8800GT in Optiplex 745

I have a optiplex that just sits under my desk. Currently it has the dell 305W psu (+12A 16amp and +12B 18amp). Its running a c2d and a 160GB hd. Could I possibly run a 8800GT 512mb? I'm just trying to figure out if I can run the card to fold or see if I have to pick up a new psu (rather not if I can squeeze by).

Minimum amperage required is 22 amps... Looks like a no go without a new PSU, and that would require some modification since dell uses proprietary connectors for PSUs

dell uses proprietary connectors for PSUs

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Dell has used a standard ATX pinout for the past 8 years or so, with the exception of the XPS 720 which took a server-type PSU. The problem with the 745 is the physical size of the power supply. It's a strange L-shaped deal (to clear the optical drive) and it's also a little taller and a little narrower than a normal PSU. There aren't any direct aftermarket replacements, nor do I know of anything that could be modified to fit.

Your options are pretty much limited to a lower-end video card or a different machine, unless you want to go ghetto and run a replacement PSU externally.

I have a 8800GT with 300 watt PSU in my other PC running fine. What do you have to lose give it a try DELL makes a safe psu.

U could always go duel PSU?

Old Thrashbarg said:

Dell has used a standard ATX pinout for the past 8 years or so, with the exception of the XPS 720 which took a server-type PSU. The problem with the 745 is the physical size of the power supply. It's a strange L-shaped deal (to clear the optical drive) and it's also a little taller and a little narrower than a normal PSU. There aren't any direct aftermarket replacements, nor do I know of anything that could be modified to fit.

Your options are pretty much limited to a lower-end video card or a different machine, unless you want to go ghetto and run a replacement PSU externally.

Click to expand...

From looking at it, it looks to be a normal size psu. My case is a BTX case about the same size as a mid tower.. I think I've seen some with regular psus in them. Oh well I'll just stick to SMP folding on this rig.

I ended up dropping the 8800gt into a p6n diamond.

Roisen said:

Minimum amperage required is 22 amps... Looks like a no go without a new PSU, and that would require some modification since dell uses proprietary connectors for PSUs

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That's 22A on the combined rails, though. OP has 16A + 18A. Should be plenty.

If your PSU shows the +12v watts, just divide by 12 to get your amperage. ie.305w/12 = 25a. If you were reading and reporting the +12v wattage then you are fine. Otherwise you will will probably be short a little but it should run. If so you are just stressing the PSU and you would obviously increase the risk of failure. Also there are several higher watt/amperage PSUs available that are a little smaller that should fit. I recently replaced one in an old Sony and it had 26-28a +12v. I think it was an Antec but don't really remember. Just that the original replacement PSU was too big and had to be returned for something smaller.

My case is a BTX case about the same size as a mid tower.. I think I've seen some with regular psus in them. Oh well I'll just stick to SMP folding on this rig.

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Oh, you know what, I'd forgotten that there was a tower version of the 745, the only ones I've ever seen were the little slimline things. Yes, the tower versions do take a standard PSU, no problem, I've replaced a couple in Optiplex 755 midtowers, which is probably the exact same case.