Gateway DX4860-UB32P PSU and GPU upgrade for gaming

[csp_92]

Hi I currently have a prebuilt gateway dx4860-ub32p

Specs:
Intel Core i3 2120 @3.3ghz
Geforce GT 440
6 GB SDRR3
H67 Express Motherboard
300w power supply

Can anybody recommend me a PSU that would be compatible with my computer and that would have enough watts to support one GTX 460 1gb.

P.S
Website with full specs if needed:
http://us.gateway.com/gw/en/US/content/model/PT.GCPP2.003

 

[tsnor]

I didn't double check your case, but if you can fit a GTX460 in it, then it's an ATX supply.

antec vp-450 - good reviews http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-VP450-Power-Supply-Review/1487 $40 shipped http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371045

corsair builder series http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

Note GTX460 comes in a lot of kneecapped flavors. Make sure you get the real one, not the SE, etc. (edit unless that's what you want)

Note GTX460 needs two 6-pin PCIe connectors. The PSU above will need a $5 adapter to convert a pair of molex(lp4) to a PCIe. EXample, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812887001 Alternatively you can spend more on the PSU and get two 6-pins native on the PSU. ex: $70 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035 ex $ 60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

 

[csp_92]

Would this PSU be ok too?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

I read somewhere about amps, would all the power supplies you recommended have enough amps to support the GTX 460.

 

[tsnor]

Would this PSU be ok too?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

I read somewhere about amps, would all the power supplies you recommended have enough amps to support the GTX 460.

Yes, that is "CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 ". Would be fine.

For GTX 460 power consumption google "gtx 460 TDP" without the quotes. You'll find it's spec'd at 160W (or roughly 160W divided by 12v = 14 amps). Your CPU ( i3 2120) uses 65W max (or 5 amps). All of the power supplies above (which are mostly 400W to 500w) would have no trouble driving this config even with a serious OC of the GTX460. The PSU you picked is a good one, 600W is overkill but it won't hurt you to have the extra headroom if you want it).

As a crosscheck on power consumption, here is a system with CPU/chipset that pulls more than 100W over your i3-2120 system still only using 307w max total system. http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-460-review/13

"Our test system is based on a power hungry Core i7 965 / X58 based. This setup is overclocked to 3.75 GHz. Next to that we have energy saving functions disabled for this motherboard and processor (to ensure consistent benchmark results). On average we are using roughly 50 to 100 Watts more than a standard PC due to higher CPU clock settings, water-cooling, additional cold cathode lights etc.

"Keep that in mind. Our normal system power consumption is higher than your average system. We'll take one reference card as example:

"Graphics card

Advertised GeForce GTX 460 TDP = 150W (768MB) 160W (1024MB)
System in IDLE = 178W
System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 307W
Difference (GPU load) = 129 W
Add average IDLE wattage ~ 25W
Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 154 Watts

 

[csp_92]

Thanks, appreciate the help I think I'm going to go with the Corsair 600w just in case I upgrade again.

 

[csp_92]

Best answer selected by csp_92.

 

[csp_92]

Wait, sorry for bringing back a dead thread, but will the adapter you recommended convert SATA cables or only molex because I changed my mind and wanted to get the cx430.

 

[tsnor]

Wait, sorry for bringing back a dead thread, but will the adapter you recommended convert SATA cables or only molex because I changed my mind and wanted to get the cx430.

Hi the cx430 has 1 6+2-Pin == that gives you one of the two 6-pin connectors you need.

For molex: The adapter above gives you the second 6-pin you need by converting a pair of molex connectors into a 6-pin adapter. It only work for molex, not sata.

For sata, here is a SATA to PCIe power adatper. I haven't used it, but it seems cleaner than using the molex to PCI connector, less cables. Glad you had me look for one. http://www.amazon.com/Branded-8inch-15pin-Express-Power/dp/B005NJXY7O?tag=vglnk-c1001-20 this is what i'd use.

You could also use a PCIe Splitter http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-PCIEXSPLIT6-6-Inch-Express-Splitter/dp/B004NNTVT6/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_text_c but this defeats the purpose of the two 6 pin connectors which is to reduce the amperage through each point where a cable goes into a socket. (That why the molex to pcie has two molex connectors -- each carries half the amp load even though the source and destination are both the same place).