New
#21
The GPU power requirement are typically for a Average system w/ a Average type supply.
Meaning, If you have a quality PSU, you might be able to get by with something like a 380W PSU just fine, although not leaving alot of upgrade room.
But if its Off brand, or OEM type supply you may actually need more wattage.
This may not make sense, but the wattage of a PSU truly tells you absolutely nothing about it.
The 12V rail amerpage and efficency are the most important things to look for.
A bit off topic, but a couple things many do not realize nor think about.
As an example, lets say we have a 400W Corsair or Antec Power Supply.
These guys are likely 80-85% efficent, giving you 32-35Amps of power.
They are actually quite capable of powering the large majority of modern single card setups, despite thier seemingly small size. (Other than very high end)
Now looking at a 450W offbrand PSU.
It may be something like <70% efficient witha 16A 12V rail.
Most people looking at these would think the 450 is more powerful, when in fact its MUCH weaker.
Efficency, in a nut shell basically means the amount of power the Power Supply can create VS the amount of power it pulls from the source (or wall plug).
So a 750W 75% effecient PSU is actually drawing 1000W from the wall to create its 750W. (1000W * 75% = 750W)
There more efficent it is, the less actuall power it uses, and the less heat it will create to do its job.
So, in a sense, the better power supplys can also save you money in time.
Something to think about :)