Can My PSU take a 6950?

Gundog48

Gundog48

Gundog48

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Can my CPU safely handle a 6950 graphics card with the rig in my sig? The PSU is a Coolermaster Realpower M520- 520W PSU. What worries me the most is the 19A 12V rails, what do you think? Hovering over the confirm button now!
 
Personally I'd yank it up to a Corsair or XFX 650W unit, but then that is £70.

I'm not convinced by Coolermaster PSUs, and won't be until they stop making them and just rebadge seasonics instead.
 
Well, I have an old Atrix poor brand lying around which I could use to give power to just the GPU and leave my current PSU to supply the rest of the system. I think I can trust even an unbranded 650W PSU to supply the graphics card. Not an ideal solution but will do for the time being unless you think the M520 will be OK?
 
Well, the OCZ StealthXStream 2 600W is rated 18W per rail, but is a quad rail, and actually a well reviewed PSU that can take the load.

Difficult to say since there is little info (afaik) about the coolermaster, that has a checkered history. I wouldn't use a dual PSU setup though.

EDIT : Read this. http://forums.amd.com/game/messageview.cfm?catid=260&threadid=144702

I would get a decent PSU, which you can get for under £50. Or at least take it easy with the M520 for a while and not game on it.
 
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Nasty. I ask as the 6950 is on an offer today. I will undoubtedly get a new PSU shortly after getting the card however I will defiantly want to use it when it arrives rather than waiting about a week to sort out a PSU. I was going to use the duel PSU setup just to power the card in the mean time. Pretty confident with the Atrix PSU considering it powered my sig rig for almost a year.

I may have one of those lovely Enermax EEX900 80+ Platinum PSUs on its way fairly soon to review which would be excellent, but I don't know for sure so I don't know whether to buy or not!
 
If one of your PSUs has 2 PCI-E 6 pin power connectors, use that one to power the 6950 and the other to power the system. It should be fine as a temporary measure.
 
i used to have a coolermaster igreen 600w and i've used one of their silent pro modular psu's in a build for someone else also and they were both excellent psu's, but i've also had 2 of the extreme power 450w's that come with their cases in bundles be doa so know that not all of their psu's are as good :(
and the gx's don't really get good reviews either :(
 
I didn't think the Realpowers were that bad, so I'd give it a go.

I'm not convinced by Coolermaster PSUs, and won't be until they stop making them and just rebadge seasonics instead.
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Cooler Master don't make their own PSUs btw, they use a large variety of OEMs, altho you can't argue that it would do their reputation the world of good to resell something from Seasonic, Delta, Superflower etc for once.
 
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Let's try another question? What's the worst that could happen? If I go easy and don't push it, and if I ever get some kind of restart etc I remove it immidiately? Will I get permanent damage?
 
Oh well, it's in the post now :)

Not sure how to plug it in when it gets here though! An answer to my last question would help. I found that this card draws only 30W more than my current 9800GTX which I dont imagine to be a problem. Wish I had a socket tester to see what is being drawn though. My PSU never gets hot but I am not sure if that means anything!
 
For the record to anyone who is looking to do the same. I have installed it and given it a good bit of work in Mafia II no problem. Happy to lighter games like Black Ops up on full but wouldn't want to work it too hard as I am not entirely comfortable. However a 520W PSU should do as a temporary solution at least.
 
Gundog48 said:
For the record to anyone who is looking to do the same. I have installed it and given it a good bit of work in Mafia II no problem. Happy to lighter games like Black Ops up on full but wouldn't want to work it too hard as I am not entirely comfortable. However a 520W PSU should do as a temporary solution at least.
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What do you think of the card itself?
 
I did see that review, but reading here has made me unsure so I don't want to risk it!

As for the card, it is an absolute beast, plays all the games on pretty much max settings without any stutter whatsoever! When I get a new PSU I will give it a proper go with the settings cranked right up and get it on some benchmarks. I will also be flashing it, but again, when I get a new PSU. The card is just as long as my 9800GTX so it should fit into most mid towers, I really love the backplate on it and I think it should be on every graphics card. It looks great and is also very functional, allows you to get a good grip on the card without worrying about the fact you are touching PCB with you sweaty little static'd up hands!

Also, I think my 9800GTX ill get a nice home as a physx card which will be great for BF3... when I get a new PSU :)
 
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