Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (
More info?)
On Wed, 1 Sep 2004 17:08:43 -0400, "Dave C." <mdupre@sff.net> wrote:
>> >
>> >Besides the DVD burner I added a GeforceFX 5900XT which requires
>> >additional power. The power supply is a 250W Foxteq and I'm wondering if
>> >it's struggling.
>>
>> You didnt say what processor you run, but guestimating for fairly
>> recent system:
>>
>> Athlon XP's in the 1800-2100 range ~ 90 watts
>> (slightly higher for a P4, but we *are* guestimating!)
>> FX5900XT ~ 70-80 watts,
>> Motherboard ~ 25 watts
>> DVD ~ 20 watts
>>
>> GRAND TOTAL = 215 watts, before you add in HD's, fans etc.
>>
>> On the basis of these numbers, I'd say your psu was pretty marginal.
>>
>
>I just installed a couple FX5900XT cards. Both say 300W power supply is
>MINIMUM system requirement. -Dave
>
It's a sensible requirement. The manufacturers don't want to be
saddled with returns due to pre-existing power supplies which
are not up to the job:
"My machine ran *fine* until I installed this shitty card!" etc.
[Recent mid to high-end cards can be absolute hogs - IIRC, the 6800
ultra pulls in excess of 100w all on its lonesome. Ouch.]
If you add up *all* of the OP's component power requirements, I bet
you'd be pretty close to the supposed 250w capability of his power
supply. Of course, these 250 watts are split across all of the various
rails, and there's a good chance one of these is hitting the buffers
and his machine is misbehaving. I'd say it's likely that if the OP
spends the bucks and drops in, say, an Antec TruPower 380 or suchlike,
he/she'll have a good 100+w in reserve, all rails will stay within
limits and the machine will run sweetly.
Vic.