🚀 go-pugleaf

> I've heard some pretty negative things about how biased Tom's
> HGardware is, so I'll probably look for another site.

That's odd, I tend to respect them for having the least biased opinions, especially
compared to the print media (no names mentioned).

> I have no idea how big my power supply is.  I have a gateway model
> that was top of the line maybe a year ago. How do I check how big the
> power supply is?  As to cards, I have 2 CD drives, a zip drive, a
> floppy drive, and 2 graphics cards with all my PCI slots filled.  I
> never even considered needing a big power supply for a newer card.

I never did either, the first time I encountered that problem. It is most common
with GeForce + AMD Athlon combinations, or so I hear. To check the power rating of
your power supply, first inspect it from the ouside without opening your case. I've
never seen a Gateway up close and personal, but some PS's come with a stamp or
label on the back, whre the fan and sockets are. If not, you will have to open the
computer's case and scan the outer surface of the power suply (with the computer
off, and *never* open the power supply box, as that will void the warranty on the
power supply, if any is left, and most important is *very* dangerous).

> I usually just buy the card name that is the most expensive or that I recognize
> and assume it will be the best.

Ah, in which case go ahead and buy the GeForce2 GTS. Despite its flaws, it is the
best thing currently on the market, bar none. It is also the most expensive,
especially if you get the top-of-the-line 64MB DDR model.

Paul