Member Avatar for tacyos007

I've heard I need to check the power supply that graphic cards need to run on. I'm trying to hook my TV to my computer. I never see power requirements in specs. when looking to purchase a card online. How do I look for this? Will I need to ADD the card or REPLACE the existing one. I hear you need more than 1 card to get the most out of TV to computer. Also any thoughts on a card that works w/out spending large $$$. I'm going to add a card with HDMI port. I'll buy the TV once that's done. So I should have a lot of options.--Thanks in advance.

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For 's plan to add an HDMI-equipped GPU and drive a TV: screen size itself isn’t the deciding factor. What matters is the TV’s target resolution/refresh rate (1080p vs 4K, 60Hz vs 120Hz), whether the TV and the card support the modern HDMI features you want, and whether the GPU can offload the video codecs the TV/streams use (HEVC, VP9, AV1). See the HDMI feature/ bandwidth overview and how GPUs expose hardware decode capabilities. () (NVIDIA NVDEC codec support).

Practical checklist to avoid surprises: on any card product page look for the card’s listed power metric (TDP / TBP / TGP) and the exact external power connector(s) required; identify whether the card uses 6‑pin, 8‑pin, or the newer 12VHPWR-style plugs. The PCIe slot itself supplies a limited amount of power, so supplemental connectors matter. (PCIe power / connector details).

Plan the whole system, not just the card: run a system-level PSU estimate (input CPU, drives, fans and the GPU) and confirm the PSU has the required cables and quality (efficient, reputable brand, real continuous wattage). Use an online PSU calculator for an accurate target and prefer certified units over cheap high‑wattage bargains. (OuterVision PSU calculator) (80 PLUS efficiency / certification info).

Quick troubleshooting notes: if video works but TV is silent, set the HDMI output as the OS default playback device and make sure the GPU audio driver is installed; also confirm HDCP/codecs for streaming services and the card’s listed decode support before buying—low‑cost cards can handle basic playback, but codec/HDMI version limits will show up on 4K/HDR streams. (Set default HDMI playback / driver tips)

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Member Avatar for MatEpp

Hi tacyos,

The power supply requirements are listed at newegg under specs, I'm not sure where you are wanting to buy it at.

You may not need to replace your power supply. If you can find out what your current power supply is and how many watts it is, usually around 500 watts is good enough depending on what else your computer is running. And you want to make sure you have the needed connections on the power supply unit.

What card you get is going to depend on what size tv you are going to be running it to and what you are going to be doing with it, such as games, movies, etc.. I think you should be able to get a card under a hundred dollars if you aren't playing games and the tv isn't over 30 inches.

It just all depends really. If you have more questions please let us know.

Member Avatar for tacyos007

Why would the size of the TV matter? I would think it would be whether or not the video card fits the mobo. The card itself should give me the power supply requirements, not the TV size. Also Newegg does not have the power supply specs for most card I've seen. They have what's given to them, I suppose. I know folks that have 50" Plasmas hooked up to their computers, spending under $30 for a graphics card, with awesome resolution. --Thanks for your input.

Member Avatar for caperjack

I know folks that have 50" Plasmas hooked up to their computers, spending under $30 for a graphics card, with awesome resolution. --Thanks for your input.

SO, it looks to me like you already got the answer to you question ,good luck

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