Proper Amps for Video Card

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M4573R

Gawd
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
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I have an 8800 GTX and a modular power supply. The PSU comes with a cable that splits one 6 pin into two 6 pins to use for a video card. If the PSU has 18 amps on each rail, is the card getting 18 amps? or 36 amps?
 
The 18 Amps labeled on the power supply means that at most 18amp of current can be drawn from that rail.

This however doesn't mean that the power supply is capable of supplying 18amps on all 12V rails All at once... Most repuatble power supply manufactures will also show the maxium combined "Power/ Watts" that can be delivered on the 12V rails. You can divide that by 12 to see the max current "Amps" that the power supply can deliver at 12V.

As for the 8800GTX, it most likely draws a current in the high teens from the external PCI express power connectors. (remember, the card draws some of its power from the motherboard too.)
 
The card's specs say: (Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 28 Amps.)
So is that 28 total amps on all rails?
 
M4573R said:
The card's specs say: (Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 28 Amps.)
So is that 28 total amps on all rails?
Click to expand...

No 28a is the MINIMUM reccomended PSU output for all your computer components. Your card will consume less than that.
 
I was using an old x800gto2 while i was 8800 gtx was being delivered, now that i have it in, my power supply is putting out some seriously hot air from the back and even a hot plastic smell. Is this just the new psu breaking in? is the 8800 gtx pulling too many amps? how do i tell the max amps for my power supply?

By the way, i have a SILVERSTONE 750W Power Supply.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817256009
 
M4573R said:
I was using an old x800gto2 while i was 8800 gtx was being delivered, now that i have it in, my power supply is putting out some seriously hot air from the back and even a hot plastic smell. Is this just the new psu breaking in? is the 8800 gtx pulling too many amps? how do i tell the max amps for my power supply?

By the way, i have a SILVERSTONE 750W Power Supply.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817256009
Click to expand...

That Silverstone should handle SLI'd GTXs without issue. It should be ok. If it's pushing out a lof hot air, however, you should make sure your case is properly cooled. Are you getting good airflow over all? What kind of fans are you running? How many and what sizes?
 
I've got a lian li cast with 4 120mm thermaltake thunderblades each 78 cfm. The only concern i have is that my cpu heatsink is really big and comes pretty close to the power supply and back fan. Other than i have great airflow.
 
M4573R said:
I have an 8800 GTX and a modular power supply. The PSU comes with a cable that splits one 6 pin into two 6 pins to use for a video card. If the PSU has 18 amps on each rail, is the card getting 18 amps? or 36 amps?
Click to expand...

I ran an 8800gtx on a Antec Basic supply that had 18a on both rails. No problem. I also ran 2 x 7900GT's with 1.55vmod that was pulling way more than the GTX was on a cheap FSP psu rated 18a on both rails too. No problems on both cards and either psu. You should be ok. That silverstone is enough to power a street block. I wouldn't worry about it, it's a good brand and true to it's specs, actually overkill. That smell is normal, it will last several months, enjoy while it lasts. The max amps on your psu is probably just over 60. I doubt most systems will top 50 at peaks. The GTX is rated 216 watts at peak. At 12v that's 18a max. You've got 3 rails providing that on each (some say the rail thing is marketing hype, I think it does make a difference).
 
M4573R said:
I have an 8800 GTX and a modular power supply. The PSU comes with a cable that splits one 6 pin into two 6 pins to use for a video card. If the PSU has 18 amps on each rail, is the card getting 18 amps? or 36 amps?
Click to expand...

check with the manufacturer of the video card to see what the recommendations are as to how many amps your powersupply must provide, OR check newegg look up similar cards in the specs it should be listed how many amps, I know they need more than 18 amps.

A PSU with a high amp single 12v rail is a better solution for the latest graphics cards
 
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