Does a GeForce XFX 8600 GT 256MB PCIe video card require an additional power supply?

Question

I am building a new PC and right now I am buying all the parts. For my video card I chose

XFX PVT84JUDF3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16.

I was wondering wether I need to buy an additional power supply for this graphics card.
P.S. If I do, then how many watts does the power supply need to have (min)?

Answer 1

Nope! That card consumes just a little over 40 watts. If your processor is one of those 65 watter (C2D or AM2). You could get by with a 380-430W power supply. Just make sure it has strong +12V rail (18 amps or higher).

But do take note that higher rated power supplies run cooler (esp. efficient ATX v2.2 types), last longer and give you plenty of elbow room for future upgrades.

Answer 2

Since the card does not require extra power from a 6-pin PCI-E power cable, you should be fine with anything above a 350W power supply. But for the future, I would recommend anything over 500W so you have potential for upgrades. Usually the only time you will ever see two (or more) power supplies in a computer is if it is a server with redundant power supplies.

Answer 3

The previous answers are decent but give you round-about guesses and advice

the last thing you want is a guess on somebody's idea of what 'enough' is. maybe they have 1 or 2 drives. maybe they have not a beefy processor or only a couple fans. and maybe you have a lot more. you want plenty of gap between the max power of the PSU and what you're actually using. otherwise you'll be redlining it and it can degrade the PSU quicker and possibly your PC components.

the following calculator will sum up all of your PC factors quicker and more accurately:

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

make sure to read the notes next to each dropbox and footnotes at the bottom from the numbered citations.

Answer 4

You don't need a second power supply, you're just gonna need a decent power supply about 450Watts or higher. I would look for the Antec Truepower 600. It's a very nice PS and is more than enough for a gaming system.

Answer 5

24 pins Power Supply with 400W onward for 775 unless u need OC, a higher W is recommended.

Did u know a 20pins 400W Power Supply could power up 775 24pins motherboard? I have a 20pins PS powers up the 24pins motherboard.

Answer 6

Check how many amps the card draws, and then check how many your power supply puts out. You need a pretty beefy power supply for that card. Don't rely on the geek squad for anything other than to try to sell you garbage.

Answer 7

the kind does not count number as its in basic terms a sticky label on an analogous time as the OEM (unique kit producer) is the comparable that's nVidia. That stated, 8800 is obviously extra powerful than 8600.