Slightly overloading the PSU?

Demiqas

Junior Member
May 18, 2015
15
0
0
Hey, so I was thinking about crossfiring 260x (I already have one so it's cheap to do so) on a 450 watt PSU. I'm just not sure if it would work. My CPU is an un-overclocked 8320 and I have a 5400 rpm drive + 1 ram module.
I think it would be slightly above what my PSU can handle, but would that really be an issue? The games I play won't stress both GPU's to 100% so there's that. But if it does overload, what would happen?

My psu is a branded Coolermaster G450M which is bronze + rated.

Would it overall be a good idea to do it or could it have horrible consequences? I only game a few hours per day too, max.
 

MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
38,751
3,068
121
Probably a bad idea.

Does your PSU even have the cables for that ?

450 would be pushing it a bit I would think, or near the edge.

I forget what a 260X pulls solo, I have one in the HTPC.
 

MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
38,751
3,068
121
But I have an Antec gold 550 in that thing.

I tend to overbuild, but two on a 450 seems s little much.
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,340
10,044
126
I've done one R9 260X (ok, really a 7790, same thing), with an IB i3 CPU, on a 350W NAXN PSU. Two might work on a really stout (underrated) 450). Don't think that I was try it with a CM tho. Maybe a Seasonic Gold or Corsair.
 
Feb 25, 2011
16,790
1,472
126
Some PSUs will supply more than their rated wattage, most won't. Most will just turn themselves off (overcurrent protection) if they're overloaded. But cheap power supplies may damage your hardware.

A 260X will typically pull around 100w, so if you have two of them, a <100w CPU, and a few odds and ends, you're probably okay.

Running Furmark, Prime95, or other "power virus" burn-in utilities isn't something I'd recommend, though.
 

spat55

Senior member
Jul 2, 2013
539
5
76
I would just sell the old card, crossfire has to many issues and isn't worth it with low end cards.