Graphics card and Power supply compatibility problems

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
F

frustratednerd

Commendable
Oct 15, 2016
6
0
1,510
I've recently acquired a new Gigabyte GTX 780 Ghz graphics card that requires 2x 8 Pins.
My problem is that my Thermaltake Litepower 600W (W0355RA) only has 1x 6+2 Pin connector in addition to 1x 6 Pin.
Is it possible for me to use a 6 to 8 pin adapter on the 6 pin connector or would this be bad?
Thanks!
 
Solution
nostall


That makes me even more concerned with the quality. It is NOT an actual 700watt unit. That 700watt figure is for brief power spikes. It is, at best, a 600 watt unit.
Most 700 - 750 watt units come with 2 or 4 6+2 pin connectors.
Looking at the link you provided it says it has a two year warranty. Let that be a warning. Most of the Tier 1 & 2 PSU's and some of the Tier 3 will provide 5 year or longer warranties.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html
Sort by date Sort by votes
nostall

nostall

Splendid
Nov 28, 2012
3,244
12
23,865
According to Thermaltake's website, that unit shoul be equipped with two 6+2 PCIex connectors:
http://www.thermaltake.com.au/products-model.aspx?id=C_00001775
If yours only has the two you list, I would be very hesitant to use that PSU with that video card. Gigabyte's website Does say that 600 watts should be enough for that card and your whole system, but they do Not list the necessary amperes (amps) needed to support everything. It is NOT wattage that is important, but how much current can be continuously provided on the +12v rail (amps) at 40C or more operating temperature. With the Ghz version of that card this is important because of the enhanced cooling system - thus additional power draw over a standard, one fan, reference card.
Nvidia recommends a total of 600 watts, with at least 42amps on the +12v rail, for the system, and they are talking about a single fan reference card.
Check you PCIex connectors again to see if that 1x6 you mention actually has an additional 2 pin part someplace on the wire. Reply if you want psu suggestions.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
nostall

nostall

Splendid
Nov 28, 2012
3,244
12
23,865


That makes me even more concerned with the quality. It is NOT an actual 700watt unit. That 700watt figure is for brief power spikes. It is, at best, a 600 watt unit.
Most 700 - 750 watt units come with 2 or 4 6+2 pin connectors.
Looking at the link you provided it says it has a two year warranty. Let that be a warning. Most of the Tier 1 & 2 PSU's and some of the Tier 3 will provide 5 year or longer warranties.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
F

frustratednerd

Commendable
Oct 15, 2016
6
0
1,510


Does that mean I really need a new PSU? Or would an 6 to 8 pin or molex to 8 pin do the job safely?
Or is it even worth upgrading the PSU when I could sell the 780 and replace it with a lower power consumption card?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
nostall

nostall

Splendid
Nov 28, 2012
3,244
12
23,865


I would not risk my computer by using an adapter to gain the 8pin connection. It might work, probably would, for awhile; but you will be putting a serious load on that PSU.
Depends upon your actual computer build. A new 1060 will cost you a little over $200, a new 1070 about $450. I don't have any idea how much you could get for the 780 but would think at Least $175, maybe more.
A new AMD 480 is about $200 and runs about like a 1060 or even better.
But is the build worth it? If adding the newer more graphically powerful card will also mean upgrading the cpu and/or mobo and RAM in order to get the most benefit from the video card, then upgrading the PSU is the better option financially.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
F

frustratednerd

Commendable
Oct 15, 2016
6
0
1,510


I have an AMD FX-8150 with 16GB of DDR3.

If I do use an adapter, is there any sort of risk like component damage or fire hazard? Or will it just turn off.
If it's safe enough, should I use the molex cables provided with the card or buy a 6 to 8 pin adapter?

If it indeed is dangerous and not worth the risk, have you got any PSU recommendations?
Thanks.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
nostall

nostall

Splendid
Nov 28, 2012
3,244
12
23,865
I believe I have answered your question about an adapter, any adapter, and that PSU and your system. Here's another discussion re. that PSU. I didn't see, earlier, that it is not 80+ efficiency rated.
http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f210/is-a-700w-thermaltake-litepower-psu-adequate-for-my-gaming-rig-651905.html
Without seeing a professional review of the unit I cannot tell if there are actually any protection circuits in the unit. I replaced a friend psu last year that was supposedly a 350watt unit that some local tech put in to replace a unit that died (it was not a Thermaltake); I doubt that it would produce more then 150 watts and there were more parts (capacitors, resistors, etc.) missing from the PSU motherboard than were installed (the circuit board was actually labeled for the parts that were not there). Yet his computer tech assured him it was a good PSU. Ha!!!

I will be happy to suggest a couple PSU's for you, but it would help to know what country you live in so we can get the pricing correct. Again, as I have already stated, just about anything from Tiers 1,2,or even 3 would be an improvement over that unit.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
F

frustratednerd

Commendable
Oct 15, 2016
6
0
1,510


I could get a more power efficient card like the 1060 3gb or 470 for the same money as it takes to upgrade the PSU for the 780.
Is it worth upgrading the PSU in this case?
What's the better option? To upgrade PSU or upgrade GPU?

I live in AUS btw.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom