I am getting a new gaming computer for Christmas with a 700 watt, 12.5 AMP (I think) power supply. I have two power cords for computers on my shelf, but my dad is worried that a standard power cable won't properly power my computer. Do I need to get a more powerful cable? If so, please send a link to where I can buy one, I have been searching but only found standard ones. Thank you.
no, you'll be fine. definitely use a good surge protector though
To point out some erros in the above posts, it's important to realize that the power rating you provided is a realistic one. 700W is telling me that's probably the normal operating wattage, but 12.5A is possible during startup of the unit. This rating is important, as the cables and wires within the extension cables or power bar must be able to support this current, even if momentary. Power bars will all have a set amperage rating that needs to be clearly listed on the unit in order to be legally sold in Canada. Check the rated voltage of your cables to ensure your power bar can support your machine. At 12.5A you are dangerously close to the circuit max of 15A. The standard house circuit is typically rated between 15 and 20A. This means that if you were to plug in your computer, speakers, and an second monitor you are seriously risking tripping your circuit breaker for that circuit in your house. Every plug in your home is not on it's own circuit either. Typically one or two rooms worth of power receptacles will share one circuit. Be careful and pay close attention to your power consumption on that circuit. Power loss is as harmfull and in some cases MORE harmful than power surge. Largely because there is no protection agains sudden voltage drop like there is for voltage surge. They both do essentially the same thing to your computer -- fry it.
your graphics card is obviously powerful maybe if you power supply is not in properly and not giving the full power it can thus not letting the graphics card run properly? try opening up your case and making sure the power supply if fully connected
Any standard power cable will run you new rig. You'll need to check whether the 2 cords on your shelf have the correct fuse rating (probably 13A) in the plug.
A standard cord will work, that is not 7.5 amps it is 700w/115V=6.08amps. for 15 amps you need 14guage wire and for 20 amps 12 gauge 30 amps 10 gauge,and so on, you may need to be aware of how many other things you plug in to that circuit, such as a tv in another room or even another computer because you may have more than one room on the sam house circuit
