Can my PSU handle a more powerful graphics card?

E17Computerguy · 8 Apr 2011 at 21:48

I'm looking to upgrade my current graphics card from a 5770 to this (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-113-MS) when it comes back in stock and I was wondering if my current power supply will be able to handle it along with the rest of my system. My rig includes (it was custom built):

ASUS P7P55D-E Motherboard
Intel Core i5 750 @ 4GHz (1.37v VCORE)
4GB DDR3 RAM
HD 5770
OCZ StealthXStream 600W PSU
Samsung HD103SJ 1TB SATA HDD
Optiarc DVD RW AD-5240S
2 CPU Cooling fans, 2 Case fans (1600RPM)
Win7 x64

I couldn't find any reliable information about the amperage required for the 6950, the AMD/ATI website doesn't list it (or maybe I didn't search hard enough).

(http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/staff/ryderocz/psu/sxs/sxs1.jpg)

The image in the link above shows the specs of my PSU, it states it only has 1 12V rail of 18A for the PCI-E adapters (which include 1 6 pin and 1 6+2 pin); is that for both connectors or only 1 connector, also will the PSU be able to draw power from other rails if needed to power the card? Sorry for all the noobish questions but I don't know much about power supplies.

Thanks in advance.

23JMZ07 · 8 Apr 2011 at 21:56

It looks like it will only supply 18A to the PCI-E connectors.
Might be struggling with that powersupply tbh especially since your CPU is OCd too.

infernox · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:01

+12V1(18A), +12V2(18A), +12V3(18A), +12V4(18A)

Four Rails mate, you will be perfectly fine

23JMZ07 · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:04

Yea and PCI-E is distributed from Rail 4...

E17Computerguy · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:06

So would you say it would be pushing it to go for that upgrade; would it be possible or should I avoid it in terms of keeping stability? I'm on a tight budget right now and would have to wait a while if I need to purchase a new PSU as well...thanks for the responses so far.

mikeyholt · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:07

I see no issues. Does the power supply have enough connectors? If so, it's fine. If not, you will get some 2xMolex to PCIE power connectors anyway.

23JMZ07 · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:07

It would run but you will possibly get some stability issues.

E17Computerguy · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:12

23JMZ07 said:
It would run but you will possibly get some stability issues.

If this is the case then i'd rather wait until I can buy a new power supply as well, don't want to deal with instability. Cheers for the input.

23JMZ07 · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:16

E17Computerguy said:
If this is the case then i'd rather wait until I can buy a new power supply as well, don't want to deal with instability. Cheers for the input.

Wise Move.
PSU is not somewhere where you wanna skimp out.

E17Computerguy · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:27

So now that I need to buy a new power supply, what would you guys recommend that is of good quality but not really expensive and will be able to handle my system+upgrade with ease with some headroom for future upgrades?

23JMZ07 · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:35

Corsair Hx series <3

infernox · 9 Apr 2011 at 00:22

You will not get any issues, look at my sig. they give 4 rails for a reason, why would they only use 1 .

23JMZ07 · 9 Apr 2011 at 00:36

infernox said:
You will not get any issues, look at my sig. they give 4 rails for a reason, why would they only use 1 .

1) Because they specify what rail is distributed where right on the sticker.

2) OCZ followed EPS Specification on providing 2 rails JUST for the CPU, therefore the Peripherals require 1 and that leaves the PCIE just 1.

3) This PSU is old and EOL and not SLI/CF certified and as such they didnt bother to provide more than 1 PCIE 6 pin and 1 8 Pin. Back when this PSU was in production they didnt have GPUs that needed more that 15amps now however is a different story.

So yea I wouldnt use that PSU with the GPU hes intenting to run. Don't get me wrong, it probably would run ok however it would be advisable to get a more powerful PSU just to be sure. After all a PSU is not really an upgrade part and the same PSU can live on through many upgrades. Ive had my PCP&C 1200w for AGES.

James

Aretenon · 9 Apr 2011 at 01:08

The rail is rated for 18A, the OCP trip point is probably a bit higher than 18A, especially if there is unused amperage on one or more of the other rails, which there inevitably will be.

The 6950 is rated for 200W TDP, which translates into 16/17A if it all comes from the 12V rail. It would only require the full amount under VERY heavy load. So if E17Computerguy plans to run furmark, or game for extended periods of time then I agree he should definitely be looking at a PSU upgrade. Otherwise it's not a big deal IMO.

Now we need to know what the voltage regulation is like on that rail when fully loaded.

And the Corsair HX series does not satisfy his criteria of 'not too expensive', there are plenty of other power supplies which are cheaper. The cheapest HX on OCUK is £104, you can get really good 650W PSUs for £25-50 less.
XFX Pro 650W Core Edition 80Plus Bronze £65
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-003-XF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=
(750W version also available for more 'future-proofing')

Tealc · 9 Apr 2011 at 09:13

I ran a HD4890 on a SXS 600w for 18 months. The 4890 uses just about the same amount of power as a 6950 in standard trim. Don't forget that the pci-e power cables only need to provide max 150w which is within the 18A provided by the rail. In addition the rails on the SXS unit are not true separate rails but virtually current limited rails. From memory each rail can provide over the stated 18A.

I would expect you probably be ok to push up to a 6970 clocks and shaders.

Never had any issues with mine.

Operation · 9 Apr 2011 at 09:53

That PSU will be fine. Don't know what all the fuss is about.

IvanDobskey · 9 Apr 2011 at 10:31

That PSU will be fine for almost any single GPU card.

23JMZ07 · 9 Apr 2011 at 21:08

OCZ Power Supplies are garbage. Why do people constantly insist on spening thousands on amazing parts and then powering it with a sack of **** PSU..

Just save up and buy a HX..