GTX670 need a better PSU?

[CalebL]

I've recently got most of the parts for my new build in. However, I didn't have the money for a new PSU and GPU. Instead I wanted a good board and processor first.
The GPU (GTS250) and PSU (Corsair CX500 V2) will do fine for me now as I play more processor intensive games then graphical.

My question is, should I buy a whole new power supply when I save the money for a new GTX670. Or does the one I have now provide enough amps on the single 12v+ rail?
Currently it has a max current of 34amps and I'm not sure how much the 670 requires :O

Anyhow, If I am to buy a new PSU, could anyone recommend one (not wildly expensive or low end cheap) that I could use to OC the processor to 4GHz? I have zero intentions on over clocking the GPU, so I don't think a 700watt is really necessary, I think the new line if Nvidia cards use less wattage anyhow.
i5 3570k with Thermal take SpinQ VT heat sink and AsRock Z77 Extreme4 in case anyone is wondering or concerned.

 

[ubercake]

You have 34 amps on the 12V+ with a 408W max on the 12V+, so unless your loading that build up with a ton of extra drives and fans that particular 500W (nvidia actually recommends a 500W min. with these cards) should do fine.

Personally, I always like to have a little more to accommodate for the inefficiencies of aging components (including the PSU itself). If I were looking to get a new PSU and knew I'd only be running with one video card ever and wanted to get great quality while keeping costs at a minimum, I'd go for a Corsair TX650:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020&Tpk=tx%20650

It's $90 ($70 after rebate) and has a 5-year warranty. I would trust it to run at least the 5 years with no issues.

 

[randomkid]

I've recently got most of the parts for my new build in. However, I didn't have the money for a new PSU and GPU. Instead I wanted a good board and processor first.
The GPU (GTS250) and PSU (Corsair CX500 V2) will do fine for me now as I play more processor intensive games then graphical.

My question is, should I buy a whole new power supply when I save the money for a new GTX670. Or does the one I have now provide enough amps on the single 12v+ rail?
Currently it has a max current of 34amps and I'm not sure how much the 670 requires :O

You are in luck as your CX500 V2 is just about right for the 670 in terms of capacity & connectors. You do not need to get a new PSU just for a single 670.

 

[Rockdpm]

But i would suggest a PSU that has head room. cutting to the bare minimum isn't always safe for computer hardware

 

[ubercake]

^+1

If you're not producing a Dell with a 1-year warranty, you care that the PSU will give you a little more than the bare minimum.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

As you can see, nVidia recommends a 500 watter.....+ 170 if adding a 2nd card. Might be kinda tight of getting a factory OC'd card such as the Asus 670 DCII TOP

http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-geforce-gtx-670-directcu-ii-top-review/24
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121638

I'd get the Asus card now and try it with your existing CPU (test with OCCT). You can always downclock it (Afterbirner) of power draw is too much. I'd opt for a good 750 or 850 watter when ya buy the 2nd one.

http://www.ocbase.com/index.php/download
http://downloads.guru3d.com/Videocards----Overclocking-&-Tweaking_c13.html

 

[randomkid]

But i would suggest a PSU that has head room. cutting to the bare minimum isn't always safe for computer hardware

500 W is not what I would call bare minimum. nVidia & AMD overstates the requirement to be on the safe side but actual test systems using 670 show load power at less than 350W:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-670-review,3200-14.html
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1925/13/
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5818/nvidia-geforce-gtx-670-review-feat-evga/17

 

[Rockdpm]

Yea but do you want your power supply barely breathing all the time to handle the load or would you rather have some air to breath with? idk man you weigh the difference. I have my theory's, you have yours.

 

[CalebL]

Thank you very much guys
I guess over clocking the CPU would be a bad idea, but at least the power supply can handle a modern GPU.

 

[Rockdpm]

Its not a "Bad" idea. Its just a "Bad" Idea if your gonna use a stock cooler...


Although like my good buddy recon says, i would have to say. with only 500 watts to use.. a 670 and a overclock? you may want to sell the 500w and get a 600 watt or more to be safe

 

[Rockdpm]

Yea unless your not changing the voltage...

 

[CalebL]

Oh if you look a little closer I actually said in the first post that I'm using a Thermal take SpinQ VT heat sink XD
I'm sure it will do fine, I don't have any plans on Oc'ing past 4GHz anyhow.

 

[delluser1]

Thank you very much guys
I guess over clocking the CPU would be a bad idea, but at least the power supply can handle a modern GPU.

Overclocking would be fine

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1925/13/
335 watts from the wall, gaming average
~90% efficient psu
~300 watt load on the psu, 60% of the 500 watt power supplies capacity


http://www.anandtech.com/show/5818/nvidia-geforce-gtx-670-review-feat-evga/17
317 watts from the wall when gaming
~88% efficient psu
279 watt load on the psu

Both reviews use a 3960x, it uses more power at stock clocks than a 3570K at 5Ghz
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2012/05/01/intel-core-i5-3570k-cpu-review/7

You'll have plenty of overhead, wiggle room, breathing room, whatever anyone wants to call it, with your 500 watt psu

 

[CalebL]

Best answer selected by CalebL.

 

[CalebL]

Wow that's fantastic. Didn't think it would manage since I think CPU and GPU are probably sharing the same rail.