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Power supply requirements for my choice of three

L

Loganx525

Junior Member
I am interested in three video cards: Sapphire Radeon X850xt, eVga 7600GT, and 7900GT. My system currently is as follows:
Case: Antec Sonata with Truepower 2.0 380W power supply
Motherboard: Asus P5RD1-VM
RAM: 2 x 1G Generic DDR2
IDE devices: 4 (CD rom, DVD-RW, 250 GB hard drive, 40 Gb hard drive)
Monitor: 19" LCD

My question is whether my power supply will be enough to run either of the three video cards that I have mentioned. I have done research on the topic but could not find someone with this specific power supply and either of these PCI Express video cards. I am a little frustrated because this power supply does have a seperate +12V power cable for PCI Express video cards but now I am afraid that when I bought all this hardware, now I cannot easily choose a video card that I would be happy with.

Thanks in advance.
 
Use an 4-pin-to-PCI-e adapter for the video card and see if it'll run. No point buying something for nothing.
 
Originally posted by: pkme2
Its too bad that you hadn't read the threads on cases and separate PSUs.
The most recommended would have been the LL PC-7B +2
and the Antec P180
Next for sure would be a Seasonic S-12 600W
Your present PSU is not recommended for either video cards you've listed.
Click to expand...

Please tell me what is the point of spending that much on a PSU when you can get one to run Loganx525's system for far less? It seems like whenever anyone asks for a PSU suggestion, the automatic response is a Seasonic. I agree that Seasonic makes good PSUs. You could get an Antec SmartPower 500W which is modular for about $60, or a Fortron 450W for $50, or an Enermax Liberty 400W for $75. No need to spend $160 on a power supply.
 
Originally posted by: orangat
Originally posted by: Harvey
This ad for Ultra Products is in one of the forum banner ads. The giveaways are nice, but they also show link to a special @ Radio Shack for an Ultra 500 W supply that comes in at $9.99 after rebates.

I don't know much about Ultra, but if you can use a 380 W supply, one rated at 500 W should probably hold up for your needs. 🙂
Click to expand...

The Ultra is not a good brand. There is a reason it sold for $10.
Click to expand...

the x-finity is made by the same OEM as antec om taiwan.
 
Originally posted by: Loganx525
I am interested in three video cards: Sapphire Radeon X850xt, eVga 7600GT, and 7900GT. My system currently is as follows:
Case: Antec Sonata with Truepower 2.0 380W power supply
Motherboard: Asus P5RD1-VM
RAM: 2 x 1G Generic DDR2
IDE devices: 4 (CD rom, DVD-RW, 250 GB hard drive, 40 Gb hard drive)
Monitor: 19" LCD

My question is whether my power supply will be enough to run either of the three video cards that I have mentioned. I have done research on the topic but could not find someone with this specific power supply and either of these PCI Express video cards. I am a little frustrated because this power supply does have a seperate +12V power cable for PCI Express video cards but now I am afraid that when I bought all this hardware, now I cannot easily choose a video card that I would be happy with.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
380 watts is plenty, don?t pay attention to people recommending 600 watt units. There are definitely better PSUs then the Antec included with the Sonata but since you already have it you might as well use it.
 
Originally posted by: raildogg
Originally posted by: pkme2
Its too bad that you hadn't read the threads on cases and separate PSUs.
The most recommended would have been the LL PC-7B +2
and the Antec P180
Next for sure would be a Seasonic S-12 600W
Your present PSU is not recommended for either video cards you've listed.
Click to expand...

Please tell me what is the point of spending that much on a PSU when you can get one to run Loganx525's system for far less? It seems like whenever anyone asks for a PSU suggestion, the automatic response is a Seasonic. I agree that Seasonic makes good PSUs. You could get an Antec SmartPower 500W which is modular for about $60, or a Fortron 450W for $50, or an Enermax Liberty 400W for $75. No need to spend $160 on a power supply.
Click to expand...
The Seasonic will probably last longer than the SP2-500 and the AX450-PN. Not only that, the S12 will be quieter and has a better customer support backing than Antec and probably Fortron.
 
man AT gets rough when PSU wattage/brands come into play....

Logan, the real question is how much do you have to spend? if you get the 7900GT, is there no change of a new psu? and if you get the 7600GT or x850xt, is your budget for the psu the difference of the 7900GT and the psu you chose? example: if the 7600GT costs $160 and the 7900GT costs $260, is your budget for the psu $100?

i would personally get a fortron 450w. according to anand, under load, the 7600GT (which required the least amount of power) alone consumes 205w, followed by the 7900GT with around 215w. if you don't have the money to upgrade the psu, then i'm sure your antec will hold up, but it will be running at the edge. i try to keep my power supplies from doing that. if you do choose the X850XT, i would definitely upgrade. anand's test showed the x850xt pe consumed 296w under load. i believe the xt pe uses more power but still, i don't think the xt uses less than 260w.

not sure if this helps but i hope it did 🙂
 
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: raildogg
Originally posted by: pkme2
Its too bad that you hadn't read the threads on cases and separate PSUs.
The most recommended would have been the LL PC-7B +2
and the Antec P180
Next for sure would be a Seasonic S-12 600W
Your present PSU is not recommended for either video cards you've listed.
Click to expand...

Please tell me what is the point of spending that much on a PSU when you can get one to run Loganx525's system for far less? It seems like whenever anyone asks for a PSU suggestion, the automatic response is a Seasonic. I agree that Seasonic makes good PSUs. You could get an Antec SmartPower 500W which is modular for about $60, or a Fortron 450W for $50, or an Enermax Liberty 400W for $75. No need to spend $160 on a power supply.
Click to expand...
The Seasonic will probably last longer than the SP2-500 and the AX450-PN. Not only that, the S12 will be quieter and has a better customer support backing than Antec and probably Fortron.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, last longer? Probably last longer? According to what data? Because Seasonic uses better parts? Well, tell that to the owners that have their Seasonics die. But of course, that doesn't mean much since Seasonic is terrific. All I'm saying is that spending that much money on a power supply is not wise for most of us. And please tell me again how that specific $160 Seasonic will last longer than a $60 Antec SP 500W and a Fortron 450W?
 
For the 4-pin to PCI-E adapter, is your suggestion to run the card off the provided +12V output? Or are you suggesting I use some other output? I had hoped that the 7600Gt would be able to run okay, as it appears as if it does not need a seperate +12 adapter: it power straight off the PCI-E bus. I had purchased this computer back in Dec '06 and am only a medium gamer, unitil oblivion showed up and now I am desperate to try it. However I don't intend to break the bank for gaming.
 
Originally posted by: alimoalem
man AT gets rough when PSU wattage/brands come into play....

Logan, the real question is how much do you have to spend? if you get the 7900GT, is there no change of a new psu? and if you get the 7600GT or x850xt, is your budget for the psu the difference of the 7900GT and the psu you chose? example: if the 7600GT costs $160 and the 7900GT costs $260, is your budget for the psu $100?

i would personally get a fortron 450w. according to anand, under load, the 7600GT (which required the least amount of power) alone consumes 205w, followed by the 7900GT with around 215w. if you don't have the money to upgrade the psu, then i'm sure your antec will hold up, but it will be running at the edge. i try to keep my power supplies from doing that. if you do choose the X850XT, i would definitely upgrade. anand's test showed the x850xt pe consumed 296w under load. i believe the xt pe uses more power but still, i don't think the xt uses less than 260w.

not sure if this helps but i hope it did 🙂
Click to expand...

Way off.

Those numbers are for the entire system, not the graphic card/s. They are also taken on the AC side no the DC side.

And of course AnandTech seems intent on using the mediocre Powerstream, efficiency is poor as a result so you can take at least 20% of the numbers.
 
Originally posted by: Operandi
Originally posted by: alimoalem
man AT gets rough when PSU wattage/brands come into play....

Logan, the real question is how much do you have to spend? if you get the 7900GT, is there no change of a new psu? and if you get the 7600GT or x850xt, is your budget for the psu the difference of the 7900GT and the psu you chose? example: if the 7600GT costs $160 and the 7900GT costs $260, is your budget for the psu $100?

i would personally get a fortron 450w. according to anand, under load, the 7600GT (which required the least amount of power) alone consumes 205w, followed by the 7900GT with around 215w. if you don't have the money to upgrade the psu, then i'm sure your antec will hold up, but it will be running at the edge. i try to keep my power supplies from doing that. if you do choose the X850XT, i would definitely upgrade. anand's test showed the x850xt pe consumed 296w under load. i believe the xt pe uses more power but still, i don't think the xt uses less than 260w.

not sure if this helps but i hope it did 🙂
Click to expand...

Way off.

Those numbers are for the entire system, not the graphic card/s. They are also taken on the AC side no the DC side.

And of course AnandTech seems intent on using the mediocre Powerstream, efficiency is poor as a result so you can take at least 20% of the numbers.
Click to expand...

"For power consumption, we once again take a look at the power draw of the system at the wall using our trusty Kill-A-Watt. "
yea, Operandi is right...guess i sould've read the intro before i looked at the graph 😛. you're fine with what you've got Logan
 
Originally posted by: raildogg
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: raildogg
Originally posted by: pkme2
Its too bad that you hadn't read the threads on cases and separate PSUs.
The most recommended would have been the LL PC-7B +2
and the Antec P180
Next for sure would be a Seasonic S-12 600W
Your present PSU is not recommended for either video cards you've listed.
Click to expand...

Please tell me what is the point of spending that much on a PSU when you can get one to run Loganx525's system for far less? It seems like whenever anyone asks for a PSU suggestion, the automatic response is a Seasonic. I agree that Seasonic makes good PSUs. You could get an Antec SmartPower 500W which is modular for about $60, or a Fortron 450W for $50, or an Enermax Liberty 400W for $75. No need to spend $160 on a power supply.
Click to expand...
The Seasonic will probably last longer than the SP2-500 and the AX450-PN. Not only that, the S12 will be quieter and has a better customer support backing than Antec and probably Fortron.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, last longer? Probably last longer? According to what data? Because Seasonic uses better parts? Well, tell that to the owners that have their Seasonics die. But of course, that doesn't mean much since Seasonic is terrific. All I'm saying is that spending that much money on a power supply is not wise for most of us. And please tell me again how that specific $160 Seasonic will last longer than a $60 Antec SP 500W and a Fortron 450W?
Click to expand...
http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2022&highlight=antec
http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1165&highlight=antec
http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=946&highlight=antec

Where did you get the $160 number from? I didn't mention any S12 in particular.
 
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: raildogg
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: raildogg
Originally posted by: pkme2
Its too bad that you hadn't read the threads on cases and separate PSUs.
The most recommended would have been the LL PC-7B +2
and the Antec P180
Next for sure would be a Seasonic S-12 600W
Your present PSU is not recommended for either video cards you've listed.
Click to expand...

Please tell me what is the point of spending that much on a PSU when you can get one to run Loganx525's system for far less? It seems like whenever anyone asks for a PSU suggestion, the automatic response is a Seasonic. I agree that Seasonic makes good PSUs. You could get an Antec SmartPower 500W which is modular for about $60, or a Fortron 450W for $50, or an Enermax Liberty 400W for $75. No need to spend $160 on a power supply.
Click to expand...
The Seasonic will probably last longer than the SP2-500 and the AX450-PN. Not only that, the S12 will be quieter and has a better customer support backing than Antec and probably Fortron.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, last longer? Probably last longer? According to what data? Because Seasonic uses better parts? Well, tell that to the owners that have their Seasonics die. But of course, that doesn't mean much since Seasonic is terrific. All I'm saying is that spending that much money on a power supply is not wise for most of us. And please tell me again how that specific $160 Seasonic will last longer than a $60 Antec SP 500W and a Fortron 450W?
Click to expand...
http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2022&highlight=antec
http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1165&highlight=antec
http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=946&highlight=antec

Where did you get the $160 number from? I didn't mention any S12 in particular.
Click to expand...

All good links Howard!
When looking at Antec PSU`s you need to take other factors into account...
The never ending problem with antec is a simple one!

Its called quality control!
Almost every forum I visit there are numerous threads concerning Antec PSU`s.
It seems that no matter how hard Antec as a company tries to correct the quality control issues they seemingly just fail to do so.

There is more to buying a PSU than just the 12 amps.
Such as quality.....relaiblity.....workmanship...warranty....etc etc
The reason alot of people suggest other than Antec is simple.
Do you really want to have to return your PSU in 6 months or a year to the company and wait for another to arrive so you can once again get on the internet?

Good luck whatever your choice!!

Also mind you the peeps at badcaps.com have real good knowledge of PSU`s..
Yet like any other wsite they also have the PSU`s that they endorse as most sites do.
Plus there are alos questions that have been askeed that have not been answered mainly becuase to answer such questions means they have to take back or re-examine what they have said oreviously.

Also to suuport what Howard posted - if you go to almost any site that has a forum you will find numerous threads concerning the Antec brand.

But there are those who have had no issues so let the buyer beware!!
 
This is all great information. I will take all this under advisement when considering a power supply. My power supply came with the case so there wasn't really a choice. However an acquaintance recommended this case because it actually saved his system and the "editor's choice" awards that it has won.

I am still frustrated by all this spec game of these power supplies and the video card manufacturers. If I go by raw recommendations from the card manufacturers, and also considering a 10% overhead on the +12V rail, you will at a minimum need a power supply with +12V/22-24A on the rail to adequately run any of the video cards on the present market.
 
I would suggest that get a better power supply.

Also, consider X1800XT and 7900GT only, and X800XL if at all
forget about X850XT
I don't recommend 7600GT if you have a higher budget

get atleast Antec NeoHE 500 class or so or TP II 480-550 at the very min
 
Originally posted by: orangat
There is a reason it sold for $10.
Click to expand...

You think it's selling for $10 because it's not a good power supply? It's $10 after mail in rebate at one vendor. So you know little about PSU's and you know little about retail. Two for two.

Radio Shack is running the promo because Radio Shack is hurting in the B&M and are trying to stir up revenue and traffic to their website. I'm sensing they might pull a Montgomery Wards (file bankruptcy and then go online only.) The PSU sells for at least $60 anywhere else.

The 500W X-Finity will work fine if you're going to run a single Radeon X850xt, 7600GT or 7900GT. You could also use it for Crossfire X850xt and it's even approved by ATI to do so. But I'm not sure it would like 7600GT's or 7900GT's in SLI.

The TP 2.0 380W might even be enough to be perfectly honest. Like Howard said, just buy an adapter. I wouldn't bother asking about a different PSU until the Antec blew up or you decided on a second video card to add onto the first.
 
Originally posted by: sniperruff
Originally posted by: orangat
Originally posted by: Harvey
This ad for Ultra Products is in one of the forum banner ads. The giveaways are nice, but they also show link to a special @ Radio Shack for an Ultra 500 W supply that comes in at $9.99 after rebates.

I don't know much about Ultra, but if you can use a 380 W supply, one rated at 500 W should probably hold up for your needs. 🙂
Click to expand...

The Ultra is not a good brand. There is a reason it sold for $10.
Click to expand...

the x-finity is made by the same OEM as antec om taiwan.
Click to expand...

maybe that's why they're bad? Not to imply that both antec and ultra are terrible, but they both suffer from poor longevity and noise level. Ultra is overpriced for their quality as well, IMO.
 
Originally posted by: acegazda
Originally posted by: sniperruff
Originally posted by: orangat
Originally posted by: Harvey
This ad for Ultra Products is in one of the forum banner ads. The giveaways are nice, but they also show link to a special @ Radio Shack for an Ultra 500 W supply that comes in at $9.99 after rebates.

I don't know much about Ultra, but if you can use a 380 W supply, one rated at 500 W should probably hold up for your needs. 🙂
Click to expand...

The Ultra is not a good brand. There is a reason it sold for $10.
Click to expand...

the x-finity is made by the same OEM as antec om taiwan.
Click to expand...

maybe that's why they're bad?
Click to expand...

I missed that post....

The OP's Antec was built by Channel Well (or "CWT".) The Ultra in the Radio Shack link is built by Wintech.

 
Friend of mine just upgraded to a 7600gt silent pipe, has not changed his PSU which came with the case...Coolermaster Cavelier 350W. B4 he could mange 2.6Mhz with his 3200+ Venice, now he can only get 2.55 ...do you OC ur cpu?, I doubt u will see any issues with the Nvidia cards u have mentioned.
Originally posted by: Howard
Use an 4-pin-to-PCI-e adapter for the video card and see if it'll run. No point buying something for nothing.
Click to expand...
I would take Howards advice....and run with it for now 😉
 
Originally posted by: corsa
Friend of mine just upgraded to a 7600gt silent pipe, has not changed his PSU which came with the case...Coolermaster Cavelier 350W. B4 he could mange 2.6Mhz with his 3200+ Venice, now he can only get 2.55 ...do you OC ur cpu?, I doubt u will see any issues with the Nvidia cards u have mentioned.
Originally posted by: Howard
Use an 4-pin-to-PCI-e adapter for the video card and see if it'll run. No point buying something for nothing.
Click to expand...
I would take Howards advice....and run with it for now 😉
Click to expand...


In the midst of all the power supply questions this one question of mine got lost: what 4-pin-to-PCIE adapter are you referring to and what are you recommending I hook up?
 
Originally posted by: jonnyGURU
Originally posted by: orangat
There is a reason it sold for $10.
Click to expand...

You think it's selling for $10 because it's not a good power supply? It's $10 after mail in rebate at one vendor. So you know little about PSU's and you know little about retail. Two for two.

Radio Shack is running the promo because Radio Shack is hurting in the B&M and are trying to stir up revenue and traffic to their website. I'm sensing they might pull a Montgomery Wards (file bankruptcy and then go online only.) The PSU sells for at least $60 anywhere else.

The 500W X-Finity will work fine if you're going to run a single Radeon X850xt, 7600GT or 7900GT. You could also use it for Crossfire X850xt and it's even approved by ATI to do so. But I'm not sure it would like 7600GT's or 7900GT's in SLI.
..............
Click to expand...

My my what a hothead you are.
Your own review of the 600W model showed that the 12V rail is at the maximum 5% deviation at typical 3.3/5V loads. Oh well I'm sure its good enough and a complete bargain at $10.
 
http://www.ultraproducts.com/reviews.php?category=3

reviews...Ultra X-Finity 500 Watt PSU- 31845
The only reason not to pick it up is if you want a modular power supply or need more than 500w of power.
Click to expand...

*********************

http://www.3dgameman.com/vr/ultra_products/500w_psu_xfinity/written_review.html

Anyone who's a seriously gamer with an SLI or CrossFire setup will definitely appreciate this Ultra X-Finity 500W Power Supply. Also, folks who are overclocking their systems demand stable and reliable power. Rest assured, this power supply does perform on every level. A power supply is a vital part of any computer system and that's truer today then it ever was. With computer systems requiring more power, a quality power supply is something you should have. The alternative is a cheap-o unit that might get the job done but will probably fail in a few months or worse, and may end up frying some/all your valuable hardware. To X-Finity and beyond!
Click to expand...

*********************

http://techgage.com/review.php?id=3471

All in all, this unit surprised me, and all for the good. The look of this power supply was top notch and had a beautiful mirror finish to it that made me all the happier. The huge 120mm exhaust fan on the under side of the power supply was more than enough to move air over the interior components of this PSU and was ultimately quiet. The rails were dead stable with the largest difference coming on the +12v rail. While it moved more than the other two, this did not concern me at all seeing how little it moved. I would have liked to have seen it a bit closer to 12.0v but it was right around 12.5v and it did not move far from there at all.

Ultra is, as always, courting the gamers and the do-it-yourselfers with this power supply. The mirror finish on this unit, as well as the stable rails makes this PSU hard not to recommend.
Click to expand...


Actually I saw nothing wrong with what JonnyGURU posted.
Your assumptions about Ultra were way off base AND unsubstantiated.

Have a nice day!
 
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