Radeon X1950XT w/ Full System

[coolego1]

Hello all,
I have a Coolmax 400w PSU with the following components:

P4 3.4 GHz Prescott CPU
2 200GB IDE HDD
1 120GB IDE HDD
1 250GB SATA HDD
2 DVD Burners
2 512MB sticks of PC3200 RAM
Soundblaster X-Fi

I currently have a Radeon X700 that's screwed up so I just ordered an X1950XT and I want to know if the additional power connector required will cause me problems, especially with all the hard drives I have... Does anyone know if I'm likely to be getting close to my PSU's threshold?

 

[myocardia]

That psu doesn't have enough +12v power for an X1950XT-- it only has 18A max on the 12v rail.

 

[John]

That coolmax is a low quality psu with a weak +12V rail. It was obviously designed for older boxes that needed more juice from the +3.3 & 5V rails. I can only imagine how horrible the ripple and voltage regulation must be. It kind of reminds me of a Deer psu.

A nice Seasonic built Antec EarthWatts 430 w/ 30A on the +12V rail is a solid choice, and since it's more efficient than the junkmax you'll save money on your electric bill. It's only $45 AR and one of the best deals on a high quality psu right now.

 

[coolego1]

I knew it was crappy when I got it for like $20, but I was wondering what it would be capable of. That doesn't really surprise me...... I'll take a look at that EarthWatts, thanks.

EDIT: What do you mean by 30A on the 12V rail... That Antec has 2 12V rails at 17A each, right?

 

[mpilchfamily]

The 430W Earthwatts offers a max of 30A on the combined +12v rails. Plenty for your system.

 

[coolego1]

I got the card, and a new Antec 500W Earthwatts PSU. It works like a charm! Thanks!