R9 280x power supply?

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

I am looking to buy a VTX3D R9 280x, but i only have a Corsair CX500m 80+ Bronze 500w PSU. Most website recommend a 600W PSU for this card, but i can't find a good PSU Calculator to double check. Has anyone had experience using this card on a 500w PSU?

CrackingZilla · Apr 8, 2014

Go with GTX 780 instead. Better choice!

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

CrackingZilla :

Unfortunately that's out of my price range, max i can go on a card is £200 (on Amazon w/Vouchers), this is over £300

chris987 · Apr 8, 2014

r280x has 30A recommendation for the 12v rail. your corsair car run the gpu but dont try o/c cause it will be running a bit close to the edge since cx corsair isnt that quality of a psu! if you insist of upgrating any quality 550w would be more than enough! this seasonic made for instance http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-xfxts550w

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

chris987 :

Thanks Chris, so if i stick with my PSU for now (not looking to overclock as of now), then this 280x should run ok?

chris987 · Apr 8, 2014

your cx500m can give 38A on the 12v rail. dont try any cpu or gpu o/c and you should be fine!

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

chris987 :

Thanks for that

Just plugged all the parts of my current PC into PC Part Picker (with the Power Cooler version of this card as it doesn't have the VTX3D version in its database, however both VTX3D and Power Cooler are TUL companies) and the estimated wattage is 426W http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3o6Fu (Can ignore warnings as the cooler fits in the case)

(Ignore the crappy Motherboard, it's all i could get my hands on at the time of building)

envy14tpe · Apr 8, 2014

I think 500W seems low but with a locked i5 I think you would be ok. As long as you don't add a bunch of HDDs and fans.

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

envy14tpe :

I have quite a few case fans (Stock for the Zalman Z11), a WD Green 2TB HDD and a SanDisk 32GB ExpressCache SSD, according to http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3o6Fu i should be ok but i'm not sure whether or not they take the case fans into account

chris987 · Apr 8, 2014

CGurrell :

all re recommendations of the gpu companies refer to generic psu. the total combined power of the 12v rail is the crucial factor that defines a psu's ability!the recommendation of 30A for the 280x if for the entire system not just the gpu!
it should be enough. if you run into problems like psu overheating, weird noises or sudden power fails then change it asap!

envy14tpe · Apr 8, 2014

If you are at all worried then I'd just sell the 500W PSU and get a 600-650W one and you'll never have to worry. I had a 520W but felt I was cutting it too close for a 280x and had to upgrade to a 650W PSU to be 100% sure and safe.

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

envy14tpe :

Ok i might just do that, bit off topic i guess but if i was to get a CX750M (The daddy of the CX500M), could i simply remove the CX500M and install the CX750M, whilst leaving the wiring to the Board/HDD/GPU (and any other things i forgot) in place as both are modular from the same manufacturer? Probably a noob question, but what other types of questions can noobs ask?

(Also, can i do the same with the CX600M?)

EDIT: Just ignore me I'm being ridiculously idiotic

Forgot that the power to the Motherboard doesn't just clip out of the PSU like the other cables

chris987 · Apr 8, 2014

well if you sell it,then get this http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1650snlb9! i would try the cx first!

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

chris987 :

Will definitely try the CX first, just thinking about a backup in case the cx doesnt work, I think i would prefer a modular case but if you think this is better then I'll definitely look into it

envy14tpe · Apr 8, 2014

CGurrell :

You can just unplug everything and it should be easy to get the PSU out. I'd just pull out all the old and install the new ones. It'll give you an opportunity to try to find a way to hide cables better doing it all a second time.

btw, what country are you in?

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

envy14tpe :

UK

and thanks, my cable management is atrocious at best, a second attempt won't go amiss

chris987 · Apr 8, 2014

CGurrell :

there is modular version! https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1650xxxb9

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

I just found this, apparently the 280x only uses 207W when gaming? http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-r9-280x-r9-270x-r7-260x,3635-18.html

envy14tpe · Apr 8, 2014

I'd skip the CX and get a better PSU, as mentioned:
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£66.48 @ CCL Computers)

CGurrell · Apr 8, 2014

Thanks for everything btw guys, total noobs need love too!

envy14tpe :

Never used CCL before, plus it looks like £6 postage, or wait a week, amazon have it for £70 and i have Prime so will probs use them if i need to get a new PSU, thanks for looking mate

R9 280x power supply?

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