Is my PSU up to the task?

[JSD7878]

Hi All,

I have a 500W Antec PSU and I would like to know if it is up to the task as I plan on changing my ATI video card to a Leadtek 8800GTS 640MB?

Power consumption in my system thus far:
1) ASUS A8N-E
2) AMD FX55
3) 2 GB DDR400
4) ATI X1800XT Changing to LeadTek 8800GTS 640MB
5) DVD-RW
6) 3.5 Drive (Yes I still have one)
7) 100GB 7,200 HDD
8) 4 USB ports and 2 on the front.
9) 3 cooling fans (small)

Thanks in advance.

 

[wahnula]

Google "power supply calculator" and you will find many options, some better than others. I like this one:

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp

but keep in mind 15-20% below the rating is probably more accurate, as I believe Antec bases its rating on tests conducted during less-than-normal operating temps.

Tony

 

[Ploper001]

Darn, stole my exact response, lol!

I always used to google "power calculator" and get a great one - now of course, you need to be more speific ("power supply calculator").

 

[spudnuts]

It's very important that you pay attention to this note on that page:

"The recommended total Power Supply Wattage gives you a general idea on what to look for BUT it is NOT a crucial factor in power supply selection! Total Amperage Available on the +12V Rail(s) is the most important, followed by the +5V amperage and then the +3.3V amperage. Example: PSU you want to buy has 400W total wattage output but only has 16A on +12V rail. But your configuration might require 20A on +12V rail.

Information Assurance,CCNP,CST

 

[JSD7878]

I purchased as a test the Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Same results Drivers wont load for my WinFast PX800 GTS. Im going to call LeadTek today and see what they have to say.

 

[felixc]

What do you mean the drivers won't load. The system boots, and the board displays something? Does it go up to Windows?

 

[JSD7878]

The Drivers shipped with the Winfast PX800 GTS are not up to date and for me wouldn't allow me to load this card based on the shipped drivers. The Solution was to download the drivers from Nvidia's website as suggested by Paparazi who in my opinion is one of the sharpest guys on here. :>)

 

[JSD7878]

The Drivers shipped with the Winfast PX800 GTS are not up to date and for me wouldn't allow me to load this card based on the shipped drivers. The Solution was to download the drivers from Nvidia's website as suggested by Paparazi who in my opinion is one of the sharpest guys on here. :>)

 

[spudnuts]

If you have an integrated video or old card, remove the new card, reboot into safe mode with integrated or old card, remove all remnants of any video drivers and devices. Shutdown, re-install card, restart machine. When windows comes up and prompts to install drivers or new device, select cancel. Re-install new drivers. If you don't have integrated or old an old card, just remove all drivers for video and restart but it's not the cleanest way to do it.

I just recently had serious video problems, was PSU but after installing a new PSU I still had video problems because my drivers were all messed up. This fixed everything.

Information Assurance,CCNP,CST