Thanks. Which of those on the lower amp usage will run the following games (I can probably adjust the graphics to low detail)
Quake 4
Bioshock
Half-life 2
I will probably have to go to at least 400. I am hoping that this will still work with my power supply. What are the risks if the wattage is higher than the power supply.
I was thinking of the X1900GT.
The Gt is alright. I dunno it's current pricing, but I would recommend, in lieu of that choice, the 3850. It's recommended to be ran on a 450w, but I see no reason it wouldn't work fine on a 400w, providing it met the +12v@26 ampere rating. On top of that it's a much better card, and you can pick one up for
$150 with a minimum of effort. Create an account at newegg, and check the box that offers to be made a subscriber, and receive special promo deals. Wait 24 hours then checkout with the above card, and apply promo code "EMCACBEBJ".
To answer your second question, if the card needed just alittle more amps or wattage than was available, it would more than likely operate but at a higher temperature. Possible side effects, maybe a rare restart restart every once in a while. As you get farther away from what it needs, expect more frequent side effects, overheating, until it hits the threshhold where the computer will refuse to start. Rarely any permanent side effects occur, unless you push to PSU too hard, too long, it might fail at this point.
