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[Graphics Card] Not sure if I need to upgrade PSU

Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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Hello all, I've been a long time lurker here but this is my first time posting. I know the basics of the inner workings of a computer so please bare with me.

I purchased a barebones kit a little over a month ago. It's a:

MSI H61M-P23 B3 Thermaltake Barebones Kit - MSI H61M-P23 B3 Board, Intel Core i5-2500K CPU, Patriot 8GB (2x 4GB) DDR3 RAM, Seagate 500GB HDD, Optiarc 24x DVDRW, Thermaltake V2 Mid Tower, 450W PSU

This is my first budget build and is all I could afford due to recent financial strain. Only thing left was to find a budget card to complete this project. I ended up buying a GeForce GTS 250 1gb (min. 450w) at a real cheap price but now I am not sure if the Thermaltake V2 450w PSU is enough to power this card. Only after the fact, did I bother to see if it was compatible. D'OH!

I'm really hoping I don't have to upgrade since it'll be about a month till I can save enough for a better PSU.

The specs for the PSU are here:



Can I get away with using the card? Or should I store it till I can get a better PSU?

Thank you in advance.

Joe

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Graphics card Master

The rear view indicates the included PSU has a little voltage switch. At best, it is an obsolete, inefficient design. At worst, it is overrated, possibly by enough that it will not be able to power your card. Based on my arbitrary assumptions about # of fans and other devices, the PSU calculator at http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine suggests 331W. Even if mildly overrated, your PSU should be able to handle it, although it may be under stress.
The 500W Antec Earthwatts is available at a good price right now, $40 after MIR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... and the 430W version has a similar deal: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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Onus said:
The rear view indicates the included PSU has a little voltage switch. At best, it is an obsolete, inefficient design. At worst, it is overrated, possibly by enough that it will not be able to power your card. Based on my arbitrary assumptions about # of fans and other devices, the PSU calculator at http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine suggests 331W. Even if mildly overrated, your PSU should be able to handle it, although it may be under stress.
The 500W Antec Earthwatts is available at a good price right now, $40 after MIR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... and the 430W version has a similar deal: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...



Thank you for responding.

So you're suggesting that it might handle it based on what you see? I won't ruin anything if I run it for about a month? I'm planning on buying an upgrade ( maybe 100 bucks limit) by the end of next month so thank you for your suggestions.

Graphics card Master

It ought to be safe, at least for a month. Check the temperature of the air leaving your PSU, or feel the PSU to see how hot it has become after an hour or so of gaming. If it gets exceptionally hot, then replace it sooner rather than later.
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