How do I know if a PSU is compatible with a PC?

PianoDude · Mar 9, 2014

Hi,
I'm upgrading to a HP Pavilion but the graphics card built in is quite poor so I was going to upgrade that as well to a GTX660Ti. The motherboard has the right PCI slot and I think it should fit in the case, but the wattage is not enough. I was going to buy the Powercool Modular 550W (You need to have at least 500W for the 660Ti) but I'm not sure what else I need to check to make sure that it will be compatible with the computer and the graphics card. If anyone could tell me what I need to look for to make sure it's compatible that would be great!
Many thanks!

Ahmadjon · Mar 9, 2014

Get quality good PSU from XFX, Seasonic, Corsair and Antec so i would suggest you this PSU

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: XFX XTR 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $89.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-09 14:44 EDT-0400)

Ahmadjon · Mar 9, 2014

Or this non modular if you are on a budget

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($67.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $67.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-09 14:46 EDT-0400)

PianoDude · Mar 9, 2014

Thanks!

But what do I need to look for to make sure it's compatible?

Ahmadjon · Mar 9, 2014

PianoDude :

You have to look for GPU requirements on your card and single GTX-660ti requires 450W or greater PSU but with 550W you can even run GTX-770!

MasterMace · Mar 9, 2014

If you're shopping for a power supply, there are 2 things primarily for compatibility. First - PCIe 6/6+2 pin plug. Your graphics might need one, or two, or if you use multiple graphics cards, more. Second - 12v rail amps. Your CPU under load will use a maximum amount of power, same as your graphics. Add the 2 wattages together and that's the load on the 12v rail. You don't want your computer to run at 100% load on any rail for long periods of time, so it's better to aim for 80% load. Change that from Watts to Amps by dividing by voltage (12v rail). ((Graphics Wattage + CPU Wattage) / 0.8) / 12.

Ahmadjon · Mar 9, 2014

And you have to look for amps on a 12v rail to be sure that your PSU have enough amps on a 12v rail!

Dark Lord of Tech · Mar 9, 2014

This one is compatible , and it's made by the best = SEASONIC.

It's OEM sized so should fit.

Has 44 amps on the 12 volt rail more than enough to run your specs.

Dimensions
5.5" x 5.9" x 3.4"

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $59.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-09 14:56 EDT-0400)

PianoDude · Mar 9, 2014

Excellent! Thanks everyone!

Dark Lord of Tech · Mar 9, 2014

Glad to help.

PianoDude · Mar 9, 2014

Sorry, last question! That PSU is definitely compatible with an Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core processor (it's a Pavilion 500-120ea) and an Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti-DC2-2GD5 2GB graphics card, isn't it? Sorry to be a pest, just really want to make sure before I buy! And thanks again! :wahoo:

Ahmadjon · Mar 9, 2014

PianoDude :

Yes it's 100% compatible! you'll be fine

PianoDude · Mar 9, 2014

Thanks again!!! :wahoo:

Ahmadjon · Mar 9, 2014

PianoDude :

You're welcome

and Please don't forget to Pick Solution

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