Just installed Gigabyte 970 G1 and have question about heat, the case, and PSU...

LionGamer

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Nov 29, 2014
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Okay, I finally took a the plunge and installed the Gigabyte 970 G1. It's a type fit in my HP case, but for the past 2 hours I've done the 3DMark tests and played the following:
-Middle-Earth: Shadows of Mordor
-Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition
-Skyrim
-Injustice: Gods Among Us

And, so far, amazing frame rates and no hiccups with the exception of the steam client freezing (but I don't think that has anything to do with it)

Here are my questions:
1. I have a 500W psu and the box says thats fine for the graphics card (but the gigabyte website says 550w). So far, no problems, should I still upgrade or do you think I'm okay?

2. My case is small, and the graphics card is a tight fit. Do you think there is a benefit to running the pc with the case open, to help alleviate any heat build up because of the snugness of the fit?

3. I have the graphics card connected and screwed in..but it's a heavy card, is there any danger of it breaking off the mother board? (I know...that's probably a silly question, but the PC is relatively new so I'm being extra cautious.

4. I've heard complaints about coil whine and the card being loud...but I think it's whisper quite. I checked to see if the fans were running on the card and they are...could I be missing a connection somewhere?

I think that about covers everything. Any other tips or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

Specs for my build are below:
urrent Specs:
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4820K CPU @ 3.70GHz
(current Video Card, soon to be replaced: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 745
RAM: 16 GB
Operating System Microsoft Windows 8 (build 9200), 64-b
Current Power Supply: IPS, ATX, Picolit, 500W, EStar Bronze. I believe it is an HP offering.
Estimated case measurements: 15.5 Long, Just over 15.5 height., about 6 and 3/4 wide.
 

LionGamer

Honorable
Nov 29, 2014
26
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10,530
So far it's been fine. What's the best way to monitor the temps? Is there a good program? Will keeping the case open help (and then I can clean for dust occasionally, etc.)?