Is my PSU good enough for an 8800gt?

[FlightSimBoy]

Hey, guys. I have been trying to save up some money for an 8800 series GPU, and was wondering if I might have to get a new PSU along with it.

Here are my specs:
eMachines T5226
2 GB Kingston ValueRam
1 250 GB Western Digital Caviar HD, SATA 7200RPM
Intel Pentium D 925 Dual Core Processor, at 3.0 GHz, not OC'ed
SoundBlaster Extreme Gamer 5.1 Sound Card (PCI)
1 DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive
Current GPU is ATi Radeon X1650 Pro 512mb GDDR2 in a PCI-E x16 Slot
2 80mm Case fans
1 120mm fan on HSF (I think its 120, might be just a little smaller)

PSU Specs:
APower Platinum Deluxe
580W max output
19A on single 12V Rail

So, could this handle an 8800GT? I know one 12V rail is really sucky, but I got this PSU for 50 bucks down from 100, and it powers this computer just fine.

 

[THEpiGUY]

I don't know, the ones on Newegg all say 26-28A for system requirements. It'd really be pushing it, I wouldn't recommend running it with that PSU.

 

[Atomic Rooster]

Yea, it's a little iffy. As THEpiGUY said, they do require at least 26A. It should work until you can afford to get a new one.

 

[worshipme]

19A on the 12V rail isn't very good. Not good enough for an 8800GT. But you can buy a decent 500W PSU with over 30A on the 12V rail for under $50. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171018This would supply the juice to an 8800GT just fine.

 

[FlightSimBoy]

That PSU might actually work, it has enough amps, and according to Newegg's PSU calculator, I need only 375w for what I have now.

Ok, is the one I have now good enough for an HD3870?

 

[worshipme]

Sorry. 26A is recommended for the 3870. You need to think about upgrading your PSU before you get a nice new GPU.

 

[FlightSimBoy]

Wow, I'm completely lost now. Is there ANY good PCI-E x16 card that is compatible with my PSU? I was looking at the 8600GT, but everyone told me a card from the HD3xxx line was a lot better for around the same price (mostly the 3850 series).

 

[Atomic Rooster]

It seems the HD3850 will run on that. All I can find is a requirement of at least a 450W PSU.

Yes, the HD3800 series cards are much more powerful than the 8600. They are closer in performance to the 8800 series cards.

 

[FlightSimBoy]

Every site I have looked at says the 3850 needs a 450W PSU, but nothing about the amps. I think what I have can handle that. According to newegg's PSU site, I only need 375 watts for my current configuration.

How is this card? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161215 I would have to save up another 150 bucks to get it and a PCI-E power cord converter cable, but, hey, it looks like a really good card.

 

[Atomic Rooster]

That's a cool one. No need for the power cable as they usually come with one.

The VisionTek Radeon HD 3850 would also be a good choice and it's only $169.