Upgrading PSU, need advice

[Gamree]

Well, first off, I'm upgrading the video card in my current computer to this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814241063

Problem is, my current PSU (250W, 14A on the +12V) isn't nearly powerful enough to power this card. I know very little about PSU's, so I was hoping someone could make some suggestions as to some good PSU choices. I'm trying to save my money, though, so the best PSU for the cheapest price that could run this card and my computer would be appreciated.

My PC: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8399299&type=product&id=1179877502628

If I'm missing anything, tell me, and I'll post more info.

 

[Rik]

Spend as much as you can afford on a psu of 400 watts or better.

 

[kpo6969]

1.The card is huge
2.The card requires alot of power. more than 2x what you have now
3.Will it fit? requires 2slots

Here's a suggestion for a psu (if it would fit?)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

You have the required slots and space IMO for the graphics card. But that PSU recommended by kpo6969 will not cut it, since the card needs 30A on the +12V rail, and the PSU has only 33A. 3A will not be enough for the rest of your system. This PSU on the other hand is much better. It's from a reliable manufacturer and has a single massive +12V rail with 41A on it, which is more than enough for your whole system.

 

[Gamree]

Thanks for the advice, I'll take all of this into consideration. What should be the minimum for the max wattage of the PSU? Because this PSU here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194015

has 22A on both +12V rails, but only has a max wattage of 485W.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

22A on both rails doesn't really mean a total output of 44A. The real number of total amps will be much lower because all the wattage is not going to be available only on the +12V rails. That amperage rating is the maximum amps available on either rail at a given time. The wattage of the PSU will make a difference as to how much power is available on each rail. But it doesn't always hold. A 450W PSU may deliver 300W on the +12V rail and the rest may be distributed evenly among the +3.3V and +5V rails. Another 450W PSU may deliver equal amounts of wattage on all the rails. This is why amperage is so important.
So, which PSU are you going to get?

 

[kpo6969]

You have the required slots and space IMO for the graphics card. But that PSU recommended by kpo6969 will not cut it, since the card needs 30A on the +12V rail, and the PSU has only 33A. 3A will not be enough for the rest of your system. This PSU on the other hand is much better. It's from a reliable manufacturer and has a single massive +12V rail with 41A on it, which is more than enough for your whole system.

I dis-agree. This is the card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814241063

This is the manufacturer's product info:

http://www.gecube.com/products-detail.php?prod_cat_pid=152&prod_cat_id=164&prod_id=65313

Manufacturer's system requirements:

　 System Requirements
PCI Express based PC is required with one x16 lane graphics slot available on the motherboard
Connection to the system power supply is required
450-Watt power supply or greater, 30 Amps, 12 volt rail recommended (assumes fully loaded system)
512MB of system memory
Installation softward requires CD-ROM drive
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Operating Systems Support
1.Windows XP
2.Windows XP x64 Edition
3.Windows Media Center Edition 2005
4.Windows Vista

My point:
450-Watt power supply or greater, 30 Amps, 12 volt rail recommended (assumes fully loaded system)

So your point is if 30 is required 33 isn't enough but 41 is?

 

[kpo6969]

You have the required slots and space IMO for the graphics card. But that PSU recommended by kpo6969 will not cut it, since the card needs 30A on the +12V rail, and the PSU has only 33A. 3A will not be enough for the rest of your system. This PSU on the other hand is much better. It's from a reliable manufacturer and has a single massive +12V rail with 41A on it, which is more than enough for your whole system.

Same manufacturer, same psu but more power.
8 amps = $35.00
The OP did state they were trying to save money.

 

[Tedster]

google a free PSU calculator and add 30% to the results.

 

[James27uk]

With regards to this can I just add a really newbish question the fan on my psu is pointing into the computer and not towards the grill in the main case. Is this correct? the outer panel(detachable) does not have any holes in it to allow air out if the psu was turned over (fan outward at grill). Is there any advantage to be had with turning the psu so the psu fan blows air out rather than onto the cpu heatsink? (even if the outer panel has no vent)

 

[Rik]

With cooling, because heat rises, it's usually best to have the fan(s) at the bottom of the case pulling air in and the fan(s) at the top pushing air out.

 

[James27uk]

Ok excellent thanks for that I will turn it over later do you think I should modify the outer panel to allow the repostioned fan to blow direct into atmosphere?

 

[Cinders]

James if you have the skill and don't mind voiding your warranty then have at it. I think it's a good idea. Just remember that your PSU can have powerful capacitors that contain very high voltage which can kill you.

 

[Tedster]

that is not correct. Proper air flow in a computer dictates exhaust fans on the top and rear and intake fans on the bottom .

 

[Rik]

What exactly is not correct?