Upgrading graphics card, is a new power supply needed

[superdupahorn]

Hi all,

 

 

I'm currently using

 

• AMD FX 6200 3.8GHz Cpu
• Radeon 7850 GPU
• 8gb 1333 MHz Ram
• 5400 RPM HDD
• and 2 optical drives

I currently have what I believe is a 700W generic PSU, I want to upgrade my graphics card (my ram will be upgraded soon too) to an XFX R9 280X card, this card requires 2 8 pin connectors but my power supply only has 2 6 pin connectors, after putting through the new set up through a couple of on-line calculators they believe the recommended minimum wattage required is 525W.

 

Do you think that it is safe to use a pair of 6 to 8pin adapters or would it best to upgrade my PSU too?

[ERSCreeper]

I would recommend that you upgrade your PSU before you buy the GPU.

[coen113]

i would get a decent brand PSU first

[sirtoby]

Get a new power supply, around 600W, 80 Plus bronze(at least) and from a reputable brand like Corsair, Seasonic or Coolermaster.

If you are dealing with generic power supplies, watch out what they say on the label. The Wattage they promise in the name or on the box is sometimes only a peak wattage, and the constant one is much lower. You won't get this problem with a proper PSU, but I saw this happen at quite a few generic ones.

That doesn't mean that they are generally bad. I've had a 300W PSU by FSP from an old hp computer that powers my test rig for 7 years now.

[superdupahorn]

For more overhead and upgrade room later I was thinking this psu

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ALK3QRS/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=computers

[sirtoby]

For more overhead and upgrade room later I was thinking this psu

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ALK3QRS/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=computers

 

The CX Line is pretty low end. It's not bad, I own a CX500, but if you get a psu with less Watts, then you can get a better build one that is probably more efficient for the same sort of money.

 

EDIT: I don't know where you are located, but i assume that the cx750m will cost you around 90€?

[superdupahorn]

The CX Line is pretty low end. It's not bad, I own a CX500, but if you get a psu with less Watts, then you can get a better build one that is probably more efficient for the same sort of money.

 

EDIT: I don't know where you are located, but i assume that the cx750m will cost you around 90€?

 

Perhaps this one for not too much more? 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CP-9020078-UK-Builder-Series-Semi-Modular/dp/B00GMIPO46/ref=sr_1_10?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1398084729&sr=1-10&keywords=modular+psu

 

 

And I'm in the UK this one costs £90

[sirtoby]

Perhaps this one for not too much more? 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CP-9020078-UK-Builder-Series-Semi-Modular/dp/B00GMIPO46/ref=sr_1_10?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1398084729&sr=1-10&keywords=modular+psu

The Link doesn't work.

 

Have a look at the RM 650 fro  Corsair (Review from JonnyGuru) around 90€

 

If you are willed to spend more money have a look at the V700 from Coolermaster (review from JonnyGuru) around 120€

 

Both are good PSUs, but RM uses some lower end Caps in some places. Have a look at the review to find out more. The V700 is build by Seasonic and comes with a 5 year warranty.

[superdupahorn]

It was a CS750M gold rated, it cost £90

[sirtoby]

Apparently the CS Series is similar to the RM series, but the RM has better build quality. I would go for a 650W one. You will still have room for OCing. But if you are after more Watts then you should be fine with the CS750M wich has a compelling price point. If you are interested in a review you can find it here. It is on the 550W one but they are all built by Great Wall, so there shouldn't be much difference to the 750W model.