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Struggling with GPU Upgrade

Philip Broadey

Philip Broadey

Philip Broadey

Associate
Joined
27 Mar 2019
Posts
5
Hello OcUKers,

I currently own this machine:
MOBO: Gigabyte ab350-gaming 3
CPU: Ryzen 5 1600 (@3.8Ghz)
Cooler: Corsair h100i v2 (with 4 fans, 2 on front, 2 on back of radiator at the front of the tower)
GPU: MSI AMD RX480 Gaming X 8Gb
PSU: Corsair TX 550M (550W)

Requirement:
  • My monitor is a 144hz F-sync monitor at a resolution of 2560x1080 (I don't want to do 4k gaming - I want games on low settings running at >144fps)
  • I want to try and stick with AMD if possible (as I usually support the underdog company).

I have a few issues:
  • Would like to use F-sync but I do use RTSS S-Sync feature as a replacement to prevent tearing.
  • My PSU has only two GPU power cables. 2x8 pin. So if I need anymore I would have to upgrade PSU or use a 8pin splitter to trick the GPU into thinking I have 3x8 pin.
  • My PSU only has 550W (but I might be able to run a tuned Vega64?)
  • My current GPU is 276mm long (and there is only about 15mm gap from my radiator fans).
What would the community suggest as an upgrade that I can purchase (perhaps 2nd hand) that would be an upgrade to the RX480 Gaming X.

I was looking at the Sapphire Vega 56 Nitro+ Limited Edition (but it is a hugely long card).

So it would need to be:
  • A clear upgrade
  • Successfully powered by 550W
  • Shorter that 290mm
  • Not a reference card design
  • Powered by ideally 2x8pin GPU cables.
Thanks in advance,
Phil Broadey
 
If you go vega there is no way a 550w power supply is going to cut it. I would go 750 watt minimum. EVGA or super flower. The saphire pulse vega 56 is a good card. However the nitro plus 64 is a great card. Get a bigger case job done ;)
 
Last edited:
eeii said:
If you go vega there is no way a 550w power supply is going to cut it. I would go 750 watt minimum. EVGA or super flower. The saphire pulse vega 56 is a good card. However the nitro plus 64 is a great card. Get a bigger case job done ;)
Click to expand...

I had no issues with a 500w PSU and the Vega 56. Yes it's not recommended, but unless you're overclocking, then it's enough.

That being said, upgrading your PSU is never a bad idea, as cards are getting thirstier. :D
 
Philip Broadey said:
I have a few issues:
  • Would like to use F-sync but I do use RTSS S-Sync feature as a replacement to prevent tearing.
  • My PSU has only two GPU power cables. 2x8 pin. So if I need anymore I would have to upgrade PSU or use a 8pin splitter to trick the GPU into thinking I have 3x8 pin.
  • My PSU only has 550W (but I might be able to run a tuned Vega64?)
  • My current GPU is 276mm long (and there is only about 15mm gap from my radiator fans).
Click to expand...

You do know that AMD drivers have FPS limiter few years now? They are not outdated junk like the Nvidia drivers. Set it 1 fps less than the maximum refresh rate of your monitor and you are set. Turn off vsync also (what model is your monitor?)
And stop using RTSS as it is reducing performance on AMD cards.

Never use splitter and no card, at least AMD one, needs 3 8pins. The Sapphire Nitro Limited edition, needed 3rd 8pin for the LEDs. But this card doesn't exist any more.

This card
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/sapp...s-card-11276-02-40g-gx-38f-sp.html#tech_specs

Is 282mm from what you said you have 291mm gap which is fine. The radiator airflow it will be pushing cold air to the card (if it is in Push configuration).
(full dimensions 282 X 125 X 50/mm)
 
eeii said:
Zernath you have been very lucky.
Click to expand...

Not really, it's all down to knowing what your system is drawing. What I will say is that it's always good to leave yourself at least a 100w margin, but my past two PSUs have both been less than 600w, and I've never had any issues. My current one is the second highest wattage I've ever used! :D
 
I ran my V64 Nitro on 6-7 year old 550w PSU with no issues, but undervolted. Tbh I didn't feel comfortable doing it but that's my paranoia, as I said I had no issues doing it.

My personal take on it: wait a few months. Navi is 100% coming this year, latest in the fall. It will be cheaper & consume less power & at least match Vegas in performance. Truly I wish I waited myself, also made the jump from a 480 (but for 4k rather than HFR).
 
My vega 64 must be guzzle bucket im pulling well over 600 watts from the wall. Mind you it is water called with a cheeky overclock :p
 
Hello all (I have an update),

In the end I purchase the Sapphire Vega 56 Pulse as recommended here (A steal @ £289?). I tried running the card in all configurations through a full Heaven benchmark. My Corsair CX 550M survive even the Turbo setting (although the extra wattage for very little extra Fps didn't seem worth it).

I have since tuned the card to a lower core voltage on P5,6,7 and raised the clock marginally. I also raise the HBM clock to 950. The wattage in HWInfo64 was saying ~ 200W. My wall meter was saying 300-350W. This seems to give me a little bit of leeway on a 550W PSU.

I have had some GPU freezes though (these seem to happen if I don't use my undervolt). I have since made OverdriveNtool apply the profile on boot (so hopefully no more issues).

Let me have a few more weeks with it to settle in. I will return with some Heaven benchmarks.

So I think 550W is sufficient (if you perform the undervolt/overclock).
 
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