Radeon 6870 OC on 500w PSU

[saitamonje]

Hello everyone

I would like to know if my system is capable of running an MSI HD 6870 OC with my PSU, which is a Thermaltake Tr2 500w (72+ efficiency) with 25A on the 12V1 rail and 18A on the 12V2 rail. In theory it should, but I have doubts about how good my PSU is, so I come here to ask you for advice.

The rest of my system specs are:

Asus A55bm-e FM2+
APU A10 5800k @stock
8Gb Gskil 2133 Mhz memory (2x4) @2133 Mhz
WD Caviar Blue 1Tb 7200rpm
LG DVD-RW 24x

I would really apreciate some advice on this since I can get the 6870 at almost half of its normal price (that's why I haven't said anything about any other card). My other option is a Sapphire HD 7770, but it's not even near the 6870 capabilities.

Sorry if there are typos or other writing errors, english is not my mother language.

Thanks in advance

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Thermaltake Tr2 500w < One of the worst power supplies on the market.



Tier 5 - Other than the units listed above for any of these brands, NOT RECOMMENDED. Replace ASAP if you have one.

A-TOP Technology
Apevia
APEX (SUPERCASE/ALLIED)
Aspire(Turbo Case)
ATADC
Athena Power
ATRIX
Broadway Com Corp
Coolmax
Deer
Diablotek
Dynapower USA
Dynex
EagleTech
FOXCONN
FSP Everest
HEC Orion
Hiper Type-R
Huntkey
I-Star Computer Co. Ltd
In Win
JPAC COMPUTER
Just PC
Kingwin Inc.
Linkworld Electronics
Logisys Computer
MGE
MSI
NMEDIAPC
Norwood Micro/ CompUSA
NorthQ
NZXT
Okia
Powmax
Q-Tec
Raidmax
Rocketfish
Rosewill
SFC
Shuttle
Skyhawk
Spire Coolers
Star Micro
STARTECH
Thermaltake Purepower NP
Thermaltake Purepower RU
Thermaltake TR2 (and TR2-RX)
TOPOWER TOP
Ultra X-Connect
Ultra X2 >greater than 700 watt
Ultra LSP
Wintech
XION
YoungYear
Zebronics

 

[saitamonje]

And what about the same PSU but with 600w? Could it get the job done? My other option is a Seasonic M12 520w, which I know is far better choice, but also much more expensive. I would pay for it if it's worth it, though.

I'm also planning on doing some OC to the 5800k, although nothing extreme and without changing too much voltages

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Go with Seasonic M12 520w, much higher quality , it's worth the price.

A Radeon HD 6870 needs 28 amps on the 12v rail and a 500 watt power supply.

The SEASONIC can handle it , it has 2 - 20 amp 12v + rails

 

[Scampi]

HD 6870 requires 28 Amps on the 12v rail & a 500W PSU minimum

The rail description you gave, it appears to be the W0379RU unit, with a combined 420W (35 amps) on the 12v rail.

So the Thermaltake Tr2 500W can run it. Although as mentioned it's a poor quality PSU.

The Seasonic M12II 520W has 480W (40 amps) on the 12v rail & is much better quality (no contest).

If i was in your position, regardless of the TR2 500W having enough power, i still wouldn't buy a higher rated version of the TR2 as it's a poor product line. Upgrade to the Seasonic in the knowledge that it is much better quality for peace of mind. Investing in a good quality PSU pays in the long run.

 

[saitamonje]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I seems Seasonic M12 will be.

Greetings

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Get the m12 you mentioned it's a good choice.