PSU with 2 +12v rails. I'm confused, Need help!

[lucasv1979]

I intend to buy a Geforce 8800 gts card. It says in the box I need a 450W PSU with at least 26A in the +12v rail. Now, this power supply that I have has 2 +12v rails. one is 20A and the other is 17A. My question is , Do the 2 +12v rails add up to make 37A? If that is so, then this PSU should be enough for the 8800, right?

 

[HOOfan 1]

it doesn't work that way..it depends on what wattage the combined 12V rails are rated at


12V*Current measured in AMPs=Rated wattage of the rails...see if the badge on the side of your PSU breaks it down....


for example for a 450watt PSU the 12V rails may be rated at 348Watts therefore

12v * Xamps =348Watts

X=29Amps...combined between 12V rails

 

[lucasv1979]

First of all, thanks for helping out such a noob.

I looked at the badge and it says the combined wattage for the +12v rails is 340. That would be 28.3A combined. Right?

So in theory this PSU would be enough to cover the 26A need of the card. Am I right?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[HOOfan 1]

looks like it...what PSU Brand and Model is it?

 

[SparkyJJO]

Which PSU is it?

Also, that 26A that the 8800 says isn't what the card by itself pulls. It is the recommended amount for the whole PC. If your card took 26A all by itself you'd have a problem The card takes probably 2/3 that amount (give or take, rough guessitmate).