Hi,

I'm planning on buying a Gigabyte 512MB 8800GT, upgrading from my old 7600GT. I have a 430w Thermaltake PSU right now and probably it won't be able to handle the 8800GT.

So my questions are;

1. Supposing the 430w can't handle the 8800gt, but I get one anyway, for how long will the PSU go before something happens?

2. If something does happen, what will? I mean will my computer explode if the PSU can't handle the pressure, or will it break some parts inside, or will it just power off?

3. I will get a new 550w PSU sooner or later. Will this PSU be good for a Pentium D 3.2 Ghz, 2 GB RAM, and an 8800GT?

ATX Thermaltake 550W (W0101R) Black, Active PFC, 12cm Fan

+5В - 28А; +12В1 - 14А; +12В2 - 15А; -12В - 0.3А; +3.3B - 30А; +5В SB - 2А

Thanks to whoever answers my questions

Oops, sorry, those B's are supposed to be V's.

psu can blow up your whole computer

If its the Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC ATX 430W not a chance as its 18amps. It take about 24amps to push the 8800GT stock and if OCing you will need 28~30amps. The Thermaltake 550W will do you fine for as long as you use the 8800GT stock but is cutting it close if your OCing. I would suggest the 600w model for high end GPU's.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Show [...] wer+Supply

Well this is the power supply I currently have:

http://www.netlab.ru/descr.asp?id=79597

Sorry, it's in Russian

After looking though Thermaltakes support and produces the 430w TR2 is the only 430W PSU they have. Its either the PN W0069 or W0070 but both are the same just 1 is a newer version with the same 18amp output.
http://thermaltakeusa.com/product/ [...] 006970.asp
http://thermaltakeusa.com/product/ [...] _index.asp
http://thermaltakeusa.com/support/ [...] ex_sub.asp

So it won't take the pressure. Will it hold out for another 1.5-2 months until I get another PSU? Or should I just not install the 8800GT and wait until I get a new one?

And what happens if it doesn't hold out?

get a 600watts psu from antec or coolermaster and stay safe,u dont wanna blow up ur precious 8800gt now,do u?

Also, this is the one I'm planning to get...I think it won't hold out either.

http://thermaltakeusa.com/product/ [...] 101102.asp

why dont u get a corsair or an antec ? its wise to spend on a good psu with higher ratings

Coolermaster PSUs suck, they are tier 4 and 5 PSUs.

Official XS Tiered PSU Manufacturer Brand Listing Phase III

Go with a Corsair 520.

@Zorg Coolmaster PSU's are OK (i have used them in cheap P4 builds in the past) for low end builds but not for high end.

get a new psu

Ok, what will happen if I install the 8800gt on the 430w PSU? Will it explode? Or just break?

Would either of those senarios be good? lol

Use them all you want but don't recommend them to the unsuspecting noob.

probably will not start up, and if it does boot into windows you will likely not be able to play games. you cant really break something by not giving it enough power.

True, but the PSU can break and if it's feeling particularly ticked, it might take out connected components along with the ride.

I'd go safe with at least an Antec Earthwatts 430w. It has 30A combined on the 12V rail, which should be enough for most single-GPU configurations. It's available for around 30 USD at the moment.