I was hoping to have a couple of questions answered before I make a purchase. I've spoken with HP a couple of times, and have gotten seemingly contradictory answers.

I purchased an m8120 HP PC. It came with a 200-300 W PSU and a 7350 LE Graphic Card. I'm finally getting around to upgrade the machine. Right now, I'm looking at the 512 MB 8800 GT.

1) I was told I need a new PSU. I know there's a separate section of the forum for PSU discussion, but if I could just get some recommendations (brands to look at and/or avoid).

Right now I'm looking to buy a 500W + unit. This machine cannot SLI, and it is unlikely I will ever purchase a graphic card in a higher performance class than the 8800 GT is today. I'd like something good, but not a lot more than I need. I don't overclock my hardware, so that's not something that needs to be taken into consideration. If I need to make a new thread to discuss this, I guess I can do that.

2) I've heard the 8800 GT is a big card. Should I be concerned about it fitting in my case? It's a standard size...and I don't really anticipate it being a problem, but I'd like to know how I could find out before I make the purchase.

3) What brands would you recommend for the 8800 GT? I'm seeing some models in the low $100-120 range with rebates, and I want to make sure they aren't something I ought to avoid.

- Thanks for the help!

300W PSU?
450w should suffice, annoying thing with OEMS is their PSU's can't hold an additional matchstick on top of what is already in the system...
I always preferred ASUS as a manufacturer in boards but there is no particular reason why, others should be able to give a better opinion.

i have a pair of inno3d 8800gt's im very happy with. a 500w psu will give you enough power, just calculated a friends psu requirements for a new graphics card, around 375w with a q6600. also consider that a psu operating at 60% of its capacity will go for a lot longer.

Get a high quality psu, not some crappy generic one. Get one from one of the following brands, Antec, Thermaltake, Corsair, Pc Power & cooling, Seasonic, Enermax.

I agree with Shadowthor. There are other good brands, but these are definitely among the better.
For a longer list:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forum [...] p?t=108088

Just as a note, I run a 8800GT just fine on a Antec EarthWatts 380 (380W), but it is a well made power supply with sufficient amperage on the 12V line.

^ Yeah get a an Earthwatts 380 they are brilliant psu's.