insufficient power supply draining cmos battery?

[B Funk]

I just got a new video card (ati radeon 9600xt) and it recommends having a 300 watt power supply.  I have a 250 watt power supply.  After I installed the new card I started getting the error message "Alert:  system battery voltage low".  I talked to the Dell customer support people and they're saying my cmos battery needs to be replaced.  Is the new video card draining energy from the battery?  Is the alert reffering to the cmos battery?  Or are the Dell support people on crack?

Any feedback would be appreciated

Thanks,  B Funk

[B Funk]

Another question:  if the cmos battery dies, am I up doo doo creek without a paddle?  What kind of problems will the cmos battery cause if it dies?

Thanks, B Funk