Some questions about HD4870

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maroon1

Junior Member
Apr 10, 2007
5
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Hi

I have some question about HD4870

1- Can my PSU handle HD4870 ?

Here is a link for the PSU that I have
http://www.thermaltake.com/pro.../w0101102/w0101102.asp

2- Is HD4870 larger in size than my current 8800GTS 320MB ? I just want to make sure that it fits my case

3- Do I need to get an extra cooler to keep the heat level down for HD4870 ? I'm asking this because I heard that HD4870 produce a lot of heat. (Note: I not planning to overclock)


Here is the spec of my computer

Core 2 Q6600 (not overclocked)
2GB ram
WD 500GB
Intel DP35DP motherboard
And my current video card is 8800GTS 320MB


 
JPB

JPB

Diamond Member
Jul 4, 2005
4,064
89
91
Originally posted by: maroon1
Hi

I have some question about HD4870

1- Can my PSU handle HD4870 ?

Here is a link for the PSU that I have
http://www.thermaltake.com/pro.../w0101102/w0101102.asp

2- Is HD4870 larger in size than my current 8800GTS 320MB ? I just want to make sure that it fits my case

3- Do I need to get an extra cooler to keep the heat level down for HD4870 ? I'm asking this because I heard that HD4870 produce a lot of heat. (Note: I not planning to overclock)


Here is the spec of my computer

Core 2 Q6600 (not overclocked)
2GB ram
WD 500GB
Intel DP35DP motherboard
And my current video card is 8800GTS 320MB
Click to expand...

1) Its pushing it. I don't think I would attempt it. But thats *me*

2) I think it is right around the same size. Its a little longer than a 3870

3) Imo, a cooler isnt needed. The dual slot should do fine. Raise fan speeds a little from the bios flash. ( Isn't a new driver coming soon to fix this without the bios flash being needed ?)

Just my opinions of course :thumbsup:
 
Sylvanas

Sylvanas

Diamond Member
Jan 20, 2004
3,752
0
0
1) PSU should be fine.
2) What JPD said.
3) The stock cooling is fine.
 
Bateluer

Bateluer

Lifer
Jun 23, 2001
27,730
8
0
Originally posted by: JPB

3) Imo, a cooler isnt needed. The dual slot should do fine. Raise fan speeds a little from the bios flash. ( Isn't a new driver coming soon to fix this without the bios flash being needed ?)

Just my opinions of course :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I sincerely hope we see such a BIOS in the near future.
 
MichaelD

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
31,529
3
76
The HD4870 requires one six-pin and one eight-pin PCI-E connectors; the OPs power supply only has 6-pin connectors. Pic of power connectors.

The OP has a basic Quad Core machine; power draw is not too bad. No overclocking, one HD, currently using a video card that uses roughly 70% the power of an HD4870. I would say that he would be bumping right against the upper limits of that power supply. It would probably work, but for how long? Forget about overclocking as well...additional power draw would be a no-no.

I tend to err on the side of caution, especially when dealing with my own money. If I have to spend another $150 in order to possibly not fry $1500 worth of equipment, then that's a good deal to me...a wise investment. :)
 
M

MarcVenice

Moderator Emeritus <br>
Apr 2, 2007
5,664
0
0
His rig will draw like 300-350w tops ? How's that pushing the powersupply? It should be able to handle it just fine ...

As for the pci-e connectors, well, if if 2x6pin doesn't work, he's sol...
 
MichaelD

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
31,529
3
76
I just realized I confused the HD4870 with the HD4870X2. :eek: Totally my bad. So, yeah, he'd be fine with his PS's two 6-pin connectors.

As for the power draw...I'd still not be too sure about that PS. Good luck though.
 
Qbah

Qbah

Diamond Member
Oct 18, 2005
3,754
10
81
550W is even too much! I'm running a 520W Corsair and it's hardly taxing it. Plus a Q9450 @ 3.2GHz. 4 120mm fans, two 500GB drives. And a front panel. So you will be fine with the PSU. And don't let anyone tell you anytning else.

As for the heat... Well, it does exhaust the heat outside, but the card itself is very hot and warms the air inside substantially. My CPU temps jumped like 5C. Though I am running all 4 fans at 650RPM, so they're inaudible (TRUE + one Nexus on the CPU). And max I get now is 48C at load. A degree more or less. Good case organization and airflow is very welcome here (got a P182 myself).

Dunno about the size though compared to a 320GTS. Mine fits just right in a P182 and doesn't block any SATA slots on the mobo. But any longer than this and I could have problems.

Here's how it looks in my case:
Pic1
Pic2
 
MichaelD

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
31,529
3
76
550 Thermaltake =/ 520 Corsair. The Thermaltake is not of the same quality as the Corsair.
 
BassBomb

BassBomb

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2005
8,396
1
81
PSU has really low amperage and does not even have the 8pin eps12v

I would go for something better like a Corsair 550vx
 
Qbah

Qbah

Diamond Member
Oct 18, 2005
3,754
10
81
http://ati.amd.com/products/ce...wersupplies.html#pstop

Select Thermaltake and you'll see that there's a 550W PSU from this vendor certified for working with a HD4870. It's not exactly your model though. Google around for a comparison perhaps?

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm pretty sure you will have no problems running the card. As long as you have the space in your case. That pic you sent isn't very encouraging though :p And you can't take out the bay if it's in the way either (I do have that option if I wanted to run a HD4870X2 for example).

Take a measuring tape and check the size. Will take a minute and you'll be sure. In the worst case you can cut the bay I guess ;)
 
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