Can my Computer Handle It?

Question

Will the power supply on my Dell Dimension 4700 be able to handle an ATI Radeon HD 3870 512MB GDDR4 Video Card?

I currently have an ATI Radeon X800 XT 256MB Video Card and it runs fine.

I don't know if this will help with the question, but I have 2 gigs of ram, and a 3.0GHz Processor with Hyper Threading Technology.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Dell Dimension 4700 Series Service Manual indicates you have a 305 Watt power supply.
 
ATI Radeon HD 3870 512MB GDDR4 Video Card System Requirements:
450Watt or greater power supply with 75 Watt 6-pin PCI Express power connector recommended.

Anonymous · Answer

If you are using your stock power supply then the system cannot support it but if you use one with more than 450Watts and two six pin PCI-Express power connectors with more than 75Watts on each then you could easily fit that into the system as the stock PSU depending on what you recieved with the system only goes to 305Watts. I would recommend a 500 to 550Watt PSU if you are going to buy one in case you expand the system more.

Screavics · Answer

It also varies on the type of video card slot you have (such as PCI Express 16, AGP, or the dreaded plain PCI). If I am curious of weather or not it will work you can always buy it from a local store, so if it doesn't you can take it back and just say it didn't work with your computer. Most places will help you with that. 

I hope this helps

Kyle · Answer

You have a 305 watt power supply. I would consider this under powered, however, I think it will handle it.

Try it, you can always upgrade the power supply. 

Make sure you follow proper ESD procedures (ground yourself) if you are installing this your self.

Can my Computer Handle It?

4 Answers