Can I run a graphics card on this power supply?

Question

Hello, I have just purchased a new KFA2 GeForce 9600 GT graphics card (Here's the link to the page: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3763161&CatId=1558 ), and was wondering if I could power it with a totally separate power supply than what my computer uses to run. I thought this might have been a good idea, but my extra power supply is pretty old.

From what information I have now on the extra power supply, it's a 480W SATA ATX POWER SUPPLY, made in 2006.

I have no idea what information is needed, so I'll just put what i see on the label of the power supply!

AC INPUT 15V/230V 10A/6A 60/50Hz

**Okay, the next thing is a table, so I tried my best to make it look like a table of information**

DC OUTPUT | +3.3V | +5V | +12V | -5V | -12V | +5VSB |

________________________________ _______________

480W...........|..28A...| 38A | 17A...|1.0A | 0.5 A | 2.0A....|

Also, on that website about the graphics card, it says that on the Power Supply I need to have Two 4-pin MolexR supplementary power connector. What is that? What is MolexR? I know what Molex is, but is there any difference between Molex and MolexR?

I would really like to know whether this power supply is good enough for this graphics card with nothing else on it, or should I buy a new power supply? I might as well buy a power supply for the computer itself, considering that the power supply that's in the computer is only 350 watts (the website recommends 400W), and I didn't think that it'd be able to run on that. Plus, I don't know if I have the right connectors on it anyways.

Also, I have an HP m8530f computer if that helps.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Well, if you want the card for gaming, you are also most likely going to want a good processor and RAM, and other key components.

480V is kind of low for a good, powerful computer.

If you have the budget, it is always good to go for at least 750V - 1000V.

I am building a new high end gaming computer and I am going for a 1000V PSU.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You May need a new power supply simply because of a different configuration of the plugs.   That happened to me the last two times I upgraded my old PC.

If your already thinking about it, you might as well check the plugs to make sure.

Answer 3

This is ***  USE AT YOUR OWN RISK *** advice.  

You may fry some component or hurt yourself if you aren't careful.

You can possibly do this.  I agree with the person who pointed out that your "extra" power supply may not supply clean power if the only load is on the 12v rail from your graphics card.  It could fry the card or otherwise s***w things up. See this for some background:

http://www.playtool.com/pages/psucrosslo...

Theoretically, the extra PSU does have enough power on the 12V rail, if the only thing it powers is the graphics card, which will likely draw less than 10A at load, and if it can actually supply the rated power.

You'll need to do two things:  

1) Set things up so that your extra power supply turns on when your first one does.  You can use this adapter:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5637/c...

or do something more homebrew as per:

http://www.overclock.net/faqs/15751-info...

BE CAREFUL if you decide to wire things yourself. Don't subject yourself to an electric shock.

2) Get the right connectors.  The 9600gt requires a 6-pin PCI-E connector for extra power.  From the looks of things, your card comes with an adapter that will connect two 4-pin molex connectors to a PCI-E 6 pin connector.  So, you're probably OK here.

Answer 4

You'll need a new PSU. One with a rating of at least 26 Amps on the +12 rail. Right now you only have 17 Amps on a single rail. Shop the +12 rail (the column that shows +12V) .  Amps have to be more than 26 Amps. Get a power supply that is more than 26 Amps. Here's one for $100 after rebate. It should run your whole computer if your other PSU is also a single rail. It will also use less electricity.

morehttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...  

Answer 5

look on newegg, they have got everything you could possibly want for about half the price, also newegg will never let you down

Answer 6

You only have 17 12V rail amps, so you darn well need a better power supply for the 9600GT. With rails distributed like that, you'd think that puppy came out of a Pentium II or Pentium III. Seriously, it's fundamentally a circa-2001 design inside, I'll bet! It's capable of powering the 9600GT, which draws about 8 amps on the 12V before overclocking, but it's inadequate when also powering your PC. Also, having an empty load on all but one rail can cause cheaper group regulated units like yours to act erratic; a state you'd be in running just a 9600GT off it.

If you can, just ditch both supplies and buy one new unit. It'll be a lot more efficient, for one, and also it will provide cleaner power. I suggest this cheap Antec Earthwatts EA430. It's pretty efficient, and being a SeaSonic build, is reliable and very stable. Thing's actually capable of peaking a good bit above 430 watts, so you can safely draw over 350 watts day in and day out on the thing with a thirty percent margin of safety.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

Newegg has that identical model video card in stock for the same price, so why not do this order from them?

4 pin molex connectors are just those 4 pin plugs that have been kicking around for at least twenty years, and are used for things like drives. Most supplies seemingly have far too many, so that's fine. I own the Antec Earthwatts 380 little brother, and I can attest that it DOES have two molexes to spare after powering one optical and two hard disks. If you need more, people sell splitters.

______________________________________...

Update:

Alright, if you don't want to buy another, I guess you CAN run a 9600GT off the 480 watt generic. Just be careful, because based upon the rail ratings, it's some pretty natty fresh off the boat Taiwanese stuff that's based on an ATX 1.3 design of 2000-2003. It's your 9600GT, so you take the chances if that thing runs away because you're putting all the work on the 12V with no loads elsewhere. I say you should spend the 60$ - 30 MIR check for somthing better, but that's just what I say as someone who insists on the use of quality SMPS units.

And yes, my whole reply was predicated off system running off 350 watter and the card running off the 480 watter. Wouldn't be surprised if your HP's PSU has a stronger 12V rail, though. My circa-2006 HP OEM Bestec is rated for 18 amps 12V- bet yours is closer to 22.