Noobie question about upgrading and power.

[wboy8807]

I don't know how to word this question in a search engine and every time I try and look it up I find nothing. Perhaps someone can give me an answer as I'm sure most people know this. I'm trying to upgrade my video card and I was checking my power supply to make sure it has enough power to power my video card. The video card I found has a lower Minimum Recommended System Power than my power supply puts out. Here is my question though. Do I need to add up all the things that are using power in my computer and subtract it from the number on my power supply then have it be higher than what the video card requires or do I not do that and as long as the number is higher I'm good. Thank you.

 

[buzznut]

Try this:

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

 

[Math Geek]

yes you need to add up everything including the graphics card and make sure the power supply is bigger. a general guideline is that your total power is no more than about 80% of what the psu puts out.

you also need to ensure the psu has the right connectors for the card you're looking to buy. cards can require 1 or 2 6 pin connectors or 1-2 8 pin or 1 of each.

feel free to post your power supply model and card your looking at and we'll ensure your ok for the upgrade.

in general and older store bought pc's psu may not support a newer mid-high end card unless it was a really high end system.

 

[wboy8807]

Thank you for your help. I have a CX750M psu and I want to get a gtx 770. I really don't want to buy something I can't use. I'm new to computer building and I'm trying to learn as I go. Thank you for your help.

 

[Math Geek]

oh yah you're fine. no worries. that psu will run 2 of those cards.