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Graphics Cards PSU Requirements

Tags:
  • Power Supplies
  • Graphics Cards
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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September 25, 2014 6:21:12 AM

Given the new high-end releases with the new Maxwell architecture, I was thinking about upgrading to a 970 over my 750 Ti. However, Nvidia lists the PSU requirement as 500 wats, but I only have a 430 watt PSU. That being said, I've heard of it being called a power supply 'suggestion' before, too.
If I replace my current 60-watt 750 Ti with a 145-watt 970, that'd put my estimated power draw at 349 watts, still well within what my PSU is capable of.
Is it safe to use a GPU when you don't meet the PSU requirement if you have the power for it?

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a c 144 ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
September 25, 2014 7:03:21 AM

If you are using a high quality PSU, yes it is safe to do that. The key here is the quality of the PSU and can it provide the 430W it says it can. If it can, you should be golden.
Ideally you want your PSU to be around double the power draw of the entire system simply since switch mode power supplies tend to be most efficient at ~50% load but honestly, 25-80% range works just fine (again, PSU quality dependent).
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