GTX 480 with 520W PSU?

[themasterpiece1]

I know my PSU might be on the low end for the card but I need to know if it is enough to run a GTX 480 until I have time to upgrade the PSU. My next upgrade would be my PSU but it might not happen until the summer. I wasn't too sure how to use the PSU calculator so I figured I would ask here.

My PSU is the Antec HCG-520
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...01_i00_details

The rest of my components are:

Intel i5 2500k (not overclocked)

Seagate Barracuda 7200 500 GB
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i01_details

ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3

G.SKILL Value Series 8GB

I do not have a cd/dvd drive on this build, so that should save a couple of W. Also I am only running 1 HDD, and will not be getting a new one until I upgrade my PSU first.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

You're fine. Don't even need to rush to get a new PSU unless you want to overclock the 480.

 

[themasterpiece1]

Oh, that's great news! I was reading online and most people were saying a 600W PSU would be needed for a GTX 480. Good to know I won't have to rush on upgrading my PSU. Thanks!

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Most of those people probably overclock as well, in which case at least 600W would be recommended.

 

[BD231]

You'll be fine, that particular antec has a 40amp 12 volt line, recommended is 22 so you're well above spec. Don't overvolt the GTX 480 though, it eats up the power fast once you start doing that. Stick to stock voltage overclocking to make sure you don't overload your psu. Definitely a decent PSU though, nice choice :thumbsup:

 

[BFG10K]

Moved to PSU forum - Super Moderator BFG10K.

 

[lehtv]

GTX 480 consumes 250W at load, and combined with the rest of your system, it's not too much for your PSU. I would not overclock it though, and I wouldn't go crazy on the CPU overclocking either - anything requiring at most a very small increase in voltage should be fine.

 

[Rvenger]

You'll be fine, that particular antec has a 40amp 12 volt line, recommended is 22 so you're well above spec. Don't overvolt the GTX 480 though, it eats up the power fast once you start doing that. Stick to stock voltage overclocking to make sure you don't overload your psu. Definitely a decent PSU though, nice choice :thumbsup:

Requirements
Minimum of a 600 Watt power supply.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 42 Amps.)






I also would like to add that it does stress my HX650. My 12v rail drops to 11.70 from 12.09.

 

[Zap]

I think it would be fine, even with overclocking as long as you don't have a hobby of running torture tests 24/7.

 

[lehtv]

I also would like to add that it does stress my HX650. My 12v rail drops to 11.70 from 12.09.

11.70 is well within spec and absolutely nothing to worry about. ATX spec allows up to 5% deviation, and 11.7 is just a 2.5% deviation. 3% voltage regulation is considered 'tight'

 

[aaksheytalwar]

Honestly, if they say a minimum of 600 watts, I won't feel safe with less. Have you taken into account capacitor aging at 5-10% per year of psu?

 

[Rvenger]

I am just saying, my PSU has a rating of 52 amps on the 12v. If a PSU that has 40a on the 12v, might take it out of spec.

I am sure it will be ok, just don't run furmark all day long. That PSU will probably get pretty hot too.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I have a 2600k overclocked and a highly overclocked gtx 480. I ran heaven benchmark and was pulling 400 watts from the wall. I used a kill a watt to test.

 

[Rvenger]

OFT, I am wondering the accuracy of the Killawatt because people over at OCN reported that a killawatt reports too low. 400w seems to be a little modest but at stock that sounds realistic.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

OFT, I am wondering the accuracy of the Killawatt because people over at OCN reported that a killawatt reports too low. 400w seems to be a little modest but at stock that sounds realistic.

I'll see if I can do it again. As far as accuracy it's dead on. I have checked a few lamps with some florescent bulbs that were rated at 13w and 15w and the kill a watt read exactly 13 for the 13w bulb and 15 for the 15w bulb.

 

[theAnimal]

I also would like to add that it does stress my HX650. My 12v rail drops to 11.70 from 12.09.

If those are software readings then they are not reliable.

 

[Rvenger]

I'll see if I can do it again. As far as accuracy it's dead on. I have checked a few lamps with some florescent bulbs that were rated at 13w and 15w and the kill a watt read exactly 13 for the 13w bulb and 15 for the 15w bulb.

That's a good idea, I will test mine too. Just don't plug it into a microwave. It will start beeping like crazy. lol

 

[themasterpiece1]

Most people seem to think it will be fine so I hope so. My PSU is only about 2 months old so returning it was not an option. I won't overclock anything just to keep it under the safe limits. I will be probably be getting a new PSU in the Summer or before the year is up. Thanks for the help. The GTX 480 arrives tomorrow

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Okay I ran Heaven benchmark again specs in signature. Highest reading I saw over a few minute period was 335w. I believe the kill a watt is 100% accurate. I'm pretty sure the 400w reading I was thinking of was when playing BF3.