is my gfx underpowered..

johnno · 14 Oct 2006 at 23:03

my last psu blew up on me hiper type r (typical) sorry to all you hipers lovers

but for about 2 weeks now i have had to use a generic 350watt psu until the 28th of this month (when i get paid). but do u think this will be enough to power a x1800xt 256mb until then or will it not get enough juice. will i see a performance increase over the generic 350watt psu with a ocz modstream 520watt

any help appreciated john

Tetras · 14 Oct 2006 at 23:10

Performance increase no, generally it works or it doesn't (i.e. it'll crash, freeze etc)

You might get away with it if you have a PSU with plenty of power on the +12v rail but generally those cheap generic ones with cases are rather weak and it won't handle it.

Rroff · 15 Oct 2006 at 00:00

Not sure if its true for ATI cards - but nVidia cards typically if they can't get enough juice will automatically swap to low power 3D settings (and warn you on next boot) which would result in a lower performance than you'd get with a better PSU...

However I have no idea if ATI do something similiar.

Nutbusta · 15 Oct 2006 at 08:27

I'd be inclined to remove any spare HD's from the system and stay away from anything 3d as if the PSU does blow it could (and has done in some cases) take the rest of the system.

However if you have a very comprehensive home insurance policy I'll see you around on BF2

Tetras · 15 Oct 2006 at 10:22

However I have no idea if ATI do something similiar.

Not that I'm aware of

johnno · 15 Oct 2006 at 10:39

Nutbusta said:
I'd be inclined to remove any spare HD's from the system and stay away from anything 3d as if the PSU does blow it could (and has done in some cases) take the rest of the system.

However if you have a very comprehensive home insurance policy I'll see you around on BF2

i wish i did. then i would go conroe lol