Are the video card's power supply requirements important?

Question

Ive been tryin to find out if having the required power supply is important, and if it decreases the video cards performance if the requirement is not met

im new to this so i dont know how to reply to yals answer but im running a video card a video card which has the requirement of 300 watts and my computer only has a 250watt psu should i take off the video card and reinstall my old one

Answer 1

Nowadays, the power supply is one of the most important (yet overlooked) pieces of your computer. Power requirements have gone up for most components and running multiple peripherals is power consuming to say the least. Most mid to high end video cards come with their own power plug that will leech a 12 volt current and convert it on the card for its own consumption. Most cards will always run without being plugged into the power supply but at a "reduced performance" level so as not to mess up anything on the card. In fact, not providing enough power can cripple your computer. When everything starts drawing power at one time, not having enough to go around can actually give you software related errors from power dips. It's like a brownout inside your machine. This can also degrade and eventually ruin your computer. If you're using anything in the high end side of the video card family, make sure you're running a 500 watt PSU or higher for best performance and longevity of your equipement.

Answer 2

Yes the power supply rating is very important for stability of your system, though don't just look to use a minimum required power supply, try getting one that offers you 50-100watts more output so that later if you change or add any other power drawing components you won't have to upgrade your power supply yet again. Key thing to look for in the power supply is making sure its rated for the processor type you have, dual or quad rails will extend the power supply's life as well as allow it to run cooler, a single fan of 120-140mm if you cannot get one with dual 80mm cooling fans.

Answer 3

The juice (amps) of the power supply's +12V rail determines whether the video card will run at all (stable). The power supply will NOT speed up or slow down the video card.
Do not rely on minimum recommendations. You will just run the power supply HOT at or near full load (esp. the +12V rail). A higher rated power supply with strong +12V rail (preferably dual rails) runs cooler, lasts longer and gives you plenty of elbow room for upgrades (and bells & whistles).

Answer 4

Of course it is important - it is like a 8 cyl. car hitting on 6cyl. if your power supply is under powered for your needs.

Answer 5

YES it is VERY important....

It won't even run if you don't have enough power.... or it will suck all all you power and nothing else in you pc will run!