400 watt PSU 4850 and a amd 6000+

[Jseabolt]

I know it's probablly a no, but I wanted more varied opinions.

Specs are:
AMD 6000+
ATI 4850.
1Sata HDD
4GB ddr2 800mhz ram

My PSU is a 400watt Ultra, with only one 12v rail 20a. Right now my system runs, when I get into games though It will freeze for a few seconds, sound studders...then it goes back to normal for about 5 min, does it again. I do NOT have the funds for a new PSU, is there any other option I can do? I also have a antect 300 case, so I have all those fans going. Thanks!

 

[BoomerD]

It sounds like your PSU isn't up to the demand. Ultra products have never been "GREAT" power supplies...

You have a two options:
1) Replace the power supply with a quality unit of larger capacity
2) Reduce the load.

While your computer shouldn't draw more than 400 watts, if the PSU is aging, it may just be on its way out.

I did find this:

ATI Radeon HD 4850 System Requirements
o PCI Express® based PC is required with one X16 lane graphics slot available on the motherboard
o 450 Watt or greater power supply with 75 Watt 6-pin PCI Express® power connector recommended (550 Watt and two 6-pin connectors for ATI CrossFireX™ technology in dual mode)
o Certified power supplies are recommended. Refer to http://ati.amd.com/certifiedPSU for a list of Certified products

 

[Jseabolt]

It sounds like your PSU isn't up to the demand. Ultra products have never been "GREAT" power supplies...

You have a two options:
1) Replace the power supply with a quality unit of larger capacity
2) Reduce the load.

While your computer shouldn't draw more than 400 watts, if the PSU is aging, it may just be on its way out.

I did find this:

How would one reduce the load with out taking out the main components? Graphics card, cpu ect. I forgot to note, If I put a box fan on it. There are no problems at all. Yet, all my temps are fine *shrug* those LED 120MM fans probably don't use much power at alll, so removing those wouldn't help.

 

[yottabit]

With only 20A available on 12V that's only 240W. That's very bad.

Depending on your 6000+ it could be 95 or 125W TDP. Combining that with the 4850 will put you pretty close to your max power requirement.

If you really can't afford ~$40 for a more powerful PSU you could
A: Undervolt/Downclock your CPU and or GFX
B: Try to trade your 4850 for a more energy efficient card such as 5570 or 5670

As far as during games you can significantly limit your power consumption with a couple steps:
Lower graphical detail
Enable VSYNC or lower framerate cap

If you're running games with VSYNC disabled and getting over 60FPS you'll be wasting a ton of power as your card will be running basically full load to push 100+ fps. It would be ideal if you could cap the framerate at 30 from a power consumption standpoint

The more eye candy you use the more power you will draw for an equivalent framerate

 

[avatar82]

try downclocking and/or undervolting your stuff and run the games then?
might be able to tell if its deffinitly psu or not.
worth a shot anyway

 

[Jseabolt]

With only 20A available on 12V that's only 240W. That's very bad.

Depending on your 6000+ it could be 95 or 125W TDP. Combining that with the 4850 will put you pretty close to your max power requirement.

If you really can't afford ~$40 for a more powerful PSU you could
A: Undervolt/Downclock your CPU and or GFX
B: Try to trade your 4850 for a more energy efficient card such as 5570 or 5670

As far as during games you can significantly limit your power consumption with a couple steps:
Lower graphical detail
Enable VSYNC or lower framerate cap

If you're running games with VSYNC disabled and getting over 60FPS you'll be wasting a ton of power as your card will be running basically full load to push 100+ fps. It would be ideal if you could cap the framerate at 30 from a power consumption standpoint

The more eye candy you use the more power you will draw for an equivalent framerate

Thanks for all the info!, It's not that I can not afford it. It just would not be wise at the moment. I have never under volted or underclocked anything. I pretty much stick with building, and leaving everything stock.

 

[BoomerD]

You can replace that PSU for around $50 if you're in the USA.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

Both are outstanding power supplies that SHOULD be able to handle your system without breaking a sweat.