Radeon 7870 on 460W PSU

Joshua Hanover · Jul 14, 2013

Hi Everybody,

I'm new here, but I've been reading up on a lot of the relevant posts for a while. I've seen similar questions asked, but every situation is a little different, so here it is.

I would like to purchase this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131484

or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202024

or just a plain 7870 if the heat is really going to be a problem.

I have a Dell XPS 8700 with a i7-4770 and a 460W PSU with the following specs:

+3.3V - 17.0A
+5.0V - 25.0A
+12.0VA - 18.0A
+12.0VB - 16.0A
+12.0VC - 8.0A
-12.0V - 0.3A
+5.0Vaux - 3.0A

It also has two six-pin connectors. Would I be OK to get this card with this PSU? Also, should I worry about heat in the case? There air coming out isn't hot as it is.

Thanks in advance.

NoOneLt · Jul 14, 2013

Hi,

From here:

http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/gigabyte_radeon_hd_7870_oc_review,7.html
Measured power consumption GBT R7870 OC

System in IDLE = 158W
System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 279W
Difference (GPU load) = 121W
Add average IDLE wattage ~10W
Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 131 Watts

And they got it with Core i7 965 / X58 system witch is much less energy efficient than Yours set-up.

So 7870 is about 11A on 12V, and CPU should be about 7A according to Intel - Max TDP, 84 W. Seems more than enough.

NoOneLt · Jul 14, 2013

And 2 6 pin power is OK, as here is one of Your selected cards: http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/5158/sapphire_radeon_hd_7870_xt_tahiti_le_2gb_with_boost_overclocked_video_card_review/index2.html (also they report total system power consumption of 400W)

5158_07_sapphire_radeon_hd_7870_xt_tahiti_le_2gb_with_boost_overclocked_video_card_review.jpg

About the heat from PSU, there will be more heat and noise closer You get to PSU max power output. As i know most PSU most efficient at something like 50-60% load, You can get info from vendor.

I don't think heat will be a problem if You have descent case, and air is moving there.. Not going to OC Your system rising components voltage, as at stock voltage i think most manufacturers does make sure components stays in normal temp levels.

coozie7 · Jul 14, 2013

We're seeing a number of posts about the 'LE/XT' 7870s', none of them good, I'd suggest you reconsider.
A stock 7870 is an OK card but Nvidia have really got their game together lately, so much so that's it difficult to recommend by beloved AMD

, at least in the upper end.
(Sigh) so I'll suggest you look to the GTX760, it's faster than the cards listed, quieter, probably cooler and about the same price.

Joshua Hanover · Jul 14, 2013

coozie7 :

I see what you mean. Would my PSU be OK to run it?

NoOneLt · Jul 14, 2013

760 maxes out at 160W according http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-760-review-gk104,3542-22.html and it is 13,5A, still seems OK

coozie7 · Jul 14, 2013

Although most GTX760s' say they need a 500W unit that's partly the manufacturers covering themselves against the mass of low quality PSUs' out there, Dell usually use good power supplies so you'll be fine with the installed unit.
There could be an issue with the power supply: Nothing too serious, though

Some of the factory overclocked GTX760s' need 1x6 and 1x8 pin connectors, those that do need the 8-pin connector usually come with a 6-to-8-pin converter, it's perfectly safe to use them, but if you are slightly ill at ease with doing so most of the stock cards need just the twin 6 pin connectors.
As for cooling, the stock coolers seem to do a decent enough job and have the additional benefit of pumping their hot air out of the case.

Joshua Hanover · Jul 14, 2013

Thanks so much for all of your help. I see many different versions of the GTX760. Which one is the normal one that will work with my system? I'm not interested in overclocking.

NoOneLt · Jul 14, 2013

I like my MSI 660 TwinFrozer, quiet and cool, had no problems with it, and hope won't have any in future. You can give MSI 760 a try.

http://eu.msi.com/product/vga/N760-TF-2GD5-OC.html

Joshua Hanover · Jul 14, 2013

I've been reading many reviews and comparisons of the 660ti-vs-760-vs-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-125-418&SortField=1&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=50&PurchaseMark=true&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&chkPurchaseMark=on&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

I think I'm settled on the Gigabyte 7870. Just to check one more time: my PSU should be able to run this without issue? Thanks again everybody for all of your help?

As an aside, is it worth it to buy the warranty?

coozie7 · Jul 14, 2013

This is a stock GTX760:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133492
Any of those with this type of cooler will be OK.

If you INSIST

on a HD7870, then, yes, it'll run just fine on the existing PSU, again, they tend to inflate the PSU requirements, even if the one you have in mind uses a 8 pin connector it'll run, even if you may need to use a 6-to-8 converter.

Usually if something is going to go bad, it'll do so fairly quickly, me, I'd tell them where to put the 'extra warranty', here in the UK it's one of the bigger ripoffs.
Whatever you choose, the golden rule is, according to Mr.T: ENJOY IT! PLAY YOUR GAMES AND HAVE FUN, CRAZY MAN!

smeezekitty · Jul 14, 2013

The GTX760 has 170w TDP - really pushing it on that PSU.
Even the 7870 at 130w is getting close but it should be alright.

Joshua Hanover · Jul 14, 2013

coozie7 :

What about this one instead? I've heard good things about this brand, but not much from PNY in termsof video cards. Would this one work for me? I thought I read in Tom's review that these tend to run hot. Maybe I'm wrong.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130938

coozie7 · Jul 14, 2013

The PNY was just the first stock card on Newegg, only linked to show it looks like.
The stock cards are limited to 80C-for various reasons-the linked EVGA card will be no different.
If you live in the USA or Canada EVGA is one of the best to get-long warranty and state-of-the-art customer support.
Hate to say this because it sounds do poor but: 'but with confidence'.

Joshua Hanover · Jul 14, 2013

coozie7 :

Great. Thank you so much for all of your help.

NoOneLt · Jul 15, 2013

Be sure to choose bets answer so topic would become solved.

Kisianik · Jul 17, 2013

I would not be so relaxed - XPS 8*** PSUs are known for problems, usually underpowered, not like before, I seen enough complains about fallen PSUs with lesser cards, so it is up to you, it is your PC, I would recommend to upgrade power supply, choice is yours.

Radeon 7870 on 460W PSU

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