Is my PSU powerful enough for a Radeon HD 3850??

[staypuft728]

I would greatly appreciate it if someone could let me know if my system has the power to run a PowerColor Radeon HD 3850 512mb AGP http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131090
I have an Allied AL-A400ATX PSU
http://www.firingsquad.com/hw/6652/Allied_AL-A400ATX_400W_PSU/
I also found this, but i am not quite sure if this means my computer will be ok
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-radeon-hd-3800,1726-18.html

Thanks in Advance for the Help!

My System: Asus K8NE-Deluxe, AMD 64 Athlon 3200+, 2gb ram

 

[Kaldor]

It will probably be OK. 3850 doesnt take that much power. However, buying a quality 500 watt wouldnt be a bad idea.

 

[staypuft728]

oh yeah one more thing i wanted to use my viewsonic a90f+ CRT monitor with it. Im not sure if this makes a difference as far as power consumption goes.

 

[evongugg]

The recommended system requirements for the HD3850 is a 450watt power supply with 6-pin PCI express power connector.

Certified power supplies are recommended. Refer to http://ati.amd.com/certifiedPSU for a list of Certified products.

 

[MrCommunistGen]

That is an old style PSU with only 17A on the 12v rail. You should definitely get a modern quality PSU. The monitor plugs into the wall and won't affect power draw on the PSU.

-mcg

 

[jamesgoddard]

Save up a few more $ and get a new PCI express rig - don't waste monry on old tech

 

[Shadow703793]

^+1.

Your Allied PSU is cr@p. Get a REAL PSU like a Corsair or a PC Power & Cooling.

 

[megamanx00]

It only has 17A on the 12v Rail. You might be able to run run it, depending on the power draw of your other components, but that could be pushing the power supply and the load on that rail could cause it to fail sooner rather than latter. Newer power supplies will generally have more Amps on the 12v rail and less on the 5v and 3v rails. I think you may be better off going with a 3650 AGP as you will generally be CPU limited with a 3850.

If you go with the 3850 then try running 3D Mark. If you hear a high pitched wine at anytime turn off the system IMMEDIATELY. Just flip that power switch on that surge protector because that's the sound of your PSU crying out in pain ^_^. In that event I would recommend investing in a good high quality PSU that you can make part of your next build.

 

[staypuft728]

Thank you so much for your responses. After reading the posts ive decided that a 2600xt would go good with my system considering it does not draw as much power. Im trying to make my system match that of an xbox 360 so i can enjoy games like dead space, lost planet and mirrors edge w/ out spending 300$ to get an actual 360.

 

[Shadow703793]

2600XT ain't going to cut it imo.

 

[staypuft728]

well considering my system specs. (Im not going to upgrade my PSU) do you know what would work best. maybe 3650? Thanks