• Competitor rules

    Please remember that any mention of competitors, hinting at competitors or offering to provide details of competitors will result in an account suspension. The full rules can be found under the 'Terms and Rules' link in the bottom right corner of your screen. Just don't mention competitors in any way, shape or form and you'll be OK.

What GPU on a 380watt PSU?

Well the earthwatts 380w has got 2x 12v rails, 12v1 at 17a, and 12v2 at 15a, now that don't mean you have 32a on the 12v rails as it doesn't work like that, you will have a bit less, but it may be enough for something like an 8800 GT, and ATi's 3870/3850 series will be no trouble for it seen as they don't use much power, and you may even be able to get away with the new G92 GTS thats coming, as that wont use much more power than the 8800 GT being on the same 65nm process as it. :)
 
Last edited:
LoadsaMoney said:
Well the earthwatts 380w has got 2x 12v rails, 12v1 at 17a, and 12v2 at 15a, now that don't mean you have 32a on the 12v rails as it doesn't work like that, you will have a bit less, but it may be enough for something like an 8800 GT, and ATi's 3870/3850 series will be no trouble for it seen as they don't use much power, and you may even be able to get away with the new G92 GTS thats coming, as that wont use much more power than the 8800 GT being on the same 65nm process as it. :)
Click to expand...

That big? I was thinking a 8600gts/2600xt would be a stuggle.Thanks chap:)
 
My advice is never to let your GPU choice be dictated by your PSU (ignoring compatibility issues like that Quattro/8800gt thing).
Just buy the gfx card you want, and then if it doesn't work properly, you can always upgrade your PSU.
IMO if a PSU can't handle a simple gfx card swapout, then maybe it could do with being changed anyway.

That said, when buying from scratch I can see your dillema. Personally I would go for something with a bit more grunt when building a new system these days.
 
sweet, cant believe how cheap a system running c3d 3ghz,4gb ddr2,500gb hd can be had for these days. it be rude not to.
 
Jihad said:
Easily enough power there for a 8800 Ultra let alone 8800GT/3850. :)

Well maybe not enough if he has a quad core.
Click to expand...

You think?, i would have thought a 3870 would be at the maximum end of the scale and the 3850 would be a better choice not to load the PSU too much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom