Can I Run a 311w load on a 300w psu?

[kevinakerberg]

Hi everyone,
I'm upgrading the graphics card on an old tower and the psu calculator I used said that the card and the existing parts would need 311 watts of power. Could I run this 311 watt load on the machine's 300w psu? Thanks.

Specs of upgrade:
CPU: Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor
GPU: GeForce 9800gt
RAM: 2 x 2gb DDR2
HDD: SATA 7200rpm

 

[Kurz]

Hi everyone,
I'm upgrading the graphics card on an old tower and the psu calculator I used said that the card and the existing parts would need 311 watts of power. Could I run this 311 watt load on the machine's 300w psu? Thanks.

Specs of upgrade:
CPU: Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor
GPU: GeForce 9800gt
RAM: 2 x 2gb DDR2
HDD: SATA 7200rpm

A good rule is to load the PSU 50-70% of what its rated for. This allows it to last longer, run cooler and quieter.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... There are multi voltages & current ratings in a PS... you need to report whats on the label on the PS for a more accurate answer.

GeForce 9800gt 10amps@12vdc

 

[madmatt30]

No you can't but that CPU & GPU aren't honestly going to touch 300w.
250w maybe fully maxed out .

 

[Lord_Sunday123]

You can if you want to watch something explode. Literally. Look up power supply explosions on youtube sometime.

Thatbeing said, madmatt is right. You shouldn't have problems with that hardware. I would still pick up a PSU with a few extra watts to it though. Always good to leave a bit of headroom.