How to tell a Graphic Cards Power Requirements?

[ccasmoe00]

Does anyone have any info on how people can check for the power requirments of a graphics card?

Its been a very big pain in the butt................... please help.

 

[THEpiGUY]

Does anyone have any info on how people can check for the power requirments of a graphics card?

Its been a very big pain in the butt................... please help.

Here's a site that may help you out: http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php

After you select whichever card(s) you're considering from the drop-down list, the maximum power draw will be at the top of the "Details" section, but it doesn't have this information for every card in their database.

If they don't have the info for any card in particular that you're looking at, post it up here and we may be able to figure it out.

 

[99tollap]

Dont trust manufactureres estimates. In almost every case, you'll be able to run a graphics card fine with a less powerful PSU. GPU manufacturers rate the minimum PSU based on a really high end system (extreme quad core cpu normally). For example, I used to run a 6800 and later an x800xl fine on a 300w psu.

 

[ccasmoe00]

So is this right then? It cant be................lol

http://www.gpureview.com/GeForce-8500-GT-card-514.html

 

[ccasmoe00]

And this.................. http://www.gpureview.com/GeForce-8800-GT-card-544.html

On nvidia's site is states:

Q: What are the recommended power supply requirements for both the GeForce 8800 GT in single and multi-GPU configurations?
A: GeForce 8800 GT graphics cards require a minimum 400 W or greater system power supply (with 12V current rating of 26 A) for single GPU operation. Please refer to www.SLIZone.com for a list of recommended SLI certified power supplies for multi-GPU configurations.

 

[THEpiGUY]

So is this right then? It cant be................lol

http://www.gpureview.com/GeForce-8500-GT-card-514.html

That's about right for the 8500GT, right around 40W from what I've read elsewhere. But that's for just the card alone, remember you need to power a full system.

And this.................. http://www.gpureview.com/GeForce-8800-GT-card-544.html

On nvidia's site it states:

Q: What are the recommended power supply requirements for both the GeForce 8800 GT in single and multi-GPU configurations?
A: GeForce 8800 GT graphics cards require a minimum 400 W or greater system power supply (with 12V current rating of 26 A) for single GPU operation. Please refer to www.SLIZone.com for a list of recommended SLI certified power supplies for multi-GPU configurations.

Here, they're assuming a fully loaded system. The card itself draws 105W of power, but they're assuming ~300W needs to go towards other components. So if you're looking to buy a power supply, get one with at least 26A on the 12V rail if you're looking to run this card, preferrably 30+A if you want to be safe. I've had bad experiences with not having enough power.