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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

^^^

DITTO

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.

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.

Don't eat that Elmer, thats horsehit!