Could my comp (m9150f) support an NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT?

[Kacen]

Okay I have an HP Pavilion Elite m9150f PC. The system stats are:

3 gigs of RAM
Intel Core™2 Quad Processor Q6600
720GBs hard drive space (two drives)

It currently has a GeForce 8500 GT, which is a bit inadequate, which is why I'm thinking of upgrading.

Just wondering if it will be compatible, I'm not the best when it comes to hardware.

EDIT: Seems the power supply won't be able to take it, well, I don't know. I can't find a concise official statement as to it's wattage, found most people saying it was 350w.

Well, if that is the case, can someone tell me what's the best graphics card I can get for this system that the power supply supports? I may consider 9500 GT if my comp can take it, but it seems it may be pushing it.

NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT

Says the PCI-E v2.0 is 300 watts, which I should be able to take, however I don't know what makes PCI-E v2.0 different from x16; I know I have x16 slots but I've heard in some cases it's reverse compatible? Dunno if I'm hearing wrong.

(I have absolutely no experience or clue in replacing power supplies)

Links:
HP Pavilion Elite m9150f Multimedia Desktop PC
HP Pavilion Elite m9150f Intel Desktop PC - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 3GB DDR2, 2x360GB SATA II, SATA DVD±RW/RAM -LS, HD-DVD Player, GeForce 8500GT, Wireless & Gigabit LAN, Vista Home Premium at TigerDirect.com

EDIT: Considering 9500 GT. Realistic? What model, some have the 6 pin port (which my power supply doesn't support) and some don't and draw power from the motherboard. How do I know which model?

[Ven0m]

I'd try a 9500GT 1GB, tops. I was in the same situation with one of my other PCs and I went the 9500 GT route for it and it's worked out.

[Kacen]

Originally Posted by Ven0m

I'd try a 9500GT 1GB, tops. I was in the same situation with one of my other PCs and I went the 9500 GT route for it and it's worked out.

Just wondering, is it marginally better than an 8500 GT? By how much?

Also I'm really wondering how much wattage the 8500 GT takes so I can judge it relatively. I'll look into the 9500GT though.

[Kacen]

I've never installed a PCI-E before, just PCI. I know they need a power connection; the 8500 GT in my slot currently has a small wire connecting it to the motherboard, I take it that's the power?

The 9500 GT has a six pin connector and it doesn't look like it would fit; well, I dunno if the graphics card comes with the power connection? If so, would it connect to my motherboard?

[Kacen]

On further research...apparently my power supply is where the "6 pin connector" comes from...or should. Mine doesn't appear to have one, and if it does, it's not attached to the 8500 GT (guess it's so weak it doesn't need extra power...well there's a tiny little double white and black wire running from a two-prong port in the 8500 GT connected to the motherboard, not sure what that is.).

I looked around in there and I don't think I have have it...wow, this is terrible.

EDIT: Well, dunno, there seems to be versions that draw power from the motherboard. If so, what would be the exact model for that? I see two versions, one that doesn't seem to have the 6 pin connector and another that does and has a HUGE fan on it that says "galaxy". I guess I should get the former?

[Kacen]

EVGA GeForce 9500 GT 1GB DDR2 550MHz 128-bit PCI-E 2.0 DirectX 10 Video Card - 01G-P3-N958-LR - Buy.com Do you mean this one, specifically? Will it fit into a x16 slot?

[Kacen]

Okay so I'm getting this: Amazon.com: BFG Tech NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT 1 GB DDR2: Electronics

According to the NVIDIA site it uses 50 watts, and I heard that the 8500 GT uses about 30 watts (cannot confirm). Considering the other components my comp has, I hope that won't cause any issues?

There is nothing else upgraded on this computer hardware wise unless you count the 500 Gig HP portable media drive.