GYDF4 GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
$135, $115 after MIR. SAme or better performance as the 8800GT, XFX has a lifetime warranty.

Newegg.com - HIS Hightech H485F512P Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
$190, $170 after MIR. Outperforms the 8800GT.

Go with a 500W PSU or better. Look at the Pwer Supply sticky for the best brands in your price range.

 

[Sla1012]

The link I posted has a combo deal with a 750W, would it be cheaper to get that or get a 500W and one of the links you posted?

 

[Trotter]

The "deal" works out to be $110 for the PSU, after the discount. And HEC is noted as a brand to avoid on the Power Supply Guide.

For a good PSU, look at this one:
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 Power Supply 90 - 264 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Power Supplies
$90, $80 after MIR

As for which card to get, the 8800GT or the 9600GT would not require changing your drivers (which is no big deal, actually). The 3870 and the 4850 are both sweet cards and are awesome as far as bang-for-the-buck. If it were me, I would go for the 9600GT or the 4850. In the end, though, it is your budget that will make the decision.

 

[Sla1012]

I read the reviews on the 9600GT and a lot of them said it ran hot. I have stock cooling so I don't think that is a good idea.

For my power supply I was thinking for going for
Newegg.com - Thermaltake W0093RU ATX 12V 2.0 Version 500W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, CUL, TUV, FCC, and CB - Power Supplies

So I think I am going to for the 8800.
Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Thanks a lot for your help, as for changing parts, I can do the graphics cards. But I have no idea how to do a power supply. Just unscrew the screws and put the new one in?

 

[Trotter]

Yep, just like that. Make sure you note all the connections and then hook the same ones back up with the new PSU... put it back in the reverse you take it out.

And all cards tend to run hot anymore unless you either buy one with a pre-installed third party cooler or you install your own.