Hardware Is there a way you can find out how much Watts your computer uses and

[rhyguy]

I'm considering upgrading my graphics card, but i dont want to buy a new psu.

 

[Rayder]

What rating PSU do you have now? If your PSU is too weak, your GPU will choke if you get a newer one. It sucks, but that's the way it is.

 

[Westside]

It depends on your other components. 500 Watt should be enough for HD 4780 Radeon, if you also have a dual core intel cpu, quad core and you are playing with fire. 600+ is more than enough. However, the new nVidia GPU will require much more.

 

[lewjay]

Look for something called Kill-a-watt.

 

[rhyguy]

its a dell comp, with 350W psu currently, running a q6600 g0 overclocked to 3ghz and an 8600gt, and i was thinking of getting a ati 46XX or a 4850

Notes:

* The Inspiron 530 with a Quad comes with a 350W power supply that should handle a video card up to an 8800gt without upgrade (I'm running an x800xl that consumes around the same).

That suggests i could get at most a 3850

 

[xcalibur]

its a dell comp, with 350W psu currently, running a q6600 g0 overclocked to 3ghz and an 8600gt, and i was thinking of getting a ati 46XX or a 4850

Notes:

* The Inspiron 530 with a Quad comes with a 350W power supply that should handle a video card up to an 8800gt without upgrade (I'm running an x800xl that consumes around the same).

That suggests i could get at most a 3850

Thats waaay to weak for a 8800GT or any new decent card. It won't be enough under peak power.
Even 450W would be pushing it a bit.

 

[santorix10]

Open up your PC, and look at the power supply. (I don't mean to be a jerk, but that's kinda obvious.)

 

[ZeWarrior]

its a dell comp, with 350W psu currently, running a q6600 g0 overclocked to 3ghz and an 8600gt, and i was thinking of getting a ati 46XX or a 4850

Notes:

* The Inspiron 530 with a Quad comes with a 350W power supply that should handle a video card up to an 8800gt without upgrade (I'm running an x800xl that consumes around the same).

That suggests i could get at most a 3850

Thats waaay to weak for a 8800GT or any new decent card. It won't be enough under peak power.
Even 450W would be pushing it a bit.

Not true at all, Xcalibur.
This is a Dell. Dell makes some quality PSUs, and I'm telling you, chances are he will be able to run an 8800GT on his PSU.
He'll be fine. However, if you really don't want to risk it.
I suggest you get an Antec Earthwatts 430W PSU.

 

[Westside]

its a dell comp, with 350W psu currently, running a q6600 g0 overclocked to 3ghz and an 8600gt, and i was thinking of getting a ati 46XX or a 4850

Notes:

* The Inspiron 530 with a Quad comes with a 350W power supply that should handle a video card up to an 8800gt without upgrade (I'm running an x800xl that consumes around the same).

That suggests i could get at most a 3850

Thats waaay to weak for a 8800GT or any new decent card. It won't be enough under peak power.
Even 450W would be pushing it a bit.

Not true at all, Xcalibur.
This is a Dell. Dell makes some quality PSUs, and I'm telling you, chances are he will be able to run an 8800GT on his PSU.
He'll be fine. However, if you really don't want to risk it.
I suggest you get an Antec Earthwatts 430W PSU.

Seconded, Antec makes awesome PSUs.

 

[rhyguy]

I'll probably try it out without getting a new psu, then get one if it doesnt work well

which would be better
Nvidia 8800gt 512 - http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/produc...oducts_id=27711
or
ati 4850 512 - http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/produc...oducts_id=28413

 

[Mangofett]

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Put in all of your specs, then change the graphics card...

 

[xcalibur]

I'll probably try it out without getting a new psu, then get one if it doesnt work well

which would be better
Nvidia 8800gt 512 - http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/produc...oducts_id=27711
or
ati 4850 512 - http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/produc...oducts_id=28413

HD 4850 since its comparable to a 9800 GTX

 

[xJonny]

Look for something called Kill-a-watt.

That's probably your best way to find out how much watts it uses.

 

[juggernaut911]

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Put in all of your specs, then change the graphics card...

i was gonna post that!!!

I'd switch to ATI over the new line of cards, NVIDIA's new stuff (200 series) kinda went downhill compares to the 4800's

 

[morcar]

I have an Intel 2 Quad Q6600 With G0 Stepping that runs at 2.4GHz, 2GB 1066MHz DDR2 Corsair Dominator and a XFX 8800GTS 320MB and i have it running on a 650Watt PSU. You also want to look at the Amp of the 12V rail as the gfx cards really needs this to be up at least around the 15amp mark.