Yo-

I'm a bit of a hardware amateur. I'm looking to upgrade my video card (from a 7950GT to an 8800GT, either a BFG or eVGA) and am wondering if I should upgrade my computer's power supply at the same time. I do not know how to check to see what kind of PSU my computer uses, outside of opening it up. Can anyone tell me how?

Thanks.

An article on Tom's Hardware may help you out:

IMPORTANT - Testing Your PSU Rails - EXTREME Overclocking Forums

According to the article, using Bios is not reliable. But its at least a start.

Example of Bios from the article:

Yo-

I'm a bit of a hardware amateur. I'm looking to upgrade my video card (from a 7950GT to an 8800GT, either a BFG or eVGA) and am wondering if I should upgrade my computer's power supply at the same time. I do not know how to check to see what kind of PSU my computer uses, outside of opening it up. Can anyone tell me how?

Thanks.

Opening up the case should be sufficient. The PSU in most PC cases is in the top back of the case. Its wattage output should be clearly labeled. If it's a good or even decent model, it should have amperage ratings on each output (12v rail, etc.) However, the PC PSU market is very crowded, and awash in absolute shit. Check what brand abd model PSU you have, post it here, and I might be able to give you some feedback on it. If you're going upgrade, there is only one brand to consider: PC Power and cooling. No fugly LEDs or transparent cases, and the just about the best design and construction of any PSU on the market. Miraculously, they're made in the USA.

After an untimely power failure in 2006, I now use nothing but PCP&C PSUs (and APC UPSes.)

How about seasonics?

Opening up the case should be sufficient. The PSU in most PC cases is in the top back of the case. Its wattage output should be clearly labeled. If it's a good or even decent model, it should have amperage ratings on each output (12v rail, etc.) However, the PC PSU market is very crowded, and awash in absolute shit. Check what brand abd model PSU you have, post it here, and I might be able to give you some feedback on it. If you're going upgrade, there is only one brand to consider: PC Power and cooling. No fugly LEDs or transparent cases, and the just about the best design and construction of any PSU on the market. Miraculously, they're made in the USA.

After an untimely power failure in 2006, I now use nothing but PCP&C PSUs (and APC UPSes.)

thanks, i'll get it cracked open and take a look at it, reporting my results back here.

It should be a decent enough power supply since my computer is a gaming machine. Manufacturer is Velocity Micro, which are the "good parts" computers Best Buy sells. Purchased Christmas '06.

bad news. Opened my case this afternoon and couldn't get anything off the damn power supply. I guess I could have pulled it all the way out but I wasn't feeling that adventurous, but it really just looked like smooth shiny silver all the way around.

The brand is Silent Engine, and I got a serial number, but couldn't get a match off the manufacturers website. Google also turned up nothing.

My bios gave me these readings:

Vcore voltage: 1.34v

3.3v voltage: 3.29v

5v voltage: 4.91v

12v voltage: 11.71v

I don't know what any of that means.

Regardless, I've read the 8800GT cards work best with a 750w power supply. I feel fairly confident that this gaming machine purchased a year and a half ago would not have such a power supply. So I'll probably end up buying this one. Thoughts?

You really don't need a 750W power supply for a single 8800gt you'd be fine with a 500-600W psu. To avoid having to use any power adapters, just make sure whatever psu you go with has the pci-express power connectors (either 6 or 8 pin).

You really don't need a 750W power supply for a single 8800gt you'd be fine with a 500-600W psu. To avoid having to use any power adapters, just make sure whatever psu you go with has the pci-express power connectors (either 6 or 8 pin).

tkam to the rescue. I misread the post on the Age Of Conan forums. 750W is only for running 2 8800GT in dual SLI.

I googled Silent Engine and count this. Most other hits mentioned a 550W supply, so it's probable that's the PSU you have. It should be quite sufficient to power the 8800GT.

I ordered a factory oc'd bfg 8800GT this morning. I guess its performance will tell me if I need a new PSU.

I dont have TeamSpeak (refuse to have headphones with mics ), but let me know if you ever play Fear Combat multiplayer. Check out Prison City Games control section.

Oh BTW, the multiplayer is 100% free download, legal