can I run a GTX 280 or 260!?

[bushwickbill]

My Step up Window is almost Over, I have about 10 Days to Make a decision. I am wondering if my Coolermaster 600 Watt PSU will be enough to run a GTX280?
Here is a Link to my model number : RP-600-PCAR eXtreme Power Duo
http://www.hi-techreviews.com/review...ower600/P1.htm
I know I will be pushing things a bit with this PSU but This will Probably be my last
gpu upgrade on this MOBO/RAM/CPU RIG. If I can't power a GTX280 then what GPU would be my next best option people from EVGA. IF I can't run the 280 Could I at least run a GTX260?! I really would like to get 300 Bucks Trade in or whatever I can for this 9800GTX While I can. Since I paid 300.00 From TigerTirect What would be the price they trade mine in for? Do I get what I paid for it, Or the Current Price at which my GPU is being sold for
Thanx for any and all help, As I stated I have only a little bit of time left.

 

[bryanW1995]

stepup to 260. it should be free since msrp is down to 299.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: bushwickbill
RP-600-PCAR eXtreme Power Duo

Don't think GTX 280 would work too well. It requires a 6 pin and an 8 pin PCIe, which your PSU does not have. Also, that Cooler Master PSU is rated peak, not continuous.

 

[Mwing]

EVGA msrp never goes down. 260GTX is still 399.99

Edit: OOPS, it just did, now 329.99, good job AMD

 

[bushwickbill]

So I just checked it out, It will cost me 55 Bucks Canadian to get a GTX260!!
I just really hope that My Psu can Overclock it when needed.
Thanx for the help guys.
I'll post back my results and benchies!

 

[WaTaGuMp]

What are they reccomending for PSU's to run the 280, I am too lazy to look.

 

[Extelleron]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: bushwickbill
RP-600-PCAR eXtreme Power Duo

Don't think GTX 280 would work too well. It requires a 6 pin and an 8 pin PCIe, which your PSU does not have. Also, that Cooler Master PSU is rated peak, not continuous.

Whether or not the PSU has the 8-pin is not a reason not to buy the GTX 280. As long as you have 2x 6 pin + 2x molex you are fine. I am running an overclocked GTX 280 fine with these adaptors on a 520W Corsair PSU. Before I got my current setup I was running it with an overclocked Phenom and it still ran fine.

But anyway your PSU is definitely not enough for the GTX 280, not because of the wattage or the 8-pin, but because it doesn't have enough amperage on the 12V rails and as Zap said, it is rated deceptively high. Your PSU only has 2x 12V rails with 18A each, meanwhile the GTX 280 requires 40A. You might be OK with a GTX 260 since the rest of your system is fairly low power, but a GTX 280 is just going to be too much for that PSU.

WaTaGuMp, nVidia recommends a 550W PSU w/ 40A combined 12V. That recommendation is a bit generous, because I'm running it on a 520W without problems.... the important thing is quality. I'm sure you can find junk 700W PSUs that would not run the GTX 280.

 

[bushwickbill]

Thanx again for the heads up. I was very close to Grabbing one without thinking, Like most of my purchases LOL!
Time to saving for a new rig for Christmas.

 

[Extelleron]

Originally posted by: bushwickbill
Thanx again for the heads up. I was very close to Grabbing one without thinking, Like most of my purchases LOL!
Time to saving for a new rig for Christmas.

I'd step up to the GTX 260 for $30. At that price it's a no brainer.

 

[CP5670]

As others have said, the 260 is an obvious choice for that price.

But anyway your PSU is definitely not enough for the GTX 280, not because of the wattage or the 8-pin, but because it doesn't have enough amperage on the 12V rails and as Zap said, it is rated deceptively high. Your PSU only has 2x 12V rails with 18A each, meanwhile the GTX 280 requires 40A. You might be OK with a GTX 260 since the rest of your system is fairly low power, but a GTX 280 is just going to be too much for that PSU.

WaTaGuMp, nVidia recommends a 550W PSU w/ 40A combined 12V. That recommendation is a bit generous, because I'm running it on a 520W without problems.... the important thing is quality. I'm sure you can find junk 700W PSUs that would not run the GTX 280.

The 40A recommendation is also there to cover weak units with inflated specs. A system with the 280 realistically uses more like 23-25A on 12V. I'm running mine on a 520W/33A OCZ unit with no issues.

The OP's PSU may work for the 280, but it depends on what else runs off that second rail, so it could be borderline.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Extelleron
Whether or not the PSU has the 8-pin is not a reason not to buy the GTX 280. As long as you have 2x 6 pin + 2x molex you are fine.

I'm just going by the current "official" Nvidia stance on this matter.

hopefully this link works

Answer ID 2198
Question
My NVIDIA based graphics card has an 8-pin power plug, but my power supply has 6-pin power plugs. Is it OK to use a 6-pin to 8-pin power adapter?

Answer
There are 2 types of 6-pin to 8-pin power adapters.

One type converts from two 6-pin plugs to a single 8-pin plug. These adapters could damage your computer and should not be used under any circumstances.

The second type converts a single 6-pin plug to a single 8-pin plug. NVIDIA also advises against its use since many power supplies will not provide sufficient current over the 6-pin power cable. However, this type of adaptor could potentially support normal operation as long as the customer checks their PSU manuals and ensures that its 6-pin PCI-E rails can handle the same current rating as an 8-pin power cable, which is 150 watts.

The recommended solution is to use a power supply with native 8-pin power cables.

Originally posted by: Extelleron
I'm sure you can find junk 700W PSUs that would not run the GTX 280.

Rocketfish, anyone?