Does an expensive power supply is required to run a HD4850?

[darksmart]

Does an expensive PSU is needed to run HD4850,or my existing budget 450W Nav-Tech PSU will do it?
I am considering an Graphic Card upgrade to powercolor hd4850.Someone told me to change my PSU or it will spoil my new graphic card.Is it really so?

The PSU is still working great with nice stability and even handles voltage fluctuations and improper power cut offs.But it doesnt have any 6pin pcie connector.

 

[Henry Chinaski]

Your generic 450w psu is not enough. You are in the very limit (and I don't know what configuration you have).

450 Watt or greater power supply with 75 Watt 6-pin PCI Express® power connector recommended (550 Watt and two 6-pin connectors for ATI CrossFireX™ technology in dual mode)

 

[flyinfinni]

You'll be on the edge with that PSU. However, it doesn't have to be super-expensive to upgrade it. You can get a solid psu for around $40 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016 this one will do you for $40 after MIR)
With a 4850 available for only $85, thats a grand total of 125, which is not bad at all.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

The answer to your original question is no. The ATI Radeon HD 4850 is not a power hungry video card so you do not need to purchase an expensive high end, high wattage power supply. Henry already posted the official power requirements for a pc system with 4850 video cards.

I would recommend a high quality 550 watt power supply for two reasons. First, a high quality 550 watt power supply with sufficient current (amps) on the +12 volts rails can easily power a pc system with any single video card made. You would be prepared for a future upgrade with no additional cost for a new psu. Second, you could add a second 4850 video for Crossfire mode with no additional cost for a new power supply. The better psu's will last quite a few years.

I would recommend the Corsair VX550. It is a heavy duty psu built to last.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

Corsair and Seasonic are two brands that have a reputation for high quality power supplies that consistently earn high marks in technical reviews. They are reliable, stable, and come with a 5 year warranty. Some of the newer models come with a 7 year warranty. Lately we've been seeing a few other brands offering some high quality units. One example would be the Antec Earthwatts and the Antec Truepoower New series which are a major improvements over Antec’s older psu’s like the Basiq models.

 

[ill_take_two]

I highly agree with the above post...a low end PSU can cause more damage and trouble than the savings is worth. The one mentioned above is well reviewed and great choice. For 20 bucks more this may give you more room to grow and the TX line is newer i'm pretty sure.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

I recommended to a buddy of mine that built a system about a year ago w/ a raidmax smiladon case that came with a 600 watt psu...his system started glitching out with only a 9800 series card. EVGA told him basically the PSU was crap and that was his problem. He stuck this sucker in and his PC was no longer a secondary heat source and no more glitches.

of course your needs may be less so here's a compare link for the cabling differences
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010090058%2050001459&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=N82E16817139004%2CN82E16817139005

heres a quick link to the reviews for these also

VX > http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=62
TX > http://www.silentpcreview.com/article813-page1.html

i must say the VX review was very impressive IMO

 

[ekg84]

i Was running 4850 toxic on 430w xion psu that came with a case for more than a year without a hiccup, i dont think u will have any problem running it on your psu. However it depends on your configuration.

 

[shubham1401]

i Was running 4850 toxic on 430w xion psu that came with a case for more than a year without a hiccup, i dont think u will have any problem running it on your psu. However it depends on your configuration.

Are you serious?

 

[shubham1401]

Does an expensive PSU is needed to run HD4850,or my existing budget 450W Nav-Tech PSU will do it?
I am considering an Graphic Card upgrade to powercolor hd4850.Someone told me to change my PSU or it will spoil my new graphic card.Is it really so?

The PSU is still working great with nice stability and even handles voltage fluctuations and improper power cut offs.But it doesnt have any 6pin pcie connector.

Which country Dude?

NaV-tech doesn't makes good PSU at all... You will fry your rig using that PSU with your 4850.
You need at least a Corsair 400CX if budget is a problem.

 

[Dekasav]

i Was running 4850 toxic on 430w xion psu that came with a case for more than a year without a hiccup, i dont think u will have any problem running it on your psu. However it depends on your configuration.

Just because it works doesn't mean its a good idea. I assume you've never seen a cheap PSU fry a whole system before. It's ugly (not to mention rage inducing).

 

[darksmart]

Which country Dude?

NaV-tech doesn't makes good PSU at all... You will fry your rig using that PSU with your 4850.
You need at least a Corsair 400CX if budget is a problem.

From India like you mere bhai.

 

[moody89]

I would say you'll definitely need a new PSU. Why risk it?

Like JohnnyLucky said if you're going for a new one then you would be better off spending a little bit more and getting something that will be a bit more futureproof and will last you a few year more years if you wish to upgrade again.

 

[apache_lives]

"works" is one thing - stability, reliability and lifespan are another - actually passing stress tests under full load are a totally different story.

your system has to tollerate all the noise in the power lines/rails putting stress on all the caps etc - one side effect for starters without even listing under/overvolting, droop, efficency/heat etc.

The 4850 is a high end video card (in its time) - you have to match your system to it eg High end video card + High end PSU = high end system etc

What are your system specs?

 

[RickyT23]

Get the card, use a molex to 6pin adapter. If you aint got enough power and the system seems unstable or your benchies dont add up then assume you either didnt have enough amps on the twelve volt rails or you didnt have enough power to run the card, and buy a new PSU. But as other have said in this thread there is no point in buying any more than a decent 550 watt unless you want to upgrade again in the future.

 

[flyinfinni]

Well, you could try it with an adapter, but that could end up disastrously with the PSU blowing and frying the rest of the PC with it. Believe me- I've had it happen and it as NOT fun, and not worth the few bucks saved on the cheap PSU. Get a decent PSU and it will last you a good while too.

 

[shubham1401]

Trust me on this...
These PSUs are not even half KiloGram in weight.They are low quality unit and it will not take the load.

In India PSU are a bit more expensive compared to US

Though you can consider a Corsair 400CX for that card:

http://www.primeabgb.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1309&category_id=124&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53

Corsair 550VX:
http://www.primeabgb.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1448&category_id=124&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53

Corsair 550VX will run any single GPU and will be good enough for future upgrades.

Corsair 400CX is good enough for 4850. Consider it if you are on a budget.

 

[darksmart]

will Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500W RS-500-PCARA3 do it?here ie the link

http://techshop.in/store/product_info.php?cPath=320_194&products_id=2478

 

[shubham1401]

CM Extreme series aren't very reliable PSU.
They are prone to failures.

The Corsair 400CX is the same price.

Notice some minor differences:
80% efficiency vs 70% efficiency
3yr warranty vs 2 yr warranty
Active PFC vs No PFC
Double ball bearing fan vs Sleeve bearing FAn.

Such small things make Corsair PSU a much better Unit as far as quality is concerned.

Don't go on 500W Label on the CM PSU.400CX can deliver more power than tha 500W unit.

 

[shubham1401]

Another Very high quality unit:
http://www.primeabgb.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1522&category_id=147&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53

This is the lowest I would recommend.If budget is a problem then consider this one , but i'd take Corsair/Seasonic over this any day
http://www.primeabgb.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1611&category_id=159&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53

 

[Henry Chinaski]

will Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500W RS-500-PCARA3 do it?here ie the link

http://techshop.in/store/product_info.php?cPath=320_194&products_id=2478

The Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500W is not a good choice at all.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/728

The Corsair VX550 or even the OCZ ModXStream Pro 600 W are much better options paying only 35 bucks more.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/936

Note that the PSU is a very important component in a computer. You will enjoy it or suffer it since you turn on the computer.

 

[shubham1401]

@Henry:

Unfortunately OCZ PSU aren't available in India.
They are good choice when you are on a budget.

 

[darksmart]

"works" is one thing - stability, reliability and lifespan are another - actually passing stress tests under full load are a totally different story.

your system has to tollerate all the noise in the power lines/rails putting stress on all the caps etc - one side effect for starters without even listing under/overvolting, droop, efficency/heat etc.

The 4850 is a high end video card (in its time) - you have to match your system to it eg High end video card + High end PSU = high end system etc

What are your system specs?

My specs
AthlonII x3 435
Msi 785gm-e51
2 gigs ram
2 hard disks

 

[darksmart]

Get the card, use a molex to 6pin adapter. If you aint got enough power and the system seems unstable or your benchies dont add up then assume you either didnt have enough amps on the twelve volt rails or you didnt have enough power to run the card, and buy a new PSU. But as other have said in this thread there is no point in buying any more than a decent 550 watt unless you want to upgrade again in the future.

How many amps i need on 12V rails?
Mine PSU is rated 3.3V & 5V,+12V MAX:12A

 

[darksmart]

Another Very high quality unit:
http://www.primeabgb.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1522&category_id=147&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53

This is the lowest I would recommend.If budget is a problem then consider this one , but i'd take Corsair/Seasonic over this any day
http://www.primeabgb.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1611&category_id=159&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53

Is that gigabyte psu ok?
Gigabyte 80 Plus Active PFC 460W SMPS
http://lynx-india.com/index.php?productID=6527

how about POV diamond 500w.

http://lynx-india.com/index.php?categoryID=248

and atek and amigo,the cheaper ones??

http://lynx-india.com/index.php?categoryID=154
http://lynx-india.com/index.php?categoryID=3921

Also why coolermaster extreme power plus not good?

 

[shubham1401]

Gigabyte Superb 460W is the best among those you mentioned.It also has active PFC

i won't trust others.

Since that POW 500W is in your budget you should be able to get a Corsair 400CX
Trust me this unit is much better than the rest in its price point.

http://lynx-india.com/index.php?productID=5858

CM Extreme series are prone to failure.Low efficiency and they have passive PFC.They are very old models.If you wanna get CM then look for Real Power series. But none compares to Corsair 400CX.

 

[darksmart]

Gigabyte Superb 460W is the best among those you mentioned.It also has active PFC

i won't trust others.

Since that POW 500W is in your budget you should be able to get a Corsair 400CX
Trust me this unit is much better than the rest in its price point.

http://lynx-india.com/index.php?productID=5858

CM Extreme series are prone to failure.Low efficiency and they have passive PFC.They are very old models.If you wanna get CM then look for Real Power series. But none compares to Corsair 400CX.

But corsair 400cx is just 400W and minimum power required written on HD 4850's box is 450W.so should i go with gigabyte?