So I have ummm, what do you call it... a crappy PSU . 450w, 21a on a single +12v rail.
 
Can that power an 8800gt and like either a 5000 x2 BE, or one of them 9550 phenoms?

I don't think so.   My understanding is that a 8800GT system typically should have 26a.  Also, a crappy psu may not even deliver it's advertised power when the temps get over 25c.

No, it's not good for anything. Get another psu.

What PSU do you have?

^  Raidmax???

yes raidmax case + psu = ftl
 
it was my first time building (summer of 06) i was a nob

Trust me, I know how that goes!  I think everyone here has had a noob PSU experience.
 
What's your budget for a new PSU?

well heres the thing, I want to upgrade to a 5000x2 BE or a cheaper phenom, and I want to upgrade my videocard (from a 7900gt) and then I will be good until the nehalems come out. I wanted to keep this whole thing at 300$ but dunno if I can do that with a new PSU.

Any thoughts?

oh also Im going out now, Ill check this thread later

For my first build I went with a Logysis Case + 450W PSU combo for $40. I seem to recall there being only 18A on the +12V rail, but that thing just sucked all around.
 
I like my XClio 500W Goodpower, but I wouldn't really recommend it over some of the newer midrange PSUs like the Antec earthwatts series.

Hm..., if you're on a really tight budget I'd say go for this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341012
 
If you can though, I'd save up for a 500W plus PCP&C, Corsair, or the like.

I would doubt it and given that the specs on crappy PSUs are max when hit by lightning even if it did run it wouldn't for very long. Save your money and get a good PSU that will last you a couple of upgrades. Like a PC Power & Cooling or a Silverstone. I have had really good luck with SeaSonic as well. One of the best deals for a good PSU is the PC Power 610w, it has a single 12v rail and is a solid PSU. You can get it for around 119.00. That's 610w continuous power not max big difference. Maximum PC just built a $1,500 rig last month and they used it, they are pretty picky on what they put in a system so if they like it, you know its pretty good.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817703005
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817151027
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256006 On sale good price
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256037 Least expensive at $69.00

 
You need 22-23 amps for that system including safety margin with the 9550 Phenom. You can get by with what you have.

In case you decide for a new PSU:
 
Top Tier PSU:  
http://www.tomswiki.com/page/Tiere [...] ngs?t=anon
 
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forum [...] p?t=108088  
 
http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1460
 
Silent PSUs
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article699-page1.html
 
AMD Certified PSUs (Single+Crossfire):
http://ati.amd.com/online/certifiedpsu/index.html

Here is a psu 28a on +12v for $29
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817255010

anyway is 20amps good for 8800gs??

^ NOOOOO!!!!!! That PSU is cr@p! Its Tire 5 here:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forum [...] p?t=108088

It also doesn't have a PCIe power.