GPU/Power Supply question

[methodlessman]

Ok, yesterday my computer suddenly shut off for no reason. I thought it was the power supply, but it turned out to be the video card. I hooked up another power supply and when I turned it on my video card when up in flames So anyway, I'm looking at a 6800GS to replace it, and I have a 350watt PS, but I'm thinking I will need to upgrade this aswell.

 

[KBTuning]

to high of an oc..... thats it period... lol no really you do need to upgrade to a bigger PSU... ive just got a X800GTO2 at X850XT and a A64 at 2.35GHz from 1.8 and im running a Thermaltake 420watt Purepower... i think its BARELY running it since i added the raid setup.

how much are you wanting to spend on a card? id suggest teh 6800GS or a X800GTO2... i love mine.

 

[methodlessman]

I had it overclocked for months with no problems...well whatever its dead now. I have the 6800GS in mind and a 430watt Thermaltake PS. My box is a: A64 at 2.0 GHz 1GB 2 CD-ROM(1 burner) and a 160GB hd That should be sufficient right?

 

[dme92189]

Side question: Your vid card literally went up in flames?

 

[methodlessman]

Yes, I saw flames coming up from under the card(I was looking at it from the bottom down). I yanked the power cord and they went out.

 

[Budarow]

IMO...if you're NOT running dual video cards, power supply needs are HIGHLY over-rated.

I've got a XP2400+M overclocked to 2.2GHz with 2 HD, 2 Optical drives, 1 floppy drive 4 80mm fans, a X800XT PE and a basic Antec 380 watt PS and never had any proplems.

I also had a similar setup with a 9800 Pro and a basic Antec 350w PS. Again, no problems with the power supply.

 

[Realguns]

Power supply really does matter a whole bunch!
I go my wife a new motherboard CPU and Video card for Xmas and thought her old PS would be fine. It would not even start the system!
I was almost at the RMA when the tech, not me suggested another power supply.
It works now. Never skimp on the power supply or you will be either unstable or unhappy or both.

FYI she was using a Gefoce2MX and a 700 Althlon socket A. Shws now at 3000+ Socket 939 and a Geforce 6600. She is very happy.

The funny thing is the Old power supply is a turbolink 420W and the replacement is a 350W Antec. It really does matter!

 

[Mojoed]

Originally posted by: Budarow
IMO...if you're NOT running dual video cards, power supply needs are HIGHLY over-rated.

I've got a XP2400+M overclocked to 2.2GHz with 2 HD, 2 Optical drives, 1 floppy drive 4 80mm fans, a X800XT PE and a basic Antec 380 watt PS and never had any proplems.

I also had a similar setup with a 9800 Pro and a basic Antec 350w PS. Again, no problems with the power supply.

Keep in mind, your XP2400+ dissipates only 35-45 watts. The OP's A64 2.0GHz uses significantly more wattage.

For your setup Budarow, your PS is just fine as you stated, but it would be a bit different for the OP.

 

[methodlessman]

So 430watts should be enough right?

 

[Budarow]

The funny thing is the Old power supply is a turbolink 420W and the replacement is a 350 Antec. It really does matter!

You're comparison only proves a lower spec'd PS (i.e., 350W) from a reputable company (like Antec) is BETTER than a higher spec'd PS (i.e., 430W) from a not-so reputable company (like "Turbolink" or Cyperpower, or whoever makes your PS).