Graphics card upgrade advice - will a 4870 1gb work with this PSU?

[Ucof]

Want to get this Card:http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-188-SP

Only have this PSU: http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=Njc3

Will I be forced to spend extra wonga on a new PSU or could it work still?

 

[Kennysevenfold]

would really be pushing it, i wouldnt chance it tbh mate

 

[TheOtherOption]

I have the card you're looking at getting and an Enermax Liberty 500w and it powers it along with the rest of my rig - see sig - just about!

I haven't tried overclocking the card and probably won't do.

It will depend on what the rest of the system you have consists of ...

 

[FaceplantSi]

According to your post your PSU is an Antec TP-II 480W? From the spec posted on the link it doesn't say it has any 6-pin PCIe connectors so NO it wont be any good for that card as the card requires 2 x 6pin for power. You could get some adaptors to go from Molex 4pin but tbh I wouldn't bother as it'd still be hit and miss running a 4870 on a 480W PSU.

So to be sure of getting the best out of the card IMO you need a new PSU too!

 

[Winnter]

Anything like that card surly must have at least 525 watt minimum? ?

 

[gt_junkie]

Anything like that card surly must have at least 525 watt minimum? ?

It probably will have that listed in the manufacturers specs but it really means nothing!

The following system:

e2160 @ 3ghz (around 1.42v if i remember correctly)
3870X2 @ 850/930 (similar draw to a 4870)
4GB ram
3x HDD's
pump
6x 120mm fans

Resulted in the following usage at the socket:

29 watts standby
189 watts idle
218 watts cpu 100% load
280 watts cpu 100% load and AtiTool furry GPU cube
327 watts in Crysis all high @ 1920x1200

Well within the capability of a PSU such as his.

I'd say there's a good chance it would be ok.

gt

 

[Ucof]

AFrom the spec posted on the link it doesn't say it has any 6-pin PCIe connectors so NO it wont be any good for that card as the card requires 2 x 6pin for power.

PCI Express graphic card power connectors

Will check when I get home anyway.

Here is the rest of my full spec.

Thanks for the replies, though I'm still unsure if it will work. Is it just a case of "get it and see"?

 

[Winnter]

It probably will have that listed in the manufacturers specs but it really means nothing!

The following system:

e2160 @ 3ghz (around 1.42v if i remember correctly)
3870X2 @ 850/930 (similar draw to a 4870)
4GB ram
3x HDD's
pump
6x 120mm fans

Resulted in the following usage at the socket:

29 watts standby
189 watts idle
218 watts cpu 100% load
280 watts cpu 100% load and AtiTool furry GPU cube
327 watts in Crysis all high @ 1920x1200

Well within the capability of a PSU such as his.

I'd say there's a good chance it would be ok.

gt

well sometimes i go with thier requirements lol
But i think for me in the future i don't think i dare risking something like a 280 with my HX 525,I would be happy with a 700 watt lol

 

[gt_junkie]

well sometimes i go with thier requirements lol
But i think for me in the future i don't think i dare risking something like a 280 with my HX 525,I would be happy with a 700 watt lol

I completely agree.

Although i think your HX would do fine.

I ran a full watercooled rig with a quad, 8gb of ddr, several hdd's and a GTX260 on a 3yr old 600w tagan with no issues.

Best to be cautious though - like you say!

gt

 

[Ucof]

"HX"

"huh?"

Basically, I think Im just trying to ask: will an underpowered supply to a card damage it, or would it just not turn on, due to the lack of power?

 

[Malazan]

It won't damage it simply thru being underpowered - it just won't work.

If you don't have the connectors you're buggered anyway.

 

[Ucof]

Have just checked, and I have 2x 6pin PCIe connectors

I fear my bank balance will take a battering tomorrow.

 

[FaceplantSi]

Have just checked, and I have 2x 6pin PCIe connectors

Glad to hear that. Wouldn't trust that website then as the 'connectors' link under the picture says jack about PCIe ones.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Ucof]

AFrom the spec posted on the link it doesn't say it has any 6-pin PCIe connectors so NO it wont be any good for that card as the card requires 2 x 6pin for power.

PCI Express graphic card power connectors

Umm.. yes it does

Thanks for the help though

EDIT - fair point that it doesnt have the connectors on the "Connectors" page, but it does mention it under "features" on the main page

 

[Ucof]

Im happy to confirm that my PSU lets this card work fine... so far
(spent 3 hours playing L4D last night with all settings at full and with no problems at all)

 

[p4radox]

would really be pushing it, i wouldnt chance it tbh mate

You could get some adaptors to go from Molex 4pin but tbh I wouldn't bother as it'd still be hit and miss running a 4870 on a 480W PSU.

So to be sure of getting the best out of the card IMO you need a new PSU too!

What? 480W is easily enough for a 4870!

Even if he didn't have the connectors, simple molex adapters are sufficient. Thank goodness the OP decided to at least try it with the Anyex 480W before wasting a load of money on an unecessary upgrade.

 

[gt_junkie]

Im happy to confirm that my PSU lets this card work fine... so far
(spent 3 hours playing L4D last night with all settings at full and with no problems at all)

Nice one! Thought it would work!

Have fun!

gt

 

[Cogwork]

well sometimes i go with thier requirements lol
But i think for me in the future i don't think i dare risking something like a 280 with my HX 525,I would be happy with a 700 watt lol

I've been running a 280 on a HX525 for months and it is absolutely fine. Even overclocking it hasn't been an issue.
In my experience PSUs are very dependant on manufacturer. A HX525 equivalent would probably be sold as a higher rating PSU by some makers.

 

[Heretic1322]

500w here