PSU's

[Kyang]

I'd like to upgrade my PSU before I upgrade my GPU. Actually, I need to upgrade it before I consider anything else.

Facts are:
Existing PSU is a puny 350W.

I've looked around Newegg.

Recent GPU's like the GTX 670 are asking for 500W minimum.

Existing GPU is an AMD 5770.

Computer is a Dell XPS 8100 which I'd like to keep for a few more years.
(Specs are pretty pedestrian for a computer. Core i7 860, 8 GB RAM in 4, 2GB sticks, 1TB 7200RPM Seagate HDD, bla bla bla)

My price range is about $100-$150 USD.

I should probably get something like a 600W or 700W PSU, but I've never upgraded a PSU myself before, so I have concerns like whether it's possible to overpower the motherboard or something. Is it?

I'm still digesting information about the different rails, the volts going through it, etc. Therefore, I'm not sure just what sort of connections I need. Regarding this, any information or tips here on how to analyze my existing setup would be helpful.



Thanks for reading.

Suggestions, comments?

[stormgear]

Try using a PSU calculator to get a rough idea on how much power your build is using, you can then use that as a basis on how many watts for the PSU that you're planning to get.

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

This is the one that I've used, there's probably more out there. Just Google "PSU calculator."

Visit this site to view the specs of the gpu you're planning to buy. It's useful for comparing cards that you're planning to buy. They have also indicated the power that the card needs.

http://www.gpureview.com/GeForce-GTX...-card-647.html

Videocard benchmarks, for a quick look on which card ranks among the rest

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html

Some PSU buying guide for you (they're better at explaining those stuffs than I do XD )

http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Power-Supply
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/s...d.php?t=458204

Afaik most GPU manufacturers would recommend 500w simply because they're taking into account of the power draw of your computer too and not just the GPU itself.

Then again you're really better off starting at no less than 500w, I got a 600w myself for my GTX250 FSP Epsilon 80Plus 600W This model is kinda old imo, so avoid XD I bought it cuz I need a PSU asap when the generic one starts malfunctioning.

You should worry more on 'underpowering' your motherboard than 'overpowering 'it. If your computer/GPU is consuming more power than your PSU can provide, there's a good chance that you'll damage the PSU and the rest of your computers components afterwards if you keep using it.

Using a PSU with high watts means that you'll have enough extra power for your computer for future upgrades like GPU,fans, liquid cooling systems etc. hth.

[Kyang]

Thanks for the input.

I did use a power calculator, and it told me that I was using around 310W or something currently. It also said that I would be using around 475W if I were to upgrade to something like the GTX 670.

Since you mention it, I do know that I should choose a little more power than I'm using, to futureproof a bit. I think a 600W or 700W supply should be plenty. I won't be adding things like liquid cooling or flashy lights, lol.

Also, that post about PSU reliability is extremely helpful. Thanks for that.

[Feloidea]

GTX 670 demanding 500W?

You mean for the entire system, right? Because an overclocked 670 running at maximum capacity draws just around 200 by itself.

[stormgear]

^ Nah, it doesn't need 500w for itself. Read what I said above about it.

[Feloidea]

^ Nah, it doesn't need 500w for itself. Read what I said above about it.

I though it was pretty I knew that from what I've written. I was referring to Kyang's OP and the rather vague wording on the 670's power consumption.

[Kyang]

GTX 670 demanding 500W?

You mean for the entire system, right? Because an overclocked 670 running at maximum capacity draws just around 200 by itself.

Sorry, yes, the entire system. I should have been more clear on that.

EDIT:
Also, what's the source for your 200W figure? I found other sources that mentioned everything from 120, to 170. (Pretty sure these weren't OC.)

[Feloidea]

Sorry, yes, the entire system. I should have been more clear on that.

EDIT:
Also, what's the source for your 200W figure? I found other sources that mentioned everything from 120, to 170. (Pretty sure these weren't OC.)

GPU product details, reviews, overclock potential tests, etc.. 200W is the figure for an overclocked 670 running at full capacity on most designs. 120-170 is the average draw from standard tact designs in 3D to full capacity use.

[Kyang]

internet

thanks.

[Kyang]

?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703036