HD 6870 and p/s question

[toolbag]

Hi Guys.

Do you think I will be able to run this card with a 430watt true power p/s?

I don't even use a cd rom or dvd player.

Thanks! Looking to upgrade from a 9600gt

My choices are between the 6850 and 6870. I noticed the 6850 only needs one 6 pin while the 6870 need 2. I have one on my p/s now so I would have to buy an adapter for the 6870 to make two. I am also running a phenom 2 x 4 stock, 3.0

 

[Termie]

What PSU do you have? That will make all the difference. A high-quality 430w PSU is plenty for a 6870.

The graphics card likely comes with the 6-pin adapter, by the way.

 

[toolbag]

Sorry it's an Antec True 430watt

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131378

I don't see one with this package. It's $20 off now too.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

True Power Trio? You should be fine with a 6870, but the 6850 would be the safer choice.

 

[toolbag]

It's not a trio it's old school. Somehow it's still running.



http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/antectruepower430/

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Actually, no. I would not advise putting a 6870 on that power supply. I wouldn't entirely trust a 6850 on it either.

I recommend you get a new power supply regardless of what video card you upgrade to. It's time to put your Antec to bed.

 

[toolbag]

I hear ya. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[cusideabelincoln]

That's an older design focusing most of the power on the 3V and 5V rails. But today's computer systems need most of its power on the 12V rails. Even a modern, cheap 400W PSU would be substantially better than what you have and be more than enough for the 6870 and Phenom X4:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817815007

 

[vike105]

I have an 400W Antec with a amd 6870 i3 system and it runs fine though I'm probably cutting it close. Since you do have an older model PSU you might as well spring for a 500W 80 Plus PSU.

 

[Termie]

Yes, agreed, you need a new PSU. But I wouldn't go with that Xigmatech. I go for this Corsair for $25 after rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139026

You can actually get it for $18 if you wait for a sale...

 

[superccs]

Your whole system will like mine (Phenom II x6 + GTX 460) use max 315W while playing BF3 (GPU at 100% usage, 1 CPU core maxed). This power usage was measured from the display on my battery back-up.

You should be fine with either the 6870 or 6850 as they are both more frugal with power compared to the 460. Good luck.

 

[toolbag]

I finally put my kill o watt meter on my pc now since I am serious about a new card now. I even had the modem plugged in it so I could play MW2 online to see the wattage under load.

It was pulling about 206-212 watts. It looks like I have plenty of room for an upgrade. It won't hurt to try I guess.

 

[Termie]

I finally put my kill o watt meter on my pc now since I am serious about a new card now. I even had the modem plugged in it so I could play MW2 online to see the wattage under load.

It was pulling about 206-212 watts. It looks like I have plenty of room for an upgrade. It won't hurt to try I guess.

Your problem is that you have 20a on the 12v rail, which gives you 240w total for your GPU and CPU. An HD6870 has a TDP of 150w. Your CPU has a TDP of either 95w or 125w. That PSU won't cut it, sorry to say.

Honestly, $25 invested in a modern PSU like the Corsair I linked to will go a long way to ensuring that your computer has a long life.

 

[toolbag]

Your problem is that you have 20a on the 12v rail, which gives you 240w total for your GPU and CPU. An HD6870 has a TDP of 150w. Your CPU has a TDP of either 95w or 125w. That PSU won't cut it, sorry to say.

Honestly, $25 invested in a modern PSU like the Corsair I linked to will go a long way to ensuring that your computer has a long life.

I really appreciate the help. I'm looking at an antec 550watt modular.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Yes, agreed, you need a new PSU. But I wouldn't go with that Xigmatech. I go for this Corsair for $25 after rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139026

You can actually get it for $18 if you wait for a sale...

Yes, that's a good price for sure, but despite being rated lower the Xigmatek is the better unit.

I really appreciate the help. I'm looking at an antec 550watt modular.

For a cheap modular unit OCZ's ModXStream Pro series is also good.

 

[Stuka87]

I am in the same boat as the OP. According to PSU calculators, I need around 375W for my current build (in sig) but with a 6870 instead. But I am not sure my current PSU (Antec Basiq 430) has enough on the 12V rail. I have actually run into a case where I think I draw too much and the PSU shuts down (only thing that can explain it). I actually have my PSU clocked down more because of this (calculated it to draw around 147W at the speed/voltage it was at).

I also am looking at a 550W modular PSU. Any suggestions would be great. I would like it to be at least 80% Bronze certified.

 

[ronss]

I really appreciate the help. I'm looking at an antec 550watt modular.

did you read my thread on blu ray with the 6870, i got artifacts, and nothing would solve...i had 2 new 6870 made by different manufacturers.....if you watch blu ray, i would suggest a different card...believe its got something to do with the 6870 chipset

 

[cusideabelincoln]

I also am looking at a 550W modular PSU. Any suggestions would be great. I would like it to be at least 80% Bronze certified.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256065
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139032
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171037
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817207007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817815014