What size PSU should I be looking for?

daniel_blacke · Feb 14, 2015

This is my first upgrade and I'm mostly a pc noob. I am upgrading my PSU so I can upgrade my GPU...

I have this: http://icecat.us/en/p/lenovo/57323870/pcs-workstations-0888440134321-K450-22300954.html

Figuring out what exactly is in this thing is like pulling teeth from a pissed-off Bobcat!

It's clearly a mid-sized tower. The mobo appears to me to be a micro-atx of some sort. It's called a Lenovo k450 in the manual. I've googled and googled trying to find info on it but the lenovo info seems to be all there is and it's sparse, to say the least.

Moving on... The PSU is a Lite-On 280w. Again turning to google I cannot find the form anywhere. Is it ATX, micro-ATX, something else all together? Also, I'm not exactly sure what wattage I'm going to need, though someone here suggested a 550w to me in another thread.

At some point I'm hoping to add an ssd but I'm unsure if that's possible with this mobo.

db

Edit: Forgot to mention the GPU will be a GTX 970

Suztera · Feb 14, 2015

A XFX TS 550W is fine.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

Yes you can add a SSD as long you got a SATA 3 cable around.

volcanoscout · Feb 14, 2015

It's a standard ATX PSU - the only variation is that the stock PSU has an extra outlet for a little plug labeled "P9" that you won't find on an after-market PSU. That cable powers lights in the top of the case and the light in the power button - it's not critical to have it as it will work fine without, but there's a relatively easy work around to keep the lights lit.

Upgrading your GPU might be a challenge from what I've been reading - apparently the mobo doesn't want to recognize discrete GPUs. I'll do some more research and post my findings.

daniel_blacke · Feb 14, 2015

Suztera :

That's a Tier 2B PSU?

Also, I found the form while waiting for an answer. It says ATX. What's the difference between an ATX and ATX12V / EPS12V?

SATA 3 cable, huh?

JackNaylorPE · Feb 14, 2015

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2311121/power-supply-requirements-nvidia-gpus.html#14243229

nVidia source

http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-970/specifications

970 Thermal and Power Specs:
98 C = Maximum GPU Tempurature (in C)
145 W = Graphics Card Power (W)
500 W = Minimum System Power Requirement (W)
2x 6-pins = Supplementary Power Connector

SLI - 500 + n x (145 +20 peaks) = 665 watts for 2 cards

And as Per Guru 3D

Power Supply Requirements (Guru 3D):
Note that Guru3D uses a 3960X heavily overclocked which may draw as much as 100 watts ore more than other CPus

http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/nvidia_geforce_gtx_970_and_980_reference_review,7.html

Subjective obtained GPU power consumption (970) = ~ 164 Watts
Subjective obtained GPU power consumption (980 )= ~ 171 Watts

Here is Guru3D's power supply recommendation:

GeForce GTX 970 or 980 - On your average system the card requires you to have a 500 Watt power supply unit.
GeForce GTX 970 or 980 in 2-way SLI - On your average system the cards require you to have an 800 Watt power supply unit as minimum.

If you are going to overclock your GPU or processor, then we do recommend you purchase something with some more stamina.

Note your Lenovo link states that:

Lenovo IdeaCentre K450
:
Graphics Designed for Gaming
The latest 3D games are smooth as silk with up to NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX660 1.5GB graphics or AMD Radeon™ HD 8670 2GB graphics. Or start with the latest integrated Intel® HD Graphics and add your own card.

The GTX 660 wants a 450 watt card so the MoBo should be fine....obviously if you ordered that, you would have gotten a bigger PSU with the original box.

I have found "tier" lists very unreliable.... best bet is to read actual testing of the current model as vendors change suppliers and designs oft w/o changing model number.

Another thing you will find is that decent PSUs less than 650 watts are oft the same price as 650 watt units so while the above says I should get a 550 watter i can find no reason to do so as many 650 and even 750 watts units are same price. A 750 watter would allow you to transfer card and PSU to a new box and add a 2nd card in SLI

EVGA 650 10 year warranty $69
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438026

EVGA *new* 750 B1 5 year warranty $59 - I used to poo-poo the B1 but the new design is getting good reviews, garnering some awards and w/ a 5 year warranty, it's hard to push aside. ....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438025

EVGA B2 750 5 year warranty $69
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438025

With the Seasonic 520 and 620 M12's (one of my all time favorites for moderate overclocking) at $69 and $79, it's hard to recommend them over the EVGA 750s

The XFX XTR 550 and 650 are fine PSUs but at $64 and $79, how do ya say no to the EVGA 750s ?

There's no downside to having a bigger PSU than you need....other than you save electricity due to the fact that PSU's hit peak efficiency at about 50% load. On the upside, if ya take ya GFX card to the new box, the PSU can come with it and ya can add a 2nd GFX card to extend its useful life another 18 - 24 months.

Suztera · Feb 14, 2015

daniel_blacke :

Yes it is a Tier 2 which is still good.
ATX in psu has a different meaning to motherboards and cases.
All power supply now have a set range of dimensions so they should fit in any cases that support the standard form factor.

daniel_blacke · Feb 14, 2015

volcanoscout :

I already have the discreet card that came with it, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 635. Unless I'm misunderstanding what you mean...

Tradesman1 · Feb 14, 2015

Need a good 500, might look at the SeaSonic S12II 520 or their M12II both around $65 at the Egg

Suztera · Feb 14, 2015

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9
Looks like Newegg is sold out.
Amazon still has some stock. Just make sure it is the XFX TS 550W and not the XFX Pro 550W as that is an older revision.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RJ8EKI/?tag=pcpapi-20

JackNaylorPE · Feb 14, 2015

daniel_blacke :

volcanoscout :

I already have the discreet card that came with it, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 635. Unless I'm misunderstanding what you mean...

See my post above .... it mentions that your PC had an option for a GTX 660 and 450 watt PSU.... I also added some additional PSU info.

fudgecakes99 · Feb 14, 2015

you have a low profile gpu the max wattage it can take is 35 so basically anything over 100 watts really... oh you're getting a 970.
A 970 will not fit in that case its width is 7 inches. a 970 is 10+. Regarding the moba i believe its a micro atx. Judging from the dimensions. Also for a 970 you need a minimum of 500 and it also factors on the company you buy it from. Sometimes it might be more or less depending on how its built etc.

daniel_blacke · Feb 14, 2015

JackNaylorPE :

The GTX 660 wants a 450 watt card so the MoBo should be fine....obviously if you ordered that, you would have gotten a bigger PSU with the original box.

I have found "tier" lists very unreliable.... best bet is to read actual testing of the current model as vendors change suppliers and designs oft w/o changing model number.

Another thing you will find is that decent PSUs less than 650 watts are oft the same price as 650 watt units so while the above says I should get a 550 watter i can find no reason to do so as many 650 and even 750 watts units are same price. A 750 watter would allow you to transfer card and PSU to a new box and add a 2nd card in SLI

EVGA 650 10 year warranty $69
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438026

EVGA *new* 750 B1 5 year warranty $59 - I used to poo-poo the B1 but the new design is getting good reviews, garnering some awards and w/ a 5 year warranty, it's hard to push aside. ....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438025

EVGA B2 750 5 year warranty $69
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438025

With the Seasonic 520 and 620 M12's (one of my all time favorites for moderate overclocking) at $69 and $79, it's hard to recommend them over the EVGA 750s

The XFX XTR 550 and 650 are fine PSUs but at $64 and $79, how do ya say no to the EVGA 750s ?

There's no downside to having a bigger PSU than you need....other than you save electricity due to the fact that PSU's hit peak efficiency at about 50% load. On the upside, if ya take ya GFX card to the new box, the PSU can come with it and ya can add a 2nd GFX card to extend its useful life another 18 - 24 months.

I do see that in the sales text but mine came with the GT 635. I have to say that everyone has been very helpful, but this post is just off the chart with info. Thanks so much.

daniel_blacke · Feb 14, 2015

fudgecakes99 :

Uhm... huh?

my width is 7 inches... the card around 5 inches... My available depth is about 11.5 inches and most GTX 970's are about 10.5 inches. Am I wrong here? Is there something I'm not understanding?

fudgecakes99 · Feb 14, 2015

daniel_blacke :

No you're right i got my width and length/depth mixed up. Usually cases say width/height/length Though still 11.5 inches is a bit steep. Make sure their aren't any drive cages in the way.

JackNaylorPE · Feb 14, 2015

Yes, the 635 is the "standard" or base build and the 660 was available as an option.

Yes as indicated above, make sure that you measure the space you have before purchasing. The case apparently fits a 660 which was 9.5 inches long so I'd assume that you have at least 9.5".... the card width is under 4.5" so case width is a non issue.

So if it fits the 9.5" 660, then it will fit some 970s at least since some are less than 9.5". I'll list them in order of personal preference

MSI Gaming - 10.59"
Gigabyte G1 - 12.28"
Asus Strix - 10.98"
EVGA SC - 9.48" (defective)
EVGA SSC - 9.50"

Simply use a tape measure or ruler to see what fits. Your case is 18" deep so that should leave room enough for any of the above. The Enthoo Mini XL for example is 18.9 inches long and fits 11.4" GFX cards... take off the 0.9 inches and that says 10.5", so best to measure before you buy.

There's always the Asus GTX 970 DirectCU Mini = 6.7" suitable for Mini-ITX Mobos and a little wider than many at 4.8", again easily enough for your 7" wide case. But don't expect the performance of a full size card
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00RL2SLAG

daniel_blacke · Feb 14, 2015

JackNaylorPE :

Is this the same one on sale right now for $39.99 after rebate?

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b10750vr

JackNaylorPE · Feb 14, 2015

Going from your PCPP link, and clicking on newegg gives me model "EVGA 110-B1-0750-VR" and newegg part no N82E16817438025 ... same link

http://www.microcenter.com/product/433612/SuperNOVA_750_750W_Watt_Bronze_ATX_12V_Power_Supply

gives me 110-B1-0750-VR

So yeah

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