upgrade question on ibm thinkcentre

i own an ibm thinkcentre m50. i just ordered a geforce 6600gt that states it requires a 300W PS but my machine only has a 230W.

Is is safe to just go buy a 300 and slap it in or is there something i should know first? or can i just leave the 230 in?

 

You will need a new PSU, at least 450W is recommended!
You will want to check out THIS thread before you buy!
Also depending on the case, since it's an OEM PC it would have a Micro ATX PSU in it so you will most likely need a new case aswell unless you can find a Micro ATX PSU!

 

Ok. so there is no way to run it on the existing machine without upgrading the PSU then? damn.

 

No the card won't function properly unless it has enough power.

 

it has been said before but i'll say it here, dont just look for wattage, it is important but look for the amps on the 12V rail...a generic/bad one without enough amps wont work either

 

is it possible to strip the thinkcentre m50 and put it in a standard atx tower? will it fit? then use a 300W ps? or do i definitely need more than 300

 

i would go with more than a 300...400 watts would be good....450 watts would be excellent.

 

fair enough. but will it work in another case if i try to transfer the mb from a micro atx to an atx tower?

 

yeah just make sure the atx tower has the right holes for a micro atx size board.

 

cool thanks