A question about graphics cards

MrFlickR · Apr 4, 2017

SO

I've been learning about building computers for 4 years now, and I have always wondered something about graphics cards.

So the GTX 960 consumes 120 watts of power, but it needs a 400 watt power supply, is there any reason why they need a 400 watt power supply if they're not gonna use all of the power?

I mean I have a GT 710 right now, and I feel like buying a GTX 960 on craigslist for about $90, and I found one.

I don't really feel like swapping my power supply because I don't really want to spend a lot on upgrading my computer, I really only have money for the graphics card.

So I really need a graphics card that has a minimum of 300 watts around 90 that is pretty good; 'pretty good' means 40+ FPS in Grand Theft Auto V on medium-high settings with an i5-4460.

Or can I just buy the 960 and stick it in my computer that has a 300 watt power supply?

Halp!

Gam3r01 · Apr 4, 2017

The whole "recommended" power supplies mean nothing. Ideally, it means thats what you should need for the whole system (as well as accounting for cheap units that dont output their rated watts).

In practice, ignore what they say and do your own wattage calculations.

dontlistentome · Apr 4, 2017

The recommended power is for all the components in the computer, not just the videocard. Your card may use 120W but the CPU uses some power, the hard drives, etc. So they try to recommend more than what's needed to prevent customer service issues from buyers who will stupidly skimp on the power supply as much as possible. By saying 400W are needed, even if someone uses a 300W PSU it should still work and not cause the card to be returned and such.

One test if you have an adequate power supply is does it have the right connector for the card you want? If the card needs an 8 pin connector but your power supply only has a 6 pin, you need a new power supply no matter how many watts it's rated for.

MrFlickR · Apr 4, 2017

Gam3r01 :

Would it be 'smart' if i put all of my parts in a pcpartpicker list and then if it's under 300, im completely safe?

Gam3r01 · Apr 4, 2017

Even calculators cant be trusted.
What are your full specs, most importantly what 300w PSU do you have?
If it has the PCIe cables you need, it might work. I personally would recommend a 1050Ti with no power cables for some lower end PSU.

MrFlickR · Apr 4, 2017

dontlistentome :

AHHHHH SHITTTTT

I have a Dell 300 Watt PSU, so no 6 pin. =(

Looks like I'm spending 100 dollar range on a 1050, this sucks.

I wanted to get a 960 so bad since they're so goddamn cheap.

Thanks though.

MrFlickR · Apr 4, 2017

Gam3r01 :

Intel Core i5-4460
12 GB DDR3 RAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 2GB
Dell i3847-2311BK Mobo
Dell i3847-2311BK 300 Watt PSU

Gam3r01 · Apr 4, 2017

Yeah, no PCIe cable mean a no go on the 960.

rhysiam · Apr 4, 2017

Gamer's given you a great answer to your question there.

In terms of the GTX 960 on a 300W PSU, which PSU do you have specifically? The 960 will require a PCIe connector, which you won't get with most 300W units. Also, you need to be sure that the unit can actually push it's rated wattage, as a gaming session will get you well over 200W, pushing into the upper range of the PSU's rating.

Here's another suggestion for you. There are RX 460s going right now with $20 rebates taking the price (after rebate) to $75: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K1JVO86/?tag=pcpapi-20
Cheaper, brand new, warranty, no PCIe connector required and safer with a 300W unit.
The RX 460 is not as fast as a GTX 960, I would guess it's around 70% ish the speed depending on the game.

The other option - but one that requires doubling your current budget - is to pick up one of the RX 470s going for a cheap $140 right now. and a 450W PSU (like the CX450M). That would hit ~$200 in total, so may not be what you want. But that would effectively give you a high -> ultra 1080P gaming rig for around $200 total investment. Worth considering
GPU: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1272947-REG/asus_strix_rx470_o4g_gaming_republic_of_gamers_strix.html
PSU: http://pcpartpicker.com/product/FQ648d/corsair-power-supply-cp9020101na

MrFlickR · Apr 4, 2017

rhysiam :

Like I stated in my previous reply, I have a Dell i3487-2311BK.

It's a prebuilt, but I got it for a good price, $203.

When I bought this thing I installed a GT 710 and I had no problems in games.

Now that I've gotten GTA V, I've experienced some heavy frame drops.

And now I would like to play Need For Speed 2015, but I know that I'll need an upgrade for that.

You can look up the specs, or I'll provide you a link...

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883158232

rhysiam · Apr 4, 2017

MrFlickR :

It took me a while to put my response together, so I hadn't seen your specs.

I had a look for you, good news is that desktop takes a standard ATX power supply, so you do have the option of upgrading.

I stand by my two suggestions above - particularly if you can make use of the rebates which right now makes AMD cards much better value.
Cheap option - keep PSU and use RX 460 for $75: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K1JVO86/?tag=pcpapi-20
That would give you low-medium settings on GTA V (I'm assuming you have a 1080P display), but good playable frame rates.

Better option (if affordable): the RX 470 and PSU I suggested above for ~$200
** You'd need to measure the GPU clearance in your case. I found a forum that suggests "about" 10" clearance, and that 470 is 9.5", so you'd want to get the measuring tape out or find a definitive answer on how long your GPU can be.
That better option would give you a potent mid-range gaming PC, you should be able to play games like GTA V on high settings with good frame rates.

MrFlickR · Apr 4, 2017

rhysiam :

MrFlickR :

It took me a while to put my response together, so I hadn't seen your specs.

I had a look for you, good news is that desktop takes a standard ATX power supply, so you do have the option of upgrading.

I stand by my two suggestions above - particularly if you can make use of the rebates which right now makes AMD cards much better value.
Cheap option - keep PSU and use RX 460 for $75: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K1JVO86/?tag=pcpapi-20
That would give you low-medium settings on GTA V (I'm assuming you have a 1080P display), but good playable frame rates.

Better option (if affordable): the RX 470 and PSU I suggested above for ~$200
** You'd need to measure the GPU clearance in your case. I found a forum that suggests "about" 10" clearance, and that 470 is 9.5", so you'd want to get the measuring tape out or find a definitive answer on how long your GPU can be.
That better option would give you a potent mid-range gaming PC, you should be able to play games like GTA V on high settings with good frame rates.

I guess I'll be buying an RX 460.

Lol also my parents are Asian, I'm losing no matter what if I try to negotiate a price.

Thanks, If I could I would choose you all as the best answer, but I'll just make you the best answer.

rhysiam · Apr 5, 2017

MrFlickR :

Just check you can use the rebate, because otherwise a cheap GTX 1050 is probably a better deal.
If you can use the rebate, the RX460 is, though slightly slower, much better value.

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A question about graphics cards

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