Should i change my PSU with HD6850?

[martinesko36]

Hello i'm migrating from GTS 250 1GB to HD6850 - and HD6850 power consumption is 18 W less than the GTS 250's - can i play games with HD6850, without problems on my current PSU, or i have to changed it. My current PSU is what came with the box - 400W, max 450W. Thank you.

 

[Onus]

Generic PSUs that come in cases have been described as fireworks with an uncertain fuse. Even though your new GPU places a lower load on it, I would still replace it. You can usually pick up an Antec Earthwatts or Corsair Builder for $45-$55. Four hundred Watts to 500W will be sufficient.

 

[arson94]

Well first, what exact PSU do you have martinesko36?

Theoretically, if it'll run a higher wattage video card then it'll run a lower wattage card just fine. Unless of course it's a lower quality PSU like jtt283 said. It's just that rated watts and amps on shotty PSU's aren't worth the ink with which they're printed on the PSU's labels.

If you have something like an Antec or Thermaltake case that came with one of their PSU's, then you don't need to replace anything.

 

[martinesko36]

Hello, and thanks for replies. My PSU is FSP Saga II 400.
I like very much Gigabyte's edition of hd6850 - i am talking about this Gigabyte GV-R685OC-1GD. It says it use 142W, and Gigabyte recommends 400W PSU. But i see in games it catch up 204W. Can this be a problem, and do u have opinion for this, or just to go and buy Saphirre? And is my PSU good enough? Thanks.

 

[martinesko36]

Oh i forgot.
Here are my other specifications:

Operating System
MS Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 925
RAM
3.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 666MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. M4A785T-M (AM3)
Graphics
Philips 220C @ 1680x1050
Hard Drives
977GB Hitachi Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 ATA Device (IDE) 40 °C
Optical Drives
EJKZWDE WHMN45QV SCSI CdRom Device
PIPKB JSLA7KDI38D SCSI CdRom Device
Audio
VIA High Definition Audio

 

[arson94]

Your CPU is 95W and if your GPU maxes out at 205W, then you still have 100W for your board, hdd and 2 cdrom drives.

FSP Group makes quality PSU's too. They are the 5th largest manufacturer of PSU's I think I read last and I know they make PSU's for almost all of the top name brand companies as well as obviously branding PSU's for themselves. So if you were to purchase a newer Antec PSU, then you might very well be buying another FSP Group PSU in all reality. Your PSU is also an 80% efficient PSU with excellent reviews on NewEgg. So I think you're safe to keep your current PSU. You might be nearing close to it's max output in some scenarios but I've seen similar setups run on less. I think you'll be fine.

If you really like the Gigabyte card, then get it. I'm definintely a hardcore Sapphire fan though. I'm still using their TOXIC 4870 1GB card and will definitely consider another Sapphire card for an upgrade above all else. But if you like the Gigabyte card, then stick your preference.

If down the road your computer shuts off everytime you get into a heated gaming session then we can think about upgrading your PSU. I think you're safe enough though to try your current PSU first.

 

[martinesko36]

Your CPU is 95W and if your GPU maxes out at 205W, then you still have 100W for your board, hdd and 2 cdrom drives.

FSP Group makes quality PSU's too. They are the 5th largest manufacturer of PSU's I think I read last and I know they make PSU's for almost all of the top name brand companies as well as obviously branding PSU's for themselves. So if you were to purchase a newer Antec PSU, then you might very well be buying another FSP Group PSU in all reality. Your PSU is also an 80% efficient PSU with excellent reviews on NewEgg. So I think you're safe to keep your current PSU. You might be nearing close to it's max output in some scenarios but I've seen similar setups run on less. I think you'll be fine.

If you really like the Gigabyte card, then get it. I'm definintely a hardcore Sapphire fan though. I'm still using their TOXIC 4870 1GB card and will definitely consider another Sapphire card for an upgrade above all else. But if you like the Gigabyte card, then stick your preference.

If down the road your computer shuts off everytime you get into a heated gaming session then we can think about upgrading your PSU. I think you're safe enough though to try your current PSU first.

Thanks you very much, mate! In my country Gigabyte edition is cheaper than Saphirre - and I find it very nice with that OC it beats Saphirre. But Saphirre make high quality cards... I don't know, maybe i'll research some more for this 2 editions. And one more thing - will this 100W be enough for MB, HDD and the cdrom? (second cd rom is virtual) Also i only read in a review of Gigabyte edition that it consumes 204W, i can't find that information on official website, though.

 

[arson94]

You're welcome. I can't seem to find hardly any power specs on the Gigabyte video card except that it maxes out at about 150W. And yes, I think that 100W will be enough for your MB, hdd, and cdrom. Also, if the Gigabyte card outperforms the Sapphire and is cheaper too, then get the Gigabyte card.

If anybody thinks or knows I'm wrong, hopefully they'll speak up.

 

[martinesko36]

Hello again, i've read for Gigabyte edition some reviews and i find out this:
http://aphnetworks.com/review/gigabyte_radeon_hd_6850_1gb_oc/power.png
For Saphirre edition i find out it maxes out at 231W, according another review.
So 95W+247W is 342W, so for MB, HDD and Cdrom i got only 58W. Will this be a problem? Thanks.

 

[arson94]

The review says that the 247W is full system load though and that test system is using an overclock i5 750 at 4Ghz. If that system is only using 247W at full system load, then your system will be just fine. Make sure the measurements you found for the Sapphire card are just for the power consumption of the video card and not for full system load power consumption.