Rails? Can my PSU handle a Gtx285?

[seriouscat]

This talk of Rails but more specifically how to add them (the Amps) up is slightly confusing. I'm currently running a 8800gtx and havent had any problems so far. Unfortunately I bought it just before 8pin PCI-e Psu came out. Its 620w with x2 6pins PCI-e and its ok.... for now.

However could my PSU handle something like a single GTX285? If not, what would be the next step down gfx card wise?

EDIT: Its the Amps requirement that I'm unsure about.

Specs
http://iforce.co.nz/i/5eef5c5e...e8f15c050bfdaab54a.jpg

Rail distribution
http://iforce.co.nz/i/e7d91b61...50da3dc7616a561306.jpg

I read on this board that newer PSU have dedicated rails for PCI-e which it appears mine does not. Is this something that newer higher end gfx cards would need for stability.

Lastly, does a 55nm GTX285 or 4890 use less power than the older 90nm 8800gtx?

Cheers.

 

[HOOfan 1]

the GTX285 only needs 2 6 pin PCI-E connectors, you are fine.

 

[seriouscat]

Originally posted by: HOOfan 1
the GTX285 only needs 2 6 pin PCI-E connectors, you are fine.

Sorry, I should have clarified. Its moreso the Amps per Rail that I'm unsure about. (and the cause of my confusion)

 

[HOOfan 1]

Originally posted by: seriouscat

Originally posted by: HOOfan 1
the GTX285 only needs 2 6 pin PCI-E connectors, you are fine.

Sorry, I should have clarified. Its moreso the Amps per Rail that I'm unsure about. (and the cause of my confusion)

you are still fine...unless you are running a bunch of hard drives or water pumps in your computer. The other 12V power sucker (CPU) is on another rail.

although, I didn't realize the Enermax Liberty was so weak on the 12V rail....

 

[seriouscat]

Fyi, just running...

Q9450
x2 2gb ram
x2 sata hdd
x1 dvd/cd/rw/r/dl/dv/wers/dvsd/e/werwerw/ereve/er...etc...
x1 Wacom tablet usb
Kb&m usb
x4 120mm fans
.. and 1 ext usb hdd every now and then...

Wattage wise, the internets tell me I'm fine. I just wasnt too familar with how to compare Rail Amperage. Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

 

[seriouscat]

...then again.. stuff like this makes me unsure

http://www.xfxforce.com/en-us/...00series/285GTX.aspx#4


NVIDIA MINIMUM POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
Minimum 550W or greater system power supply (with a 12V current rating of 46A)

Both my rails combined are less then 46A, let alone a single rail. Even then, I'm not sure simply adding them is the right way?

 

[HOOfan 1]

Originally posted by: seriouscat
...then again.. stuff like this makes me unsure

http://www.xfxforce.com/en-us/...00series/285GTX.aspx#4


NVIDIA MINIMUM POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
Minimum 550W or greater system power supply (with a 12V current rating of 46A)

Both my rails combined are less then 46A, let alone a single rail. Even then, I'm not sure simply adding them is the right way?

Well that doesn't make sense. 12V electricity with a current of 46A would be 552W...so they say minimum of a 550W PSU...but a minimum of 552W of 12V, whoever wrote that was a numb skull, or that is a typo. I bet that was supposed to be 36A not 46A.

Anyway, the 12V current ratint suggestion is for the entire PC, not just the video card. The videocard couldn't use any mroe than 225W or 19A of power, which it most likely won't

 

[seriouscat]

Originally posted by: HOOfan 1
Well that doesn't make sense. 12V electricity with a current of 46A would be 552W...so they say minimum of a 550W PSU...but a minimum of 552W of 12V, whoever wrote that was a numb skull, or that is a typo. I bet that was supposed to be 36A not 46A.

Anyway, the 12V current ratint suggestion is for the entire PC, not just the video card. The videocard couldn't use any mroe than 225W or 19A of power, which it most likely won't

Thanks for the clarification. Man PSU amperage is getting serious. Thats more than a cars starter motor requires isnt it? :Q