GF8800 GTS power supply?

[Wiktor]

I don't know much about powers supplies, what power supply do I need if I want to get a GF8800 GTS? (no SLI, no overclocking)

Will 400W be enough?
What connectors must it have?

I will be using it with a Core2 Duo CPU, 1 SATA II HDD.

I can't find clear info anywhere (especially on conectors).

BTW correct me if I'm wrong but which of these may be a problem with a big PSU (500W+)
1. More heat
2. More noise
3. More power draw
4. More expensive

 

[imported_iNGEN]

According to nVidia, reference design 8800GTS requires a minimum 30A at 12v from a 450W or greater PSU. These requirements are obviously meant to refer to the whole system, not just the video card. In practice people are getting away with less than 30A on the +12v rail, but I wouldn't recommend it.

While technically, yes, heat and draw will both be higher the greater the total PSU output, modern switching PSUs are actually pretty good about efficiency. Just about the only issue is higher price. Any of the Enermax Liberty, Antec TruePower 2.0, OCZ Powerstream, or Fortron Source Group (FSP) PSUs rated over 500W total should do the trick just fine and run you between $100 and $150. Just be careful when reading the PSU outputs. If the PSU has multiple +12v rails, don't just add their amperage together. Total +12v supply for all rails WILL be less than peak for each rail combined.

 

[moosey]

I'd go with around 450 (quality PSU) like it was mentioned above also like iNGEN said, you need to watch the 12v rail. For an 8800GTS you'll need one PCI-E 6-pin connector.
Price on PSUs depends on quality...you can get some junk one rated higher wattage or a quality one rated less wattage (but it'll actually be better) for more money.
The PSU brands recommended above are a good start as well, just gotta watch w/ some Antecs.

I don't know how much you want to spend, but this Enhance is a nice one at a nice price
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-E5150GH

 

[Wiktor]

thx, I guess I won't get away with a cheap PSU... the idea to pay more for the PSU alone than for many cases with a PSU built in seems so wrong

I found the system requirements for a Gainward 8800 GTS:
http://www.gainward.de/media/files/Spec...s8800GTS_PCX_DD_GS_640MB_datasheet.pdf

They listed 400W with PCI-Express connector or two unused HDD power connectors available.

I understand I will probably need 450 or 500W but what about the connectors?
I see PSUs have SATA, 24, 20 and PEG connectors.
Which are needed for the card?

I was thinking about this PSU:
http://www.modecom.eu/product.php?id=283&pageNr=2
It's cheap, I see it has two +12V 18A, but only 400W.

 

[Boyo]

Originally posted by: iNGEN
According to nVidia, reference design 8800GTS requires a minimum 30A at 12v from a 450W or greater PSU. These requirements are obviously meant to refer to the whole system, not just the video card. In practice people are getting away with less than 30A on the +12v rail, but I wouldn't recommend it.

While technically, yes, heat and draw will both be higher the greater the total PSU output, modern switching PSUs are actually pretty good about efficiency. Just about the only issue is higher price. Any of the Enermax Liberty, Antec TruePower 2.0, OCZ Powerstream, or Fortron Source Group (FSP) PSUs rated over 500W total should do the trick just fine and run you between $100 and $150. Just be careful when reading the PSU outputs. If the PSU has multiple +12v rails, don't just add their amperage together. Total +12v supply for all rails WILL be less than peak for each rail combined.

:thumbsup: Solid Advice, although I would personally avoid the Antec PSU's

 

[imported_AndyT]

I always catch heat for this here, but do yourself a favor and get at least a 520w quality name brand PSU as that video card is a juice hogging beast and you want some head room and the ability to upgrade in the near future.

You will actually see less heat from a PSU that is not on the edge of overload.

You will only draw as much current as you need as long as the PSU has a high efficiency rating.

A good design with a proper fan coltroller will likely be as quiet as a lower power PSU and quiter than a cheaapie.

Basically, you get what you pay for. Find a model you like and search for reviews including noise levels. I could recommend an OCZ psu, but that would be a bit biased .

 

[s44]

The 8800GTS uses a PCI-E power connector (fairly new), but should come with a two-molex to one-PCI-E converter.

That 400W PSU doesn't seem to have a combined rating for the two rails, but if you look at the nominal loads it doesn't look too promising. How expensive is Silverstone where you are?

 

[Wiktor]

well I found a SILVERSTONE STRIDER ST46F 460W and here in eu it costs approx. $105

I may have to put this idea on hold because buying a more expensive graphics card and a high end PSU is overkill for me right now

I will know what to look out for now, thanks!

 

[Operandi]

Daily Tech test power consumption with the 8800GTX with an Intel quad core months ago. You'll notice the power draw is just over 300 watts under full load. When you factor in AC to DC conversion real power draw would be under 300 watts.

So yes a good 400 watt PSU would be fine, but I'm stressing the word good. My personal pick would be a 380 or 430 watt Seasonic S12, Enhance is also very good.

Going into the 500 watt range is ok if you don?t mind spending the extra money but going beyond that would just be wast. Not only in terms of money but also efficiency since all PSUs are most efficient in the 30-70% load range.

 

[shroud72]

Another option, if you have an empty 5 1/4 bay is to get a separate power supply for your video card.