Fuck me...

2007-08-04 12:20:29

#1

Brasso: member; +1,549|7106

...now I think I know why all the video cards I've ever owned have underperformed. My power supply's 12V rail (as my [very limited] understanding goes) might not be powerful enough.

I have a 500W power supply that powers a XFX 8600GTS (standard clocks). I thought that would be enough (it ran my 7600GS too). But I never thought about the 12V rail (or whatever power thing the video cards use).

Can anyone provide answers for me?

Power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6817192002

Video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814150228

1) What exactly does the 12V rail do?
2) Does the 12V rail power the graphics card, or other things?
3) If not, then what powers the graphics card?
Most important: 4) Do you think I need a different power supply, and can you recommend any that aren't too costly (maybe around $50 if you can, I know it's hard)

"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"

2007-08-04 12:25:49

#2

Cybargs: Moderated; +2,285|7192

12V Rail powers your GFX more... Go look at Kryle's guide and you will understand more.

https://cache.www.gametracker.com/server_info/203.46.105.23:21300/b_350_20_692108_381007_FFFFFF_000000.png

2007-08-04 12:28:50

#3

Reciprocity: Member; +721|7056|the dank(super) side of Oregon

your power supply may have an insufficient amperage rating on the 12v rail to properly operate the video card. you'll have to go to xfx's website and see if you can get the 12v rail amperage spec. if it's below 15amps, your PSU 12v rail spec, you will need a beefier PSU.

2007-08-04 12:31:08

#4

Jello.01: Member; +46|7084|DFW, Texas

Or could be bottlenecked by the processor. (?)

2007-08-04 12:39:24

#5

kylef: Gone; +1,352|6969|N. Ireland

cyborg_ninja-117 wrote:
12V Rail powers your GFX more... Go look at Kryle's guide and you will understand more.

Cryle* If you are going to call me that, at least do it right!

Your power supply has a very low +12V rail. The +12V rail powers your graphics and extra cards etc., so it is very important! 15A is very low. You want at least 25 or so! You are going to have to upgrade I think. Take a read at my guide for more information:

Understanding Power Supplies (inc. Recommendations)

2007-08-04 12:48:52

#6

Cybargs: Moderated; +2,285|7192

Jello.01 wrote:
Or could be bottlenecked by the processor. (?)

I would highly doubt it...

2007-08-04 17:04:58

#7

rubber.sex: Banned; +32|6588|London UK

i have 4 12V rails with 38A on each of them, powers my dual 8800GTX's nicely

and yeah buy a better PSU Seasonic are really good.

2007-08-04 17:08:24

#8

Brasso: member; +1,549|7106

cyborg_ninja-117 wrote:
Jello.01 wrote:
Or could be bottlenecked by the processor. (?)
I would highly doubt it...

My processor is a X2 4200+. I doubt it as well.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'll look into Seasonic.

"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"

2007-08-04 23:02:36

#9

MECtallica: Member; +73|6980|jalalabad

rubber.sex wrote:
i have 4 12V rails with 38A on each of them, powers my dual 8800GTX's nicely

and yeah buy a better PSU Seasonic are really good.

I lol'd

4 rails with 38 amps on each? you know most PSU's have caps on voltage/amperage, like 60 or so on the +12v, so I think 2 are kind of going to waste. And also if I'm right or wrong or not, I don't even think there is a single power supply with 38A on each rail available to the general public....

Last edited by MECtallica (2007-08-04 23:03:25)

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cyborg_ninja-117 wrote:

Jello.01 wrote:

cyborg_ninja-117 wrote:

Jello.01 wrote:

rubber.sex wrote:

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