Originally posted by: Wreckage
Originally posted by: cusideabelincoln
That power supply is complete crap and I would not use it with
either of the proposed video cards.
Originally posted by: Wreckage
The GTS250 uses a lot less power than the 4870 and I think it will be fine on your system.
Do you ever stop spouting bullcrap?
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3523
The 9800GTX+, aka some GTS250s, does not use "a lot less" power than the HD4870. I wouldn't even constitue the new-PCB GTS250s (or HD4850s) as using a lot less than the HD4870 either. In other words if a power supply (that I would recommend) can handle a GTS250/HD4850 then it should also
be able to easily handle the HD4870.
Your own link shows the GTS250 a full 30+ watts less than the 4870 under load, even more at idle.
So in order to sell him a 4870 he should also spend additional money on a power supply. :roll:
Or he could save a ton of money and headache by just getting a GTS250.
Heck even the GTX260 uses less under load and he can get one for around $179 and it will be faster than the 4870.
BTW the XFX card he was looking at takes only 1 6pin connector so your whole argument is moot.
Well others have already addressed this issue, but LEARN TO READ.
I wouldn't even constitue the new-PCB GTS250s (or HD4850s) as using a lot less than the HD4870 either. In other words if a power supply (that I would recommend) can handle a GTS250/HD4850 then it should also be able to easily handle the HD4870.
30W is not the difference between a power supply handling a GTS250 and not handling an HD4870. 30W is pretty insignificant as far as power requirements are concerned. But let's play by your logic: Power supply A can handle the GTS250 and not handle the HD4870. What does this mean? Well it would seem to mean that the GTS250 is pushing his PSU
within 30W of its operating threshold. Just think about that. Do I really have to say anymore? Operating the PSU at such a capacity would shorten its lifespan, produce more heat, be inefficient, and etc. It would not be recommended. You also seemed to ignore the fact that the OP linked to a
512MB GTS250, which makes it a higher probability of being the more power-hungry rebadged 9800GTX+. Whether it is or not, I don't really care and it's not prudent to my point.
In my honest recommendation, the OP is going to need a new power supply regardless of which card he gets.