what's real power demand by Video card?

[mikek753]

Hello,

Based on web reviews NV 7900GT uses far less power then ATI,
BUT, based on eVGA reqs it req. 400+Watt PSU - why is that?
also ATI x1800XT needs 400+
as the same or less demanding x1900GT that may work on 350W PSU only
and x1900XT needs 450W PSU

correct me, where I'm incorrect, pls.

I want a video card without changing main Antec 380W PSU

tnx.

Mike.

 

[CP5670]

There are some power usage numbers here:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/geforce7900gtx_6.html

The 7900GT is probably the best bet if you have a weaker power supply, although the other cards may still work fine. The official requirements don't mean much.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

most users here would say you only need a 300 or 400watt psu to run those cards and your system. but i get a feeling that i'm probably better off playing it safe and get above the recommended. and not UNDER the recommended minimum by each company. if you def. can't change your psu i'd try to run it with the 7900gt or x1600 or 7600 series... but i think its worth the upgrade for the x1800 or even better the x1900

 

[orangat]

Originally posted by: mikek753
Hello,
Based on web reviews NV 7900GT uses far less power then ATI,
BUT, based on eVGA reqs it req. 400+Watt PSU - why is that?
also ATI x1800XT needs 400+
as the same or less demanding x1900GT that may work on 350W PSU only
and x1900XT needs 450W PSU

correct me, where I'm incorrect, pls.
I want a video card without changing main Antec 380W PSU
tnx.
Mike.

Nvidia is probably over specing requirements in case users have lousy pos x-connect psu's.
You might be ok depending on your cpu.

 

[mikek753]

I run P4-630

 

[coldpower27]

Nivida's needs to account for crappy no name PSU's as well hence them overspecing what they need, a quality 350W PSU will probably do the job for a 7900GT, but I will play it safe and get a quality 400W for a 7900 GT.

 

[Apocalypse23]

I'd stick with anything from Enermax or Antec, quality PSUs and also offer the peak voltages. Anything from 300W to 400W should suffice. Then again it all depends on how much power your computer needs (i,e how many harddrives, fans, cd/dvd drives you use). Id just get a 350W from either manufacturer.