Is this sufficient for my rig.

[crazymonkeyzero]

I Have a dell insprion desktop lying around, and thought it was time for a small upgrade so I can do some light gaming. I was going the install the XFX Radeon HD7750 core edition (the computer currently runs on intel HD graphics and dell has left enough space to install only a single slot card), and know I should upgrade my power supply as well (from the 300w, stock that came with the system). I was planning to buy the Antec Earthwatts 380w.Will this be more than enough? The system is an Intel Core i3 2100, with 1 HDD, 1DVD drive, and basic, stuff, nothing fancy. Also, is the 7750 worth the extra money, or should I buy the cheaper 6670? I hope to game at 1900X900 or at least 720p on a 20in monitor, hoping for medium settings at least on most modern games (BF3,CrysisII,DiabloIII). Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150612



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371033

 

[krnmastersgt]

Yes it's worth it.

And yes a 380W PSU will be more than enough to power that system, should give you some pretty decent gaming even with today's demanding titles! I wouldn't worry about.

 

[Blain]

Which Inspiron model are you asking about?

 

[sm625]

A 300W supply should be enough. Your power consumption during heavy gaming is unlikely to ever exceed 140 watts, which is well under half of the oem power supply's rating.

During typical gaming I would expect your power draw at the wall to be under 100 watts. Impressive considering that setup is more powerful than two systems I have that pull 200 watts gaming.

 

[Blain]

The XFX system requirement for the HD 7750 is...
"Minimum Power Supply Requirement: 450 Watt
XFX Recommended Power Supply: XFX 550W PSU"

Their warranty says...
"What is not covered by this limited hardware warranty?.

This limited hardware warranty does not cover:

Software or drivers provided by XFX or third parties.
Problems that result from:
(1) external causes such as accident, abuse, or problems with electrical power,
(2) usage that is not in accordance with product instructions,
(3) failure to follow the product instructions or failure to perform preventive maintenance;
(4) products that are not in their original condition or that are not complete with all original components, or
(5) problems caused by using accessories, parts, or components not supplied by XFX."

But if warranty isn't important to you, give the 380W a shot.

 

[crazymonkeyzero]

I highly doubt that a 550w is needed for a card without connectors, but to be safe, do you think I should get the Corsair 430 psu? They are both bronze efficiency and my cpu is only a dual core (65w), and I don't overclock, so I can't see it ever needing more than 400w, even at full load.

 

[Blain]

I always buy PS with plenty of headroom.
The excess allows for component degradation.

 

[krnmastersgt]

I always buy PS with plenty of headroom.
The excess allows for component degradation.

I tend to do the same, not to mention that I wouldn't trust the Dell PSU to power any decent video card without fear of either damaging it or just having it crash out quite often from not being able to truly provide the power the card needs. Though in this case it is a rather low power draw card, I'd still suggest getting that Antec.

 

[crazymonkeyzero]

I definitely don't feel safe with using the dell psu, and will definitely buy a new one for my videocard. The question is if should I go with the Antec Earthwatts 380, or a regular antec 450w.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371045


They are about the same price, the earth watts is 80+ bronze though... not sure if it is better to have the 80+ and less watts, or more watts w/o 80+/ My price range is up to 50$ for the psu, so if anyone else has any better suggestions, please share.

 

[Blain]

Gold, Silver and Bronze ratings aren't done in a vacuum.
The PS manufacturers pay to have their units rated...
It's a marketing angle primarily.

 

[mfenn]

The XFX system requirement for the HD 7750 is...
"Minimum Power Supply Requirement: 450 Watt
XFX Recommended Power Supply: XFX 550W PSU"

Their warranty says...
"What is not covered by this limited hardware warranty?.

This limited hardware warranty does not cover:

Software or drivers provided by XFX or third parties.
Problems that result from:
(1) external causes such as accident, abuse, or problems with electrical power,
(2) usage that is not in accordance with product instructions,
(3) failure to follow the product instructions or failure to perform preventive maintenance;
(4) products that are not in their original condition or that are not complete with all original components, or
(5) problems caused by using accessories, parts, or components not supplied by XFX."

But if warranty isn't important to you, give the 380W a shot.

According to your reading of the warranty, the OP would also need to get an XFX power supply to be covered under warranty. You and I both know that minimum PSU requirements given by GPU manufacturers are total bullshit meant to cover people using Raidmax or whatever crap.

I don't understand why people have this idea that Dell puts really bad power supplies into their desktops. They don't. The reason for this is purely financial. Dell offers an in-home warranty on their desktops, and if they put absolute crap PSUs in the systems that couldn't even meet the spec, they would spend way more money sending a tech out. A single technician visit costs Dell at minimum $50, which more than wipes out the margin on a low-end Inspiron.

OP, is there any reason that you're paying a premium for a single-slot card? This dual-slot 7750 is $90 AR. Do you have a bunch of other add-in cards or something? The 7750 doesn't require an external power connector, which means it can draw a maximum of 75W. That plus the 65W TDP of your i3 2100 is 140W. Everything else in the system probably draws 20W at most, so you're talking about being barely over 1/2 capacity on your 300W PSU even after the GPU.

 

[Blain]

According to your reading of the warranty, the OP would also need to get an XFX power supply to be covered under warranty.

They just recommend it, not require it.

 

[futurefields]

or a regular antec 450w.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371045

That Antec 450 watter is the best cheap power supply you can buy.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-VP450-Power-Supply-Review/1487/11

I totally recommend this unit for a budget gaming rig. I have an i5 2500k w/ asrock z77 pro4 w/ sapphire hd6850 powered by this unit and is has performed flawlessly. It is a very high power 450-watt unit that was tested by Hardwaresecrets to put out over 550 watts cleanly, which is more than enough for 95% of gamers.

 

[crazymonkeyzero]

OP, is there any reason that you're paying a premium for a single-slot card?

I think my dells case only supports a single slot card, there is hardly any space in there lol due add on cards right next to the single pcie, wifi, and some other stuff.

 

[crazymonkeyzero]

Also I belive he xfx 7750 ghz edition is currently the best single slot gpu on the market atm between 100-150. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[mfenn]

I think my dells case only supports a single slot card, there is hardly any space in there lol due add on cards right next to the single pcie, wifi, and some other stuff.

You should pop the case open and take a look just in case things can be moved around. You might be able to save $30.

 

[crazymonkeyzero]

Ok, I did a bit of rearranging in my case as mfenn suggested, and it turns out I have just enough room for 2 expansion slots or one single dual slot video card. Now I have one more question. I have a dual slot video card lyinga round from by old core 2 duo build, it is a Nvidia 9800gtx+. My question is, should I just reuse this for my i3 build, and just buy a better power supply (500w+), thus saving about 100$ off a new gpu, or should I go ahead with the new gpu as well (7750) due to bottle necking concerns.

 

[mfenn]

You don't need a new power supply for the 7750 because it doesn't need external molex connectors. So really, it's a wash either way in terms of money but the 7750 will be a lot cooler, quieter, more featureful and performs better.

 

[crazymonkeyzero]

You don't need a new power supply for the 7750 because it doesn't need external molex connectors. So really, it's a wash either way in terms of money but the 7750 will be a lot cooler, quieter, more featureful and performs better.

Ok thanks for the advice. I'll buy the 7750 and see if the 300w can handle it.