Power Usage ATI/Nvidea Cards question

[Appelflap]

I know the Gfx card is the part of the computer that uses most of your electricity.

But is it true the GT 120 uses max 50 Watt...
while the HD 4870 can take as much as 280 watt on load?
Also do they have different power consumption when running idle?

It is so hard to find out the facts about power usage, seems no body cares...

I know the ATI card is a lot faster but at what cost? I want to know before I can make my decision.

 

[Tallest Skil]

GT 120 takes 50, 4870 takes 225.

Neither of them really EVER get to these numbers, and it is never sustained.

 

[Appelflap]

GT 120 takes 50, 4870 takes 225.

Neither of them really EVER get to these numbers, and it is never sustained.

Thanks, that explains the difference power.
Their might be a chance newer cards will have best of both worlds right?

Does someone knows about their power usage in idle state?

 

[Tallest Skil]

Their might be a chance newer cards will have best of both worlds right?

Sure, but you'll need to wait a year and three months minimum to see them.

 

[Appelflap]

Sure, but you'll need to wait a year and three months minimum to see them.

lol, that's a is pretty specific answer! Ok thanks again!