Upgraded to a 3080Ti, time to replace 8 year old PSU?

MG42Maniac · 8 Oct 2021 at 14:50

Hi all,
I've just got myself an Auros 3080Ti to replace my 2070S. For some reason, I had it in my head it took 2 X 8 pin but it's actually 3 X 8 pin. I've ordered an adaptor to turn two of my 6 pin PCI-E into one 8 pin as I only have 2 X 8 pin. It made me wonder if I should upgrade my PSU as this feels like a bit of a hack and it's old. I've had my PSU since 2013 and it's a XFX Pro 850W Core Edition '80 Plus Bronze'. My spec is the following:

5900x, slightly undervolted
3080Ti
32GB 3600MHz
Kraken Z73 AIO
4 X 140mm fans
1 NVMe SSD & 3 Sata SSD.

I've used PSU calculators and I'm around 650w but thinking it's possibly worth replacing PSU as it's getting on a bit now?

Worth doing as a precaution or keep on using it?

Joxeon · 8 Oct 2021 at 17:22

I'd upgrade to something new as you don't want your new expensive card being killed by an old psu.

mickyflinn · 11 Oct 2021 at 08:21

850w psu to allow for power gpu power spikes.

JollyJamma · 11 Oct 2021 at 14:15

mickyflinn said:
850w psu to allow for power gpu power spikes.

Yes, this. ^

SPikes of 300 watts isn't uncommon.

MG42Maniac · 11 Oct 2021 at 21:35

So I've already got a 850W PSU, it's old though so I'm wondering if I need a new one?

Quartz · 11 Oct 2021 at 21:55

If leaks about the prospective power draws of future GPUs (TLDR: up to 600W per connector) are in any way accurate then you might want to go for a 1kW+ PSU just to be on the safe side.

mickyflinn · 11 Oct 2021 at 22:15

MG42Maniac said:
So I've already got a 850W PSU, it's old though so I'm wondering if I need a new one?

Yep but its 8 years old think i would replace it if i had coughed up for a 3080ti but its your call.

Hasnain · 12 Oct 2021 at 06:21

Personally I would get a new PSU. 850w would be ideal even though a good 750w would probably be sufficient at stock settings

JollyJamma · 12 Oct 2021 at 09:25

MG42Maniac said:
So I've already got a 850W PSU, it's old though so I'm wondering if I need a new one?

Depends. Which model is it? If it was a high end Corsair, you’re probably fine. They came with 7 year warranties and now they come with 10 years support.

If it’s a midrange PSU with ok specs for it's time, I'd replace it.

I wouldn't gamble with such a high end GPU over £120.

alec · 12 Oct 2021 at 09:40

MG42Maniac said:
two of my 6 pin PCI-E into one 8 pin as I only have 2 X 8 pin

This is reasonable, making sure these are actually PCIE plugs
As long as all these plugs come on at least two cables, should be fine.

Would be looking to undervolt that beast if I was you. Then it is no longer 350-370W GPU power consumption, but maybe 275-300W and fewer power spikes. And that should make it fine on however old the PSU might be.

MG42Maniac · 16 Oct 2021 at 14:08

Thanks for advice everyone! I ended up getting a Phanteks AMP 1000w and swapping it over was a breeze. Here's to another 8 years of usage!

turbot1984 · 16 Oct 2021 at 14:28

MG42Maniac said:
Thanks for advice everyone! I ended up getting a Phanteks AMP 1000w and swapping it over was a breeze. Here's to another 8 years of usage!

Nice psu, and plenty of headroom. I am on year 7 with my 1000W and reckon they can last well as not 'stressed' and stay cooler than lower powered psu's.