Do I need a new PSU to run an X800XL?

[SickBeast]

Hi guys,

I guess my system specs would be helpful here:

- 350 watt Enermax PSU
- Athlon XP Mobile 2500+ @ 2400mhz
- R9700Pro
- 1GB memory
- 3 optical drives
- 2 hard drives
- TV tuner

My system has been completely stable up to this point.

How much more power will the X800XL draw in comparison with my 9700Pro?

Also, do you think that this upgrade makes viable sense considering my system? I can get the card for $300CDN ($240US), full retail, built by ATI.

I'd apprciate some opinions/feedback. Thanks!

*Update* Got the card and it overclocks to XT speeds so far...520/560. I'm gonna try for more later, and I might unlock the pipes.

 

[bob4432]

for power look at my rig in sig. and yes, even with a 2.8c P4 the difference between a 9800pro and x800xtpe were huge and well worth it.

[edit]you probably didn't get much of a response because you put it in the video section instead of general hardware...[/edit]

 

[SickBeast]

Dude, that's awesome, exactly what I needed to hear.

I'm gonna buy the card tomorrow!

Thanks!

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: SickBeast
Dude, that's awesome, exactly what I needed to hear.

I'm gonna buy the card tomorrow!

Thanks!

no probs,

you migth want to do a quick benchmark review as ati has "refurbed" x800pro for 229Can - here and you should be able to use the code 1010 for an additional 5-10% off. not sure how the pro compares to the xl, but worth a look good luck.

 

[Pete]

Yeah, you should be fine. I run an XP 2400+, 9800P (about the same peak power draw as the X800P, according to XbitLabs), one HD (I've run two), and two opticals on an Antec 300W.

I'd also suggest what Bob did, taking a look at the used (but with three-year warranty) X800P from ATI.com. It seems to hang pretty well with the XL according to THG's last AGP roundup, but you'd probably want to check more benchmarks.

 

[SickBeast]

Well, the Pro is a better deal, no doubt, but I'm still tempted to go buy the XL. The price difference is about 30% whereas the performance difference is about 22% in graphically strenuous cases (Doom 3 w/ AA/AF; the game where I would need the performance the most due to ATI's weakness in that game).

What I like about the XL is that I can get one today in a store, it will draw less power, and will be a little more future-proof. It will probably also be more overclockable.

It's a tough call; I'm still gonna think it over somewhat. Thanks for all the great input.

 

[fstime]

Looks fine

 

[jiffylube1024]

A 350W enermax should be great, but it is important to know which version you have. If it was made in the last couple of years it should have ~26A on the +12V rail and will have no problems with the new video card. The older 350W Enermaxes (which used the same model numbers, but are about three revisions older and >3 years old) were weaker, and only had about 16-17A on the +12V rail.

If you have the new 24-pin ATX connector (with the detachable 4-pins on the end), then there is no question that you have the newest model Enermax PSU and should have no problems. Even if you don't have the 24-pin ATX connector, as long as yours has ~26A on the +12V rail you should be fine .

 

[SickBeast]

Thanks Jiffy.

It should be the newer model; I'll have to open up the case to confirm it.

 

[bob4432]

my psu has 16-18A on the 12V rail and have no problems.

out of curiosity, why 3 optical drives?

 

[SickBeast]

It's kinda dumb. DVD reader, DVD burner, CD burner. The CD burner is faster than the one in the DVD burner.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: SickBeast
It's kinda dumb. DVD reader, DVD burner, CD burner. The CD burner is faster than the one in the DVD burner.

no probs, just curious...

 

[StrangerGuy]

There is absolutely no need to buy a new PSU.

 

[SickBeast]

Ok I ordered the X800Pro after a great deal of deliberation. Thanks again for the deal linkage, bob4432.

I'm hoping that there is a softmod to a FireGL card, and possibly another one to open up the 4 extra pipelines (maybe I'll get a VIVO).

 

[Corporate Thug]

eh, if nothing else atleast its more overclockable than the XL

 

[jevans64]

The refurb x800pro for $179 - 5% coupon code is a very good deal even if you don't get a ViVo version. You will probably only see a 10% reduction in performance betweem a 16-pipe x800xt and a 12-pipe x800pro since they are both clocked at 475 MHz.

 

[SickBeast]

Ok I ordered the X800Pro Refurb from ATI today. $220CDN including shipping...not bad at all.

Anyone have experience with shipping times to Toronto, Canada using ATI's basic shipping service? They say 2-7 business days...I'm hoping for 2.

 

[bob4432]

mine came from texas...

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: bob4432
mine came from texas...

So much for ATI being based in Markham, ON. I guess all the cards are made in Asia somewhere anyways. The ATI guy told me 7 business days, which sucks. I should have told him to upgrade the shipping to overnight.

 

[Cruise51]

If you have at least 20 amps on the 12 volt rail you should be fine.

 

[SickBeast]

The card arrived today.

The only benchmark I've run is Doom III. At 1280x1024 with 4XAA/16XAF, I only get 28FPS...kinda disappointing actually. So much for being able to run *anything* at 1280 with all the eye candy on...

I'm looking forward to some HL2 on this thing.

 

[Kogan]

Try 4XAA/8XAF. 16XAF really kills last year's cards.. And doom3 isn't the fastest game on ATI cards. HL2 will be great, though