OEM 500w PSU Runs GTX 770! So my question is this:

rowlands111

Reputable
Jun 2, 2014
39
0
4,530
Hello Tom's Hardware users!

I need your proven wisdom for this please.

I have an Acer Predator G3-605 - it has a GTX 770 and just for info, a 500w PSU.

Some folks have said how can this be? As the minimum wattage for my card is 600w> but a user for this forum clarified this for me which was helpful.

My question is this: If my system can handle a 770 with absolutely NO problems/issues, is it feasible to upgrade to a 780 or GTX Titan? (Despite all this minimum PSU stuff) And better still, is it beyond beggar's belief to hold off for the 8 series GTX, and do I have a hope in not melting PCB if I run one of those future cards on a 500w supply. According to tests done, my system runs at ab out 300w at full GPU/processor load fyi.

Thank you very much for any insight :)
 
Solution


The vast majority of 'leet gamer doodz' will never, ever stress the system enough to make the PSU fail. It works, kind of.
People see a number (550 watts) and assume all is OK.
So they make a sale. And then they make another 50 quid on an extended warranty.

The problem arises when you do stress the system. Sparks, flames, running and screaming...

bignastyid

Titan
Moderator
The question you should be asking is not will the PSU run the card, it's how long will it run it before it fails. That acer uses a liteon PS-6451-5AE . The PSU's 12v rail maxes at 360w(very poor for a supposed 500w unit) running that close to its max on a low quality unit is just asking for trouble. You should seriously consider replacing it before it frys the system. It maybe running fine now, but i doubt your luck holds for very long.
 
^ given that information regarding he capacity of the PSU, i'd agree that you are too close to the edge. Too many times we hear about 'my PC shuts down whilst gaming'/'becomes unstable whilst...' the cause is often a PSU that is working close to the edge, there'll be a voltage dip and a crash. Eventually there will be an outright failure and a likely need to replace components.

to your question re: 780's and titans, NO.
 

rowlands111

Reputable
Jun 2, 2014
39
0
4,530
Ok taking into account the information your're basing the answers upon, thanks very much.

What I can't answer is the PSUs 12v rail capacity, and may I ask bignasty how you came to know my Acer Predator G3-605's capacity> As I can't find that info anywere!

Also, why would a respected manufacture like Acer build a gaming system only got it to fail? Doesn't seem likely. This isn't a custom built gaming rig with overlclocked ram, overclocked cpu; and an overvolted GPU - I've got the warranty extended to 3 years for £50.00. I don't think its economical for them to replace components that fry before 1 year due to a supposed poor PSU> They're system builders afterall.
 

rowlands111

Reputable
Jun 2, 2014
39
0
4,530



Haha...

First thing Monday morning I'm going to be calling Acer regarding this issue. I'm asbolutely sure their call centre staff will have the answer to this complicated dilemma. After all, I'm sure they're all qualified with an MSC in computing.

Oh feck...

At least I got the 3 years warranty incase they have made a mistake with their build, and at least I'm getting close to 60FPS on most games at 1080p on ultra with the 770....

Thanks guys (for making me doubt my rig :mad: :mad: :mad: lol)
 

bignastyid

Titan
Moderator


I simply googled and did some reading to find what model it uses. To confirm simply open the side of the psu and get the model number off the side of the PSU. It's possible they used more than 1 PSU model. Also you do realize you voided your warranty the minute you opened the case and installed that video card right? Unless of course you got Acers written permission to install the card and it was installed by a certified Acer tech. But OEMs putting in cheap power supplies that will barely handle the load is common practice(saves money). They do calculate how much power the system will use with about how long tit will last at that load. Changing that config, by lets say adding a video card that draws more power, kinda throws that out the window.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


The vast majority of 'leet gamer doodz' will never, ever stress the system enough to make the PSU fail. It works, kind of.
People see a number (550 watts) and assume all is OK.
So they make a sale. And then they make another 50 quid on an extended warranty.

The problem arises when you do stress the system. Sparks, flames, running and screaming. Always the running and screaming.
 
Solution

rowlands111

Reputable
Jun 2, 2014
39
0
4,530
Thanks one and all for your time in commenting.

Your insights has been taken on board, and for sure I will be more conscious of PSUs for next time - that I can promise you.

Lol@ the Moderator's comments!! - I understand what you're saying - ease off the Heaven benchmarking in summertime with my personal volcano set not too erupt haha.

@Bignasty - bro it came with the 770. I haven't upgraded anything apart from adding a SSD - which I added to a hotswappable bay which is on the front of the case, real handy if I may add.

I appreciate most of you guys are specialised in building high end, powerful custom rigs (I am not) but as the USAF says, I doubt I'll ever put the PSU to burn out point. I'm so pro I even made a custom fan profile in afterburnder so the 770 NEVER gets above 71 degreec C when at full load.

Difficult to select the best answer as you all seem to hate my system! :) But it has to go to the mod for the funny remarks. Cheers all, happy computing! :))
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
What can happen with a bad PSU:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/11/26/exploding_computer_vs_reg_reader/
burnt_pc_5.jpg
 
you might not stress your system now, but PSUs age, they lose the ability to supply power safely at perhaps 5-10 of remaining capacity per year, so in a years time that 360W of 12V power it can supply now would be perhaps 330W, partly due to capacitor aging and partly due to increasing thermal issues due to dust build up etc, 2 years down the line you'll be down at 300W of 12V power, that's your safety margin gone.
if the psu has poor components (likely given it is a 500W supply that can only do 360W where it matters) this deterioration can be quicker. One of the results is shown above, another is that it just stops (and you are thankful), yet another is that it dies with a voltage spike and kills every other component (you end up crying). None of these are good paths. The PSU is the foundation to the system.
 

rowlands111

Reputable
Jun 2, 2014
39
0
4,530
That settles it. And I'm not even joking.
I'm gonna get this - http://www.dabs.com/products/corsair-750w-cx-builder-series-80plus-bronze-psu-8758.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc%20product%20search&utm_content=Q200&utm_campaign=Components%20and%20Storage%20-%20Cases,%20Cooling%20and%20Power%20-%20Power%20Supply%20Units

My brother is aces with upgrading hardware so will get him to install it for me just to be safe (don't wanna void warranty) I reckon if I need to send back to Acer for whatever reason, will just take out and put the old PSU back in. Also take out the auld SSD.

Your comment was helpful. I may owe you a beer in advance if the scenario you described came to pass. Cheers Monkey!