PSU compatible with 5870?

[JyncDuncan]

Right now I have a 550Watt continuous power supply by BFG and a SAPPHIRE Radeon 2GB 4890 with Vapor-X technology.. (Idk if that matters)

I'm running an AMD Phenom II AM2 Processor overclocked @ 3.6GHz powering two monitors (1920x1080 and 1680x1050)

I'm wanting to upgrade to the new MSI 5870 with 2GB memory, but I'm not sure if I will have to upgrade my power supply..


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817702008
That's my power supply..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127503&cm_re=MSI_5870-_-14-127-503-_-Product
That's the card I'm looking on getting.


Will I need to upgrade my PSU?

 

[rolli59]

Your PSU is fine for that card.

 

[JyncDuncan]

Really? Wow, I'm shocked. I'll go ahead and buy it now then.

 

[rolli59]

The requirement states 500watt. Enjoy!

 

[soundefx]

How many amps are on the psu and what is the brand?

 

[EXT64]

Its in the newegg link.

 

[JyncDuncan]

Yeah are you guys absolutely sure? I heard that amps are what matter not watts.

 

[rolli59]

Your PSU has 500 watts total available for the 4 x +12 volt rail's, 500/12 = 41.66 amps that is plenty!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageGallery.aspx?CurImage=17-702-008-S06&SCList=17-702-008-S01%2c17-702-008-S02%2c17-702-008-S03%2c17-702-008-S04%2c17-702-008-S05%2c17-702-008-S06%2c17-702-008-S07%2c17-702-008-S08%2c17-702-008-S09%2c17-702-008-S10%2c17-702-008-S11&S7ImageFlag=2&Item=N82E16817702008&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=BFG%20Tech%20LS%20SERIES%20LS-550%20550W%20Continuous%20%40%2040%u00b0C%20ATX12V%202.3%20%2f%20EPS12V%202.8%20SLI%20Certified%20CrossFire%20Ready%2080%20PLUS%20Certified%20Active%20PFC%20Power%20Supply

 

[JyncDuncan]

Any recommendations for which specific 5870 I should get? Is 2GB actually needed?

 

[rolli59]

The 2 GB is more for the 6 monitor eyefinity. My choice would be between the cheapest one or XFX because of their double lifetime warranty.

 

[EXT64]

Well, actually what matters most is the combined 12V amperage, which is often given in Watts. For your PSU it is 500W or 42A. Now, that is a bit of an exaggeration, as when combined with the 3.3 and 5V wires, its max is only 550W, yet the 3.3/5V can output up to 150W. However, even worst case 400W 12V is a decent 33.33A, assuming the quality of the PSU and that the specs aren't overly exaggerated.

 

[EXT64]

Also wait, the specs don't match the pics. Could you check your real label and see if all the 12V "rails" are labeled at 20A or at 16A?

 

[JyncDuncan]

I already bought the graphic card last night, now you are telling me that it won't work.


I will go ahead and order a power supply..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182069&cm_re=Rosewill_Power_Supply-_-17-182-069-_-Product

Will this work?

 

[JyncDuncan]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125323&cm_re=Gigabyte_5870-_-14-125-323-_-Product

That's the card I bought

 

[rolli59]

Well, actually what matters most is the combined 12V amperage, which is often given in Watts. For your PSU it is 500W or 42A. Now, that is a bit of an exaggeration, as when combined with the 3.3 and 5V wires, its max is only 550W, yet the 3.3/5V can output up to 150W. However, even worst case 400W 12V is a decent 33.33A, assuming the quality of the PSU and that the specs aren't overly exaggerated.

33 amps is still enough for the card. I have a hard time believing that 3.3 and 5 volts will ever come close to 150watt draw on OP's computer.

 

[rolli59]

I already bought the graphic card last night, now you are telling me that it won't work.


I will go ahead and order a power supply..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182069&cm_re=Rosewill_Power_Supply-_-17-182-069-_-Product

Will this work?

Why buy a new supply Here are the specs from BFG's site http://www.bfgtech.com/bfgr550wlspsu.aspx
They confirm the sticker (Newegg made a mistake in the specs)
Your PSU is a 80+ certified modern PSU that is plenty for the card you are buying.

 

[JyncDuncan]

thanks rolli.

Card should ship in tomorrow

 

[rolli59]

I already bought the graphic card last night, now you are telling me that it won't work.


I will go ahead and order a power supply..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182069&cm_re=Rosewill_Power_Supply-_-17-182-069-_-Product

Will this work?

It has a little more power but Rosewill is far from being a recommended brand stick with you BFG.

 

[JyncDuncan]

Thanks again rolli.

 

[JyncDuncan]

Best answer selected by JyncDuncan.