Smartpower 450W enough for upgrade?

[ConstipatedVigilante]

I want to upgrade to an X1950 XT 512mb in the next couple months, but I'm not entirely sure whether my Antec Smartpower 2.0 450W can handle it. It has 17A and 15A on each of the 12V rails. I don't think getting the full output is as simple as adding up the amps, so fill me in. Here's what my system will be:

Athlon 64 3700+
Geforce 6800GS @ 460/1.1
2gb 4x512mb DDR400
Asus A8N-E mobo
SB Audigy LS
200GB HDD (may add another)
1 DVD/CD burner
2 case fans (1 with LED)

I might just wait til December when the Geforce 9's come out though, and then get an 8800. I'll obviously need a new PSU in that case anyway.

 

[MarcVenice]

17a +15a =32a could be in a perfect PSU, but that's not often the case. More realistic is to assume it has 25-30a combined. 30a should be able to hand a 1950xt though, 25a might be pushing it a little. Your rig doesn't seem to be burdened with 100 HD's and optical drives and the like. My 30a combined PSU runs a 8800gts 320mb, + dualcore just fine btw. I'd simply try it first.

Chances are it will run just fine. My former 350w PSU with 16a on the 12v rail obviously couldn't hack it running my rig, but that was an obvious case.

 

[mpilchfamily]

The rails don't add up that way. The 450W Smartpower has a bad history of failing and taking out other system components whe it does fail. At best that PSU can only offer about 22A. So you would be cutting it close. If you want a good qualtiy PSU at a great price then you need to look at the FSP AX450 PN.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817104954

Just be sure to get a good qualtiy PSU for which the Smartpower line isn't.

 

[stevty2889]

I wouldn't try it, a 1900xtx was enough to blow my 450w smartpower. They aren't the best to begin with.