Watt woes?

[GoldenMouse]

It's almost that time again, time to upgrade the ole video card, but this time around, I'm running into some difficulties. The newest generation of video cards consume huge amounts of power, and I was recently seduced by shuttle's sexy line of XPC's, which unfortuantely have small power supplies. So does anybody here know of how I can figure my system's total consumption, the consumption of my current card, and that of a new one, to make sure it all comes in under 200 watts?

 

[Rukee]

There are some good guides here.
http://forum.vapochill.com/showthread.php?threadid=3785

 

[GoldenMouse]

Using 199 of 200...#@%@!%!

 

[MassChAoS]

find a new power supply

 

[GoldenMouse]

http://us.shuttle.com/specs_access.asp?pro_id=279

As far as I can tell, it's a custom job, like the case, heatsink, and mobo are. Unless anybody here can prove me wrong.... *looks around hopefully*

 

[Rukee]

 

[GoldenMouse]

Unfortunately, all that means is that I can have an extremely ghetto setup in which my case is open all the time and the power supply sits beside it. Not going to go for that option.

 

[MassChAoS]

Could get a 250... http://us.shuttle.com/specs_access.asp?pro_id=409
but yea, looks like custom crap

 

[Rukee]

It does fit some of them...check this link.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-157-005&depa=1

 

[GoldenMouse]

Fits my model. Sweet.... Now, is it enough? Gonna run some numbers. Thankee Rukee.

 

[GoldenMouse]

Almost....maybe they'll come out with a bigger one later.

 

[Rukee]

You could do a Volt MOD to that 250 WATT unit, it will not increase the amprage, but it will help stabilize the whole system with stronger rails.

 

[GoldenMouse]

Just found this: http://forums.sudhian.com/messageview.cfm?catid=43&threadid=61774

Interesting...

 

[Rukee]

I wish I had one of those watts up devices....wonder what the VapoMAXX draws!



Looks like you should be good to go with the power supply you have.

 

[GoldenMouse]

I'll still get that 250 you pointed out when I do upgrade. Gotta get some money and wait for prices on the new gen of cards to drop first. After all, what good is a spankin' new card if you can't afford the games that'd push it?

 

[GoldenMouse]

Question. I just took an old power supply I had lying around, shorted the "on" lead to a ground lead as per the volt mod, and attached a cathode to it (via inverter, of course). Do you foresee any long-term complications? (There is a high-pitched whine. I have yet to determine whether it's a fan or electrical noise.)

Edit: This was the inspiration. Mine isn't nearly as involved, though.