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9800gtx and Earthwatts 380w PSU?

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s_nova4   07-14-2008 at 01:11:50 AM

I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to run a 9800gtx on an Earthwatts 380w PSU. The 9800gtx in question requires 24A, and the Earthwatts 380w has dual 12v rails at 17A each, and the max load on the 12v rails is 324w. This is theoretically enough. What do you all think?

I did some research into other PSUs, and the dual 17A 12v rails seems to be a feature of many 500w PSUs. Also, I read reviews stating that the Earthwatts 380w easily powers 8800gt and 8800gts.

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dagger   07-14-2008 at 01:15:29 AM
- 0 +

What's the cpu? An oced q6600 can consume over 200w on full load. If it's a low end cpu, it could work. Other components like hdd also add a sturdy drain.

 

As for it easily powering a 8800gts, that's not true. A g92 8800gts consumes around the same amount of power as 9800gtx.

------------------------------ Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB + 1.5TB hdds, 850watt psu
 Reply to dagger
Delluser1   07-14-2008 at 01:21:01 AM
- 0 +

s_nova4 wrote :

I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to run a 9800gtx on an Earthwatts 380w PSU. The 9800gtx in question requires 24A, and the Earthwatts 380w has dual 12v rails at 17A each, and the max load on the 12v rails is 324w. This is theoretically enough. What do you all think?

I did some research into other PSUs, and the dual 17A 12v rails seems to be a feature of many 500w PSUs. Also, I read reviews stating that the Earthwatts 380w easily powers 8800gt and 8800gts.



Wouldn't reccomend it, but it can be done.
http://www.overclockers.com/articles1452/

------------------------------ q9650 @ 4.050 | Asus Rampage Formula | 2x2 Corsair Dominators | WD Black 640 x2
EVGA GTX260 Core216 @ 686/1479/1103 | Antec TPN 750

 

Reply to Delluser1

s_nova4   07-14-2008 at 02:06:23 AM
- 1 +

My computer has a e4600 CPU, 2GB memory, a 160gb SATA HD, a DVD-burner, and a few case fans.

Too much for the earthwatts 380w?

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Delluser1   07-14-2008 at 02:14:56 AM
- -2 +

s_nova4 wrote :

My computer has a e4600 CPU, 2GB memory, a 160gb SATA HD, a DVD-burner, and a few case fans.

Too much for the earthwatts 380w?


Your components ( including a 9800 GTX ) would put less than a 65% load on the psu when gaming, not to much for the 380.

------------------------------ q9650 @ 4.050 | Asus Rampage Formula | 2x2 Corsair Dominators | WD Black 640 x2
EVGA GTX260 Core216 @ 686/1479/1103 | Antec TPN 750

 

Reply to Delluser1

outlw6669   07-14-2008 at 02:20:06 AM
- 0 +

Yes, it will be able to power your system but will leave little room for future upgrades.
If you can find a way to get some more cash together, I would recomend geting a more powerful unit.

------------------------------ If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce today would cost $100, get a million miles to the gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.
PSA
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Shadowthor   07-14-2008 at 02:50:03 AM
- 2 +

Get a better psu, its recommended to have 500W minimum (according to box for a 9800GTX).

Reply to Shadowthor
dagger   07-14-2008 at 03:43:30 AM
- 0 +

It's not enough. Will lose stability on full load.

------------------------------ Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB + 1.5TB hdds, 850watt psu
 Reply to dagger
aevm   07-14-2008 at 04:11:35 AM
- 0 +

Agreed. Also, it's not healthy for the PSU to work at loads so close to max.

If the budget is very tight get an 8800GTS G92 instead of the 9800GTX. You lose only Triple-SLI and very little performance.

Reply to aevm
s_nova4   07-14-2008 at 04:50:26 AM
- 0 +

How about a 4850? I thought I read they take less power than some other cards.

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dagger   07-14-2008 at 04:52:21 AM
- 2 +

s_nova4 wrote :

How about a 4850? I thought I read they take less power than some other cards.


It's about equal to 9800gtx both in power and performance.

------------------------------ Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB + 1.5TB hdds, 850watt psu
 Reply to dagger
the last resort   07-14-2008 at 05:11:28 AM
- 0 +

running a power supply at close to max power rating will actually make it last longer. just to throw that out there.

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aevm   07-14-2008 at 05:14:31 AM
- 0 +

I would love to read something more on that. Links please.

Reply to aevm
randomizer   07-14-2008 at 06:04:43 AM
- 0 +

the last resort wrote :

running a power supply at close to max power rating will actually make it last longer. just to throw that out there.


Dunno about that one, but a PSU is more efficient in the mid-upper load ranges.

@OP: I think you would be fine running that thing. The 9800GTX would use around 8A so you should have plenty left over.

------------------------------ http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w179/random1301/1224237394448br8.jpg http://nocleanfeed.com/nocensorship.gif
 Reply to randomizer
nukemaster   07-14-2008 at 06:26:13 AM
- 0 +

Transformers work best at high loads. The voltage system does not(increased wear), but most psus have much larger capacity regulators then they need.

You will have at least 100 watts left over at full load.

------------------------------ http://i33.tinypic.com/sw3a5y.png
http://tinyurl.com/26uxxb - C2/i7 Temp? http://tinyurl.com/cj3pw - VGA power?
http://tinyurl.com/5v55wk - C2 Mem performance? http://tinyurl.com/6pmbke - SLI/Xfire?
http://tinyurl.com/yfmxdc9 - Part Guide?
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rgsaunders   07-14-2008 at 06:44:53 AM
- 0 +

the last resort wrote :

running a power supply at close to max power rating will actually make it last longer. just to throw that out there.


Don't eat that Elmer, thats horsehit!

------------------------------ Never under estimate peoples capacity for stupidity, and you won't be disappointed.
 Reply to rgsaunders
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