Thanks, for the input.
I am thinking that this second option is the way to go. It looks like the
HP has the right slot for it, but I am still a little concerned about the
power supply. What I am reading is that the 8800 GTS, while not as power
hungry as the GTX, still requires a 400 watt PS. Will I kill my computer if
it has only 350 watts?

Also, I am a bit confused by all of the different brands. When I started on
this quest, I thought I would be buying an NVIDIA card. But now I see that
while NVIDIA makes the chipset, that other companies actually make the
cards? Do I have that right? When I see ratings for the 8800 GTS, are they
the same regardless of whether they are PNY, BFG, Evga, etc? Or is there a
brand I should prefer and/or stay away from?

I really appreciate your help, this is becoming quite the learning adventure
for me.

Cindy


"First of One" wrote in message
...


The other option is equip either machine with the cheapest card available
and pick up an 8800GTS for $260 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082 It's much
faster than a 8600GTS and this particular brand carries a lifetime
warranty.

--
"War is the continuation of politics by other means.
It can therefore be said that politics is war without
bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed."

"Tom & Cindy" wrote in message
. ..
Hi All,

We are about to buy a new computer and are looking at a Dell and an HP.
I don't want to start a Dell vs HP argument, but one of the components
that I am weighing into my decision is the graphics card. I realize that
neither of these is probably great, but want the best I can get.

The Dell XPS 410 has the Nvidia GeForce 8600 GTS w/ 256 MB memory.
The HP m8000y has the ATI Radeon X1700SE w/ 512 MB memory.

While I have been able to find some info on the GeForce, I know nothing
about the Radeon.

Or, would I be better off just getting the cheapest card option available
and buying my own?
I believe the Dell has a 375 watt PS and the HP has a 350 watt PS. What
could I get for either of those machines that would be better than the
above? I really lust for the GeForce 8800 GTX, but I have read that I
would need a much greater PS, and is a little pricier than I can go. (it
is an available option on the Dell, but is $700 more--and I thought it
needed a greater power supply anyway......)

Please go easy on me, I am not extremely well versed.......I just know
enough to be dangerous. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.


Thanks,

Cindy