So I go into the local electronics store today, just killing time, and while I was there they happen to unload a stack of PC's, mostly Compaq's, 2 HP's and a Viao. I kinda wanted the Vaio, but someone else snagged it before I could. I took a long look at a compaq, but my experience with compaq is a little unsavory. So, I ended up claiming the better of the 2 HP's. It's an HP a1320n media center. It came loaded with a few bells and whistles that make my current HP look like an abbacus. The only drawback to it was that it had been returned to the store because it wouldn't power on.
This computer usually retails over here (I'm in the USAF, currently serving overseas) for $689, however since it had been defective, I was able to buy it for only $150 . Not too bad a deal for a computer that should only need a replacement Power Supply.
So, heres my question....this computer came stock with a 300w max power supply, what I want to do is take the HD from my current desktop, install it in the expansion slot, and perhaps also install the DVD/CD +RW drive into the new computer....is this going to significantly alter the amount of power I need?
Currently I can take the newer HP to a computer store here, pay around $40 for the power supply and around $30 for the installation fee (I could do it myself, but I'd rather not risk mucking something up) but I want an outside opinion just in case the tech there tries to sell me something I won't need.
The current HD in the newer HP is 200gb, the old one I want added is only 80gb, and the old DVD drive is 5200rpm, and the new DVD drive is 7200.
(You might be able to figure from all this rambling that I know little about computers, hence the fact that I didn't simply opt to build one myself)

Another few questions I have are entirely irrelevent to the above....
The new HP came with an integrated ATI RADEON XPRESS @)) <~thats 200 to those that don't speak typo..with up to 256 shared video memory.
Now, is this integrated card any less efficient than a store bought expansion slot Vid card?
Will this "up to 256" "SHARED" video memory actually cause it to run slower than the afore-mentioned expansion slot card?
Will the difference in graphics be significant between this integrated ATI RADEON XPRESS @)) (see above) and the ATI RADEON 9200 I have on my old PC?
Will Sony ever admit it made a Wii error in the Vido Game console race by releasing the PS3 for the extravagant price of $600, while it's competitors range from $250-$400 after the lower priced XBOX 360, and 2 days before the significantly lower priced Nintendo Wii ?
Will this post EVER END ?

.....ahem...So yeah, any information or experience that you could share would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Skuwulfe

Welcome to PC Help Forums

My my I bet your out of breath.
Ok can I ask that you bear with us for a short while until our Tech Team can sort the wheat from the chaff on this one.

Btw That PS3 is cheap as they are going to be retailing in the UK around £600.

Sony PC:

I wouldnt have advised that because if a PSU blows it can affect other components in the PC. Use this PSU calculator to work out what size PSU you require.

Other Questions:

The ATI Radeon Xpress is using 256MB of your systems RAM to fufill its graphical needs which is a drain on performance. A dedicated expansion slot card will not 'share' memory and is likely to be better depending on which one you get.

Wolfey: Im pretty sure the PS3 hasnt even been released yet in the UK i think its March when it will be released.

`twas an incorrect turn of phrase I will admit, it is in fact March as you quite rightly state Upgrader.

ok no worries

The new PC was returned to the store by the previous buyer because the power supply was already faulty, do you suppose that the rest of the computer might be alright, or is there a chance that the whole thing is worthless and unsalveagable?

As for the PS3, wherever it's being released it's price is redonkulous. hehe