[win2kpro]

The problem I have with both ATI and nVidia is they don't tell you what the maximum amp draw is on an intensive application.

I emailed ATI a couple of weeks ago and asked them specifically about the 1950 series and what would be the max amperage draw. All I got was a run around without a specific answer.

Hell, I just picked up an old CD/RW I had laying around here and looked at the label and on the +5v leg it draws 1.5A and on the +12v leg it draws 1.5A.

It just amazes me that a $30 burner can give you the information and a $200-$500 video card it's a secret.

Couple the lack of information provided by the vid card manufacturers and the number game the PSU manufacturers play and it's no wonder we see so many posts of people having problems with these new cards and weak PSUs.

My thouhts are if a person is willing to spend $xxx for a video card, then they should be willing to spend an equal amount for a PSU to power the card and the other components.

BTW, ThermalTake has couple of other new PSUs out one being a 1kw which provides 2-20 amp +12v rails and 2-36 amp +12v rails.

I've been using PC P&C on about 85% of my builds, love that BIG single rail and not having to worry about multiple rail power distribution, and whether the multiple 12v rail unit will share power between the rails. So far the only one I have seen that advertised rail power sharing is the Corsair HX series. http://www.corsairmicro.com/products/hx.aspx

[Compiler]

Then... how about this 500watt PSU... its a good low price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817708001

$10...

[win2kpro]

Originally Posted by Compiler

Then... how about this 500watt PSU... its a good low price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817708001

$10...

Looks like a bargain to me.

[Compiler]

Ack! Win2KPro... Imagine all those idiots paying $100 for a PSU when they could have one for 1/10th the price! Also its a lot lighter too, so its easier to carry!

Seriously...
Okay, the AMP requirements for 8800 Video cards is a bit exaggerated (CTA - Cover Their A~~) type of thing. How many times do we see people spend well over $1000 in parts, but throw in a junky PSU? And remember, the price doesn't ALWAYS mean quality - Best Buy sells their crappy 450watt Dynex PSU for $70 (max load was under 300watts). You have a lot of people who buy junk that says one thing - but just doesn't actually perform the way they should (500watt PSUs that have a max load of 250watt when in use) - such as an article I was reading about the WATTAGE rating varies by what TEMP the company uses. Some use COLD temp (= higher ratings) while others use more normal temps.

The cards don't need the full 26amps on a single rail... Afterall, the cards do get power from the PCIe slot as well (up to 75 watts) and 75W through a 6-pin PCIe power cable.

In the following review below, these testers powered up and OCed:
- QX6700 (3.2ghz Quad core)
- 2x 8800GTX (614mhz) video cards
- nForce 680i chipset (power hungry, yes)

On a well made 500 watt air-cooled PSU! (It has 2x 15amp 12v rails)
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=36066

The PSU is sexy... and functional - I think I want one! No fan, modular with an LCD display.
http://www.mgecompany.com/xg/product...ies_magnum.php ($130)

But I'm not familer with the company.. ;(

[savio21]

so does that mean im gonna need a different PSU other than the 430W

[Compiler]

Er... yeah, looks like I was a bit off on that one. its a good PSU for the price - it may work, but its on the EDGE...
That 430watt PSU is quite good for the price. But questionable for the 8800...

Some options:
MSI 500watt $54 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817701007 (MSI is a good company, but unknown how good it is) 31AMPs

Antec 500watt $70 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371004

[savio21]

what about the Sonata II seems like its a hot buy in everystore

[Compiler]

Its 450watt should handle a 8800GTS...