Galaxy GTX560 2GB Minimum PSU Wattage?

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reido

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Oct 24, 2010
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I would like to know the minimum for a PSU intended to run a couple of towers with:

TOWER #1:
PSU: COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power Plus 500W (link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171031)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme 4
CPU: i5-3570K
GPU: Galaxy GTX560 2GB (link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162085)
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz (link: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-240-Pin-Platforms-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9/dp/B004CRSM4I/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1365797569&sr=8-11&keywords=corsair+vengeance+ram)

TOWER #2:
PSU: Antec SmartPower 2.0 500W Modular (link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103937)
Motherboard: MSI Z68AA-GD55 (B3)
CPU: i5-2500K
GPU: same as TOWER #1
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428)

BACKGROUND INFO:

I recently built two computers (first time building), and had many difficulties. I am on the final stretch! I took out a PSU from previous computers, and used them in TOWER #1 and #2. The COOLER MASTER PSU has one 6-pin power connector for the GPU, but the GPU requires two 6-pin connections. I have tried using only one 6-pin connector but TOWER #1 did not display anything (not even BIOS), and TOWER #2's motherboard restarted indefinitely. The Antec PSU has no 6-pin power connectors, and as a result, I am using an adapter (4-pin SATA (? The really huge pinned plugs) to the 6-pin power connector).

(LINK TO THE 4-pin to 6-pin adapter that I keep talking about: http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-6-Inch-Express-Adapter-LP4PCIEXADAP/dp/B0007RXDDM/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1365798914&sr=1-4&keywords=4pin+to+6pin+power+supply)

Right now, I am on TOWER #1 using the said GPU with the two 6-pin power connectors (one from the CM PSU, and the other from the adapter from TOWER #2).

Any information on whether the PSU is fine or that I require a new one would be greatly appreciated! It would also be very helpful if there are recommendations on new PSU's if the old ones need to be replaced.

Thank you!

John
 
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austing

austing

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I recomend a Corsair 600w modular power supply.

Its 80 plus bronze, and has the ability to power a GTX560 no problems.

Do not buy cheap power supplies (less than 50$ for a 500w) and make sure they are 80 plus bronze or better.
 
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R

reido

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So, the 500W PSU's listed above are not recommended? The product page for the GTX560's say a minimum of 450W PSU is recommended. I have used PCPartPicker and they have an estimated wattage of the system. I tried to replicate the two towers, and the estimated wattages come out to about 331W.

Is there a way to safely test whether or not my PSU will be able to maximize the GPU's potential? Also, it is probably a good idea to upgrade the PSU Wattage anyways for future graphics cards, right? I was under the impression that GPU's would gradually become more efficient in power consumption, so a 500W would be plenty. But I may be wrong...
 
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ko888

ko888

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Feb 18, 2009
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Did you try using the dual 4-pin Molex peripheral to 6-pin PCI-E adapter cable on the Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500W (RS500-PCARD3-US)?

A GeForce GTX 560 will usually draw around 13 Amps from the +12V rail under a typical gaming load. A power supply that has a maximum combined +12 Volt continuous current rating of 34 Amps or greater and with at least two 6-pin PCI Express supplementary power connectors would be recommended.

Total Power Supply Wattage is NOT the crucial factor in power supply selection!!! Total Combined Continuous Power/Current Available on the +12V Rail(s) rated at 45°C - 50°C ambient temperature, is the most important factor.

Neither of your power supplies is capable especially if you're planning on overclocking the CPU and/or GPU.

Age of the power supply also matters since their electrolytic capacitors will gradually lose their ability to suppress electrical ripple over time as their electrolyte evaporates due to heat. To keep running the power supply within spec you will need to draw less power from it otherwise you risk damaging attached devices due to excessive ripple.

I would recommend the following at a minimum:

XFX Core Edition PRO550W (P1-550S-XXB9) 550W ATX12V 2.2 & ESP12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013
 
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R

reido

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Would this PSU be sufficient? http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4434988&CatId=2533

By the way, yes, I am using the converter in TOWER #1. In other words, there are two 6-pin connectors, completely filling in the 12-pins for the GTX 560. I am currently on the PC right now, and it is working well. I just don't know if the PSU will not be enough to handle the 560 for gaming. Either way, I will probably get the PSU listed above.
 
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