• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Is 500 Watts required for PCIe?

shira

shira

Diamond Member
(I accidentally posted this in Hot Deals, but the moderator didn't move it, despite my request. So I'm repeating it here.)

On the Seasonic USA website for their upcoming S12 series PSUs, at

Seasonic S12

they state that only the 500 and 600 watt models will support "150W PCI-E Video with 6-pin connector".

Is this referring to PCIe video cards, or is this a different type of video device that PCIe supports?

In general, what minimum wattage PSU will safely support a system containing a PCIe graphics card for a typical (non-extreme) user?
 
PCIe has no bearing on power requirements, a good 350 watt PSU will be enough for just about any single CPU non SLI system.

Nice choice with the Seasonic BTW.
 
No 500 watts isn't required, but I would go ahead and get a PSU that size anyway. That way, you're prepared for future needs.
 
Originally posted by: shira
they state that only the 500 and 600 watt models will support "150W PCI-E Video with 6-pin connector".

Is this referring to PCIe video cards, or is this a different type of video device that PCIe supports?
Click to expand...


The short answer is yes. Some high powered PCIe Video Cards have a 6 pin connector right on the card. The S12 is indicating that it has one of these connectors and provides for up to a 150W draw on this connector. (Just to be clear, not all PCIe cards require their own power. AFAIK, SOME PCIE video cards are the only ones that do.

The unfortunate thing is that you really don't need 500W just to run a system with one of these cards. A 500W power supply should be capable of running a system with 2 of these cards in SLI mode. But they didn't include a second connector. On the other hand, they didn't include this connector on their 430W model which probably would handle a system with one PCIe video card.

Not a lot of PSU have the PCIe 6 pin connector yet. The work around for this is that most cards come with a harness that takes two of the standard 4 pin molex connectors and combines them into one of the 6 pin PCIe connectors. If the price differece is big enough and you are sure you will never run an SLI rig I would just go with the 430W model and use this work around harness. If you think you might go SLI at some point, you could get the 500W and then use the harness for the second card when you added it. Keep in mind that you are talking about a different mobo though.

Just for reference, AFAIK there is only one PSU out right now, 510W, with a 24 pin main connector and two 6 pin PCIe connectors for running SLI. Its made by PC Power and Cooling and is $239. Which is probably a damn sight more than any of the S12s cost.
 
Originally posted by: Mudbone

If the price differece is big enough and you are sure you will never run an SLI rig I would just go with the 430W model and use this work around harness.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Not sure what the pricing is going to be on these PSUs, but I can't imagine that the price difference between the 430 and 500 watt models will be that great, so I might just go with the 500 for flexibility.

 
Just pay attention to how much current is provided on the 12V lines.... 20A or greater, and you should be fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top