8500gt 256 MB GDDR 3 (or even ddr 2) would be way faster than a 8400gs(which is a v.poor performer) and a bit faster than 7300gt.In these cards there would be negligible performance difference b/w a 256 MB and 512 MB, but a ddr 3 would make a difference.So,try to get 7300 gt 256 MB gddr 3 for abt 2.5 k or lower.That would be a v.good option or spend 1.1 K more(from 8500gt) and buy a 8600 gt which is much more powerful than 8500gt and is a solid performer in the lower end category.
@allwyndlima,
Is ur friend's PSU new? As the psu gets older,the power it can handle also decreases. Also, has ur friend tried to really stress the card by overclocking or playing v.graphics heavy games? In fact , 8600 gt consumes only abt 41 W.So,even a 300 W psu can handle that.But the PSU's(am talking abt decent psu's;not even the stock ones)have a problem that their peak wattage provided is calculated under "ideal conditions" which may be something like 20 degree centigrade and various other factors.
Haven't seen Zebronics cabinet here,seems a good one.What's its price?.Would an i-ball 400 w cabinet be able to handle 8600 gt? ANYONE PLS HELP. I want a cheap solution to handle the 8600 gt.