Looking for graphics card auxiliary PSU (can't upgrade built in PSU)

[lneville]

Got a new PC without examining the PSU too closely .... It can't supply enough power to my graphics card, and worse, can't easily be upgraded (proprietary Dell design, not ATX).

A few years ago there were several "power booster" devices on the market - small auxiliary PSUs that fitted into a 5.25 bay, and were specifically designed to power PCIe cards. Examples were:

ePOWER EP-450CD
FSP Group Booster X5
Sirtec VGA Booster

Now they all seem discontinued, or not available in the UK. There aren't even any on eBay ...

My card needs 200W to itself, and has 2 x 6-pin PCIe power sockets. The card is a GeForce GTX 260 (specs here). The PC is a Dell Optiplex 3020 tower (specs here).

What can I get (other than a new PC!)? Thanks.

 

[Minstadave]

I would junk the 260 and get a 750Ti, must be similar if not faster and use much less power.

 

[Jono8]

I would junk the 260 and get a 750Ti, must be similar if not faster and use much less power.

This. Will be much faster and if you are going to shell out on an auxillary power supply you may as well sell the 260 for a few squids and treat yourself to a new card.

 

[Doogles]

This. Will be much faster and if you are going to shell out on an auxillary power supply you may as well sell the 260 for a few squids and treat yourself to a new card.

I agree with this. +1

 

[Orangey]

Nowadays people just use a 2nd regular PSU spliced into the ATX cable with an adapter.

 

[lneville]

Only 60W power consumption for the 750Ti .... my PSU supplies 290W, so I might be OK.

 

[lneville]

Nowadays people just use a 2nd regular PSU spliced into the ATX cable with an adapter.

I would do this but I think there isn't space inside the case to mount a 2nd PSU.

 

[IceShock]

May I ask why not just get a cheap case for a tenner or how ever cheap the cheapest one going is, get a proper power supply and bobs your uncle, no limitations?

 

[lneville]

May I ask why not just get a cheap case for a tenner or how ever cheap the cheapest one going is, get a proper power supply and bobs your uncle, no limitations?

That might be possible, but it looks like all the main parts (board & PSU) are proprietary Dell sizes, not ATX standard, so might be difficult to mount in a new case.

 

[Orangey]

From some googling it seems it might actually be a BTX case... I think most modern cases still support BTX.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?p=36426146