Q: My computer fried itself today. It smells all burnt and everything so I’m buying a new one with these specs.

• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed w/COA
• AMD Phenom X4 9500 2.2 GHz Quad-Core Processor
• 3 GB DDR2 RAM
• 720 GB (2 x 360GB) SATA hard drive
• 16x SuperMulti DVD±RW DL drive with LightScribe Technology
• NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT PCI Express video card
• High Definition audio, 8 speaker configurable
• 22″ HP Widescreen Rotating LCD Monitor w/HDMI & USB Hub

It only has a 300 watt power supply. My question is, is that enough? If it’s not and I have to buy a bigger one, does it have to be the same brand as the computer? It’s an HP.

A: Yes it’s enough.

I’d also find it hard to believe that HP would sell you a computer that didn’t have a power supply in it that would support the internal components.

As a side note, if you’re planning on doing any high end gaming with this new system, you might want to consider a different video card. The 8500GT is a great general purpose card for watching video and surfing the web, but it isn’t something you’d want to be buying to play Crysis, Half-Life 2, etc.