How do I know what amps my PSU can provide?

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Foolios

Member

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Joined

May 9, 2006

• Dec 14, 2008

• #1

I want to buy a new video card. I notice now that most video cards are indication the suggested minimum watts a psu has but also how many amps it can output.
I need help with figuring and/or finding this information on my psu.

The card requires 28A. Does this psu I have have enough in the right spot?

It has 6 Amp ratings, which one do I use? Is it broken down from a total and I add them up?

 

wolfy1220

Member

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Joined

Mar 29, 2008

Location

Lincoln, Nebraska

• Dec 14, 2008

• #2

no.
+12V rail is what the video card requires, you only have 17A.

 

Last edited: Dec 14, 2008

JamesXP

Epic Fail Guy

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Joined

Apr 18, 2007

Location

England

• Dec 14, 2008

• #3

Oh crap.

L&C = Deer


I wouldn't classify that as powersupply, and you'd be lucky to get 12A of 12v power from that piece of junk, upgrade that unit before it takes your whole system down, cheap powersupplies like that do no have overcurrent or overvoltage protection, the capacitors are of very cheap quality, and the wattage is very very exaggerated.

something like anything corsair should work

 

Oklahoma Wolf

Senior Warranty Validity Sealed Stick Remover

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Joined

Mar 18, 2003

• Dec 14, 2008

• #4

Replace that unit even if you don't buy a video card. Low end L&C/Deer is dangerous junk.

 

OP

F

Foolios

Member

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Joined

May 9, 2006

• Dec 14, 2008

• Thread Starter
• #5

Thanks for the warning. I will do. Now I need to know how to find the right one.
Do I need to look at the +12V area and whatever the Amp rating is for that will tell me if I have enough of what I need for the video card?
What do I figure out when a psu has two 12V rails at 18A each? Will that provide 36A and meet the cards requirement of 28A?

Thanks for the replies.

 

Last edited: Dec 14, 2008

JamesXP

Epic Fail Guy

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Joined

Apr 18, 2007

Location

England

• Dec 14, 2008

• #6

You need to look on the specs for 'total 12V output'


you don't just add the two ratings together.

 

RollingThunder

Destroyer of Trolls & Spammers

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Joined

Jan 7, 2005

• Dec 14, 2008

• #7

Foolios said:

Thanks for the warning. I will do. Now I need to know how to find the right one.
Do I need to look at the +12V area and whatever the Amp rating is for that will tell me if I have enough of what I need for the video card?
What do I figure out when a psu has two 12V rails at 18A each? Will that provide 36A and meet the cards requirement of 28A?

Thanks for the replies.

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