Am i damaging my 7900GT?

[Mr_S]

I bought a Leadtek 7900GT. I have recently been informed that not only do you need enough watts in your PSU, but i need a minimum of 20 amps on the 12+ rail. (Yeah i'm new at building systems).

So my first question is, am i damaging my card by running it with not enough power? And secondly, will those 2 amps actually make much difference considering framerates? If the answer is yes, could someonerecommend me a power supply for around $100 Autralian?($80 or so US)

Also, would my x2 3800+ bottleneck my graphics card?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[weskurtz81]

First off, post what PSU you currently own.

Second, the CPU will not bottleneck the video card you own.

wes

 

[crazywheels]

how many watts is your psu now. i would say at least a 400w watt antec psu woulde be fine. no the 3800 x2 is not bottlenecking your video card

 

[Mr_S]

USICASE 350U-GCD - 500W Power Supply. That took some finding out hah.

 

[Blacken]

And secondly, will those 2 amps actually make much difference considering framerates?

What is the amperage on your +12v rails(s)?
If it's only 18a, the GT will suffer never the less having 500watts.

 

[Mr_S]

18 amps

 

[Blacken]

1 or multiple rails?

 

[Mr_S]

just the 1

 

[Blacken]

My suggestion is too match your system up with a benched alike and see if theres any huge difference. The videocard won't use all 20amps. It's headroom compared to what it actualy uses, yet other components will eat off the +12v so you may be alright.

 

[Blacken]

If your not getting blue screens or lock-ups, it may be performing to it's potential - yet, you probably won't be able to overclock it very well.
For upgradability, your gonna want a PSU with more amperage. G.L.

-bkn

 

[Mr_S]

that answers my question, thanks.