asus 9800gtx power requirements

[InevitableTruth]

++I have a raidmax 450w power supply
AMD athlon 64 x2 4200 2.21GHz us M2N-E mobo
250g Sata HDD (believe its Maxtor)

*Currently running nvidia geforce 7300GT card

I usually play WoW and although i have low frame rates at some times i generally have a smooth experience. Just bought Fallout3 for PC and it runs. plays good... i just know i'm not running at optimal performance.

I want to get the 9800gt, however I am concerned with my PSU. I have just the hardware above installed (floppy as well). Wondering if 450 watts is going to be sufficient. I have read that 450 is min, others have stated 600w+ on into 700w range is needed. If you can provide some insight that would be much appreciated.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

You have listed conflicting reports. I think you made a typo, but are you looking to get the 9800GT or GTX? I think you would be fine with either card, but I have no doubt a 9800GT would work with your 450W Raidmax.

 

[InevitableTruth]

Yes, typo... that would be the gtx i am speaking of.

 

[mpilchfamily]

A good quality 450W PSU will handle your system with no problem. Unfortunatly a 450W raidmax PSU is not a good quality PSU. The main difference between the Raid max 450W and say a Corsair 450W PSU is quality of parts used and the amount of total power supplied to the +12V rail(s). Newer and better quality PSU offer upwards of 30A to 32A on teh 12V rails while your Raidmax probably maxes out at about 26A.