Should I upgrade now, or wait until next year for a new build.

[Luke]

^the biggest difference in the brands are warranty, and sometimes coolers. Don't get a factory oced one, just oc it yourself as it is very easy

 

[Jewels]

I opted for the Gainward 4850, but I'm worried about actually putting into my case now. Both the box and the manual recommend a 500W power supply. If I absolutely must, I'll purchase another power supply, but only if such action is imperative.

 

[Luke]

^nah, what it says is just what it recommends, you don't actually need it. you could run it on a 450vx.

What is ur psu though?

 

[Jewels]

450w FSP ATX-450PNF.
I know FSP is at least a more trusted brand than some no-name brand.

 

[Luke]

you should be fine.

 

[Jewels]

Thanks for all the help, but I'm having trouble understanding something in the manual; I've never had a graphics card requiring external power. I thought it was a simple case of plugging in a spare 6-pin power connector, but I stumble across this: "Connect the female connector of the hard disk adapter cable to the power connector on the back of the graphics card. Then attach the male connector on the cable to matching connector from your computer's power supply."

 

[Luke]

all u need to do is connect the power cable from the psu...i don't know what the **** that is talking about.

 

[DawnOfDoom]

yea just do what Luke said they over explain everything in manuals.