Selecting a PSU (my first time)

[jareda]

Hello community;

I am in the process of upgrading my video card to this specific video card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130339&cm_re=9800gtx%2b-_-14-130-339-_-Product

EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card - Retail

I have selected this card due to it's immense popularity and positive reviews.

My computer is an HP Pavilion p6280t. It's specs are Core 2 Quad Q8400 (Y) (2.66GHz /1333 MHz) processor, 8GB (4 x 2 GB) DDR2 PC2-6400 RAM, I use a 21 inch monitor. The current PSU is 300W.

The system requirements for the videocard I have selected are :
Minimum of a 450 Watt power supply.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 24 Amp Amps.)
Minimum 550 Watt for SLI mode system.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 30 Amp Amps.)

My knowledge of computers is basic, I do not know what the Amperage values indicate and if I will be running SLI mode.

Could a user recommend a specific PSU that would work for my computer / and the video card? I have read nearly all HP computers will acomadate "any 12V ATX PSU"


Thank you kindly,
Jared

 

[bejabbers]

I'd go with a 500W PSU.

this one's not bad: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171031

or if you have more room in your budget I'd go with this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256008

 

[JackNaylorPE]

SLI means twin video cards linked with an SLI bridge. Note that most vendor sites will be very conservative on wattage ratings since a quality PSU and a "steenky" PSU could both have the same wattage sticker on them regardless of ehat they actually do.

Pop over here to have the thing "do the math" for you. The GFX card itself draws 94 watts

http://www.antec.outervision.com/

You don't ned anything high end for your intyended use so I'd pop over to

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Recommended_PSUs

Skip the Editor's Choice list and pick something off the "Recommended List". I'd suggest a Corsair VX series.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

 

[jareda]

Thank you both.

I'm big into customer reviews and recommendations / awards. I'm leaning towards the 550W Corsair PSU right now. $70 after rebate I can handle.

Thanks again!

 

[jareda]

Best answer selected by jareda.