Article: Power Consumption of Contemporary Graphics Cards

This article will help in the endless debate about how large a power supply you need to run a gaming card. The tests show conclusively that the answer is an undeniable: "It depends"!

Interesting. Enjoy.

Power Consumption of Contemporary Graphics Accelerators: Spring 2010 - X-bit labs

Thanks TVeblen. A long read but interesting. I really don't think the debate will never stop. I have a power supply method without charts. I call it the L.B. Method.
1/ Select a video card
2/ Research and find out what they recommend for minimum wattage power supply. Let's say 500W.
3/ Add another 100W because they did say minimum.
4/ Add another 100W or more to be sure your power supply is running in what I call it's sweet spot. Some where in it's mid range when you work your computer max out. This means your power supply runs cooler, quieter and put out a cleaner amp and volt signal. Less distortion. It also give you the ability to add hardware later without upgrading your power supply.
Using the L.B. Method your minimum would be 700W.
5/ Now add the L.B. Go For It. I don't like minimum and the price difference is small.
6/ Conclusion. 850W power supply of quality brand name 80+ Gold.
Note: The L.B.Method requires no special testing equipment or charts and graphs. Rate of success 100%.

Well yes you will need a little more cash or credit. In the long run you save and have a happier computer.

I also subscribe to the L.B. Method (although I always thought it was the T.V. Method), and I can also report a 100% success rate!

I just found it fascinating that there was so much of a difference in power consumption in the same series of cards. It gives a tinkerer some wicked thoughts.

If one studies power supplies to much you computer world gets way to foggy. A simple get it done method works for me. Now I can get to the hard to figure out things. CPU'S, Motherboards, Ram, Video cards. Towers that look good with lots of room and air flow ect. Fans oooh their are hundreds of them out their. It took me many of hours for many weeks to come up with the combination I selected. Once every thing came in I still didn't know if I chose the proper combination. After two RMA on the motherboard everything came together. I'm happy. Do I have more power supply than I need, yes but I could go SLI with no problems. That's a thought. Na maybe later. Everything in your computer starts with a quality power supply so it's no place to save money. I don't want to hear you got a $300.00 video card and an $49.00 power supply. Please help blue screen. Okay it's time for more coffee and medication.