Amps and 9800GTX

May 27, 2008
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I am new to the forums here (member anyways), have read and gotten advice for some time from you guys. I will be purchasing a 9800GTX within the next month and the PS I have will --handle-- it so to speak. It's 450 watts, and I don't have to extra to purchase a new one just yet...in the near future yes. What is a safe bet on the amps for the 12V rail to actually handle this card. If I need to wait to get the card and PS together I will, but i'd rather not. Thanks and hello to all!
 

DSF

Diamond Member
Oct 6, 2007
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A quick flip through the Google search results brought up 24A for one reference card, 26A for overclocked versions and 30A for SLI mode. Your 450W PSU is probably cutting it close, and I'd look at stepping up a notch.

Honestly though, with the 9800GTX you're paying an extra $80-100 over the 8800GTS for only a 5% or so improvement. You might think about going with the slightly slower card (which is still plenty for all but the most demanding gaming) and putting the savings toward a quality power supply.
 

error8

Diamond Member
Nov 28, 2007
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Excellent advice from DSF. With those extra cash you could get a really good PSU and you're not going to loose much of a performance from getting the GTS over the GTX.
 

ther00kie16

Golden Member
Mar 28, 2008
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Yea, even an Earthwatts/Seasonic 380W with 27A on 12V rail will do. But just to be safe, get the Corsair 520HX. It's one of the most recommended and it's modular.
 
May 27, 2008
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LOL, good to know only if the 450 watt I have was good quality. It's a Raidmax that was in a case a friend gave me. I am going to buy a new psu to use, I don't want to be close to minimum required, especially with this brand. Thanks for all the input guys.
 

chizow

Diamond Member
Jun 26, 2001
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An older Antec True Blue 480W wasn't enough to power a 640MB GTS and an E2160 without disconnecting everything besides 1 HDD and 1 Optical drive. Doesn't hurt to try your current PSU, but you'll know where to start troubleshooting if you run into problems. If you can't get a quality PSU at a good price quickly, you may want to go ahead and grab a new PSU proactively or risk downtime.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
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Originally posted by: ravenous
LOL, good to know only if the 450 watt I have was good quality. It's a Raidmax that was in a case a friend gave me.

450W Raidmax that came with a case? Yeah, time for a new PSU. ;)