Graphics Upgrade - Can the PSU take it?

[ObsidianPhoenix]

Hi All,

I've been toying with upgrading to an MSI GTX 980 recently, but I think I may need to get a new PSU to go with it. On paper, the Wattage requirements are lower than the GTX 580 I'm currently sporting, but I don't think it has the connectors.

I bought a "War General" from OCUK a few years back (2012), which I think roughly tallies with this spec sheet. Certainly on paper it looks similar.

The specs listed are:

System Specification
- Power Supply: OCZ ZS 750w PSU
- CPU: Intel Core i7 3770K 3.50GHz @ 4.60GHz Ivybridge CPU
- Motherboard: Gigabyte Z77X-UP4 TH Intel Z77 Chipset (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard

However, I've taken a look at the machine, and it appears that the PSU is a 650W PSU. I also appear to have an i7 2700K.

Hardware isn't exactly my forte, could someone take a look and see if I a) will need to upgrade, and b) what would be the recommendation for the upgrade itself?

Thanks

 

[Gregster]

The PSU will be enough but be aware that over time PSUs do tend to degrade.

 

[Scania]

The TDP of the 980 is ~185w, the TDP of the 580 is ~244w

If anything, you'll be giving the PSU a nice rest by swapping to the 980!

As Gregster says, indeed over time they do degrade but if its ok with the 580 now then I don't see the lower consumption of the 980 causing you any issue whatsoever.

 

[setter]

Id say it should still be fine even after 3 years of use. Until recently i ran sli 780's and an overclocked i7 4790k on a corsair HX 850w unit that was almost 7 years old, bought secondhand too.

 

[theMilitant]

650w should be more than sufficient for any single GPU card OP. Buy that 980 and start enjoying yourself

 

[5960xNvidiaGamer]

Is the PSU Gold+ rated?, saying that even lower rated will be fine for a single 980.

 

[GSXR Gaz Mc]

my corsair ran a titanx untill last week but it was a faulty atx connector and not the power

now i ave a evga 850w g2

 

[ObsidianPhoenix]

Thanks Guys. What about the connectors, will it have enough? I thought I read somewhere that the MSi requires 2 8pins?

 

[fordypaul]

Id say it should still be fine even after 3 years of use. Until recently i ran sli 780's and an overclocked i7 4790k on a corsair HX 850w unit that was almost 7 years old, bought secondhand too.

The Corsair HX850 when new was reported to be capable of 1000w but down rated for efficientcy, mine is god knows how old and faultless!

 

[Scania]

Thanks Guys. What about the connectors, will it have enough? I thought I read somewhere that the MSi requires 2 8pins?

If your existing psu hasn't enough pins the 980 will / should come with adapters which will do the job for you, I've had my twin plug 580's running via similar such adapters in test rigs without issue.

Anyway isn't it 6 pin?

 

[arc@css]

Id say it should still be fine even after 3 years of use. Until recently i ran sli 780's and an overclocked i7 4790k on a corsair HX 850w unit that was almost 7 years old, bought secondhand too.

Reminds me of the day I let go of my old Enermax Galaxy 1kw. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if it was still going to this day. I suppose the good thing is now at least I have one that is modular / a bit quieter.

 

[DazQ87]

The Corsair HX850 when new was reported to be capable of 1000w but down rated for efficientcy, mine is god knows how old and faultless!

Had mine for years as well, easily the oldest component still in use and going strong.