My PSU is too weak for my GPU, but it works?

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Gatortribe

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I was searching for the model number of my GTX 670 and found that it requires a minimum of 12V@30A. I then got curious and looked at my power supply, which is rated at 12V@25A. I realized that's not enough, but it works anyway (although when GPU boost kicks in I hear a hideous whine coming from one of the 2, that my friends 670 doesn't make).

Should I just continue using this? If so, will there be any long term (or short) problems?

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817170017
GPU: http://www.galaxytechus.com/usa/productview.aspx?id=206
 
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MasterMace

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Two things to note. The first is that a PCIe card gets 75W from the motherboard. Second 12v x 25A is 300W.

Judging by the specs on the PSU, you only have a single 12V rail, which means the CPU and Graphics are trying to share 300W. A GTX 670 alone will creep around 285W.

Judging by the NewEgg reviews, that psu sucks.
 
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Gatortribe

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I haven't had any problems with it. Should I shell out more money and go with a more powerful PSU? If I'm not getting bottlenecked and there isn't a risk of damage to a component I don't know if its worth the extra money.

EDIT: If it means anything, the CPU is an i5-3450.
 
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RussK1

RussK1

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The GTX 670 doesn't require 30amps... That's a recommendation for the whole system

(75w * 3) = 225w / 12v = 18.75amps

It'll never use 225w nor will it use 18.75amps.

But I agree - anything that says LOGISYS, Diablotek, Raidmax, Athena, Apevia, Coolmax, etc. are PSU shaped objects that are anything but power supplies and have no place being inside a computer. They are about as destructive as a sledgehammer!

Replace the PSU shaped device...



 
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Gatortribe

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If you don't mind me asking, how does this PSU seem? It has no reviews but its affordable. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104165
 
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RussK1

RussK1

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FSP manufactures great power supplies. You don't need 750w though...

I would go with the Antec EA-500 Green which is actually a Delta unit or the Seasonic S12II 620w.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371063

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096

Reviews can be found HERE and HERE.


Jonnyguru reviews HERE, HERE and HERE (520w but is an indicator of Seasonic quality).
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Agree with the others here, you should see the back of that powersupply as soon as possible!
It may be working for now but you're pushing a generally poor unit very hard and they can fry other parts of the system when they fail.
I prefer the Victorian Steam Engine principle for selecting powersupplies: Make it big, make it last, so I'd say that nice Seasonic listed by RussK1 is the way to go.
 
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