Enermax Liberty and eVGA 8800GT compatibility question

[Starbuck1975]

I am in the process of putting together a new build, and recently picked up an eVGA 8800GT for my video card.

I read the side of the packaging, and the minimum requirements specify a 400W power supply, with 26A on the +12V rail.

I checked the specs on my Enermax Liberty 500W PSU, and it has two +12V rails, each rated at an output of 22A.

I assume this means I will need a new power supply?

 

[Puffnstuff]

You should be fine with what you've got.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

No, they mean 26A total on the 12V rail. You have... about 40A.

 

[MarcVenice]

No, they mean 26a TOTAL, not on a single rail. That would imply that 4 12v rails, with 20a, couldn't run a 8800gt 😛

It kind of works like this: 12v rail #1 with 22a, will supply your CPU with all the juice it needs. 12v rail #2 will supply your videocard + HD's and such with all the juice they need. A 8800gt can draw 150w MAX, which would be 12.5a on a 12v rail, and since rail #2 has 22a on it, it can EASILY power a 8800gt. I'm sure someone else could explain it better then I do, but in the end all that matters is, that your PSU will be just fine.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Yes. This is a common misconception we get asked here on a daily basis.....

• +12V requirements on graphics card boxes are for THE ENTIRE SYSTEM, not just the graphics card.
• The +12V requirement is a +12V total requirement, not a "per rail" requirement.
• +12V rails are NOT additive (you don't add 22A plus 22A). Use the total combined number, stated in watts, directly below where your +12V rails' current limit is listed. If number in amps isn't given, just watts, divide by 12 (Watts / Volts = Amps).