How many wtts is needed?

[Nelo6]

recently got around to buying my GeForce 9600GT. I needed a new video card, so I decided on getting this one, even if it didn't work. I'm pretty sure it is going to work though, I just don't want to mess my PC up. So here's the deal, My 9600GT might not run with the PSU I have at the moment. I have a Dell 9100 Dimension Desktop, I'm not sure which default power supply unit it comes with, but I had it upgraded when my HD died and I had to get it replaced for a "SATA II 16MB Cache/ 7,200 RPM 320GB Harddrive" I am not sure what they replaced my PSU with, because there seems to be no way to check the amount of Watts it is using at the moment. There is no sticker, nor a way I can be sure. Please look at the new HD that i mensioned above, how many watt's do you think my PSU was replaced with? Will my 9600GT work with it? Thanks for the help Hardware bro's.

The stock PSU seems to come with a 375 Watt PSU, Mine was upgraded (It being downgraded being non logical) so It has a higher watt power yes?

 

[Dustpuppy]

Weird no sticker on the psu itself, usually indicates a clunker. Are you looking at the back of the PSU where you plug into it or do you have your case open and looking at it? The sticker is usually on the side of the PSU so you have to open the case to find it.

Anyway watts aren't the most important factor. The most important factor is the amount of amperes on the 12 volt rail(s). For example a 500w psu may have as little as 16-18a or as much as 36-38a on the 12v rail. The 9600GT uses like 5-6 amps by its lonesome so it doesn't increase the power reqs that much.

 

[boulard83]

the 9600gt isnt a power heating card. any 300+ Watt PSU can do it.

EX of my system Watts use :
Q9550 OCed @ 3.74ghz + GTX285 (694mhz core)
8 fans total + water pump + 2hdd + 1dvd

IDLE : 150w
Load cpu 100% : 276w
Gaming ex: GTA4 : 300-325w
Load cpu+gpu 100% : 425w