Will my existing PSU work with this new GeForce GTX 260

[Epsil0n00]

Total n00b question here:
Will my existing PSU work with the GeForce GTX 260 I'm about to purchase?

Here's the PSU I have:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817104954

Here's the Video card I am going to purchase:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130400

So, I can see that my current PSU is listed as only having 1 x PCI-E connector, and the video card needs 2 6pin connectors. ...but it also looks like the video card comes with 2 adapters... so all I would need is one free Molex to adapter into the 6pin connector needed by the video card... right?

Also, this PSU is a good quality PSU 450W PSU... but the specs on the video card recommend a minimum of a 500W PSU. Do you think I need to upgrade the PSU due to insufficient wattage?

Here are the other components in the case:
Athlon 64 X2 4800
2GB PC3200
2 x 7200 rpm HDD
2 x optical drives
4 fans (3 case fans, 1 cpu)
1 x NIC


What do you think? Do I need a new PSU?

 

[DSF]

How long has the PSU been in service? Also, what screen resolution are you playing at? If your screen is relatively small your processor might end up hamstringing that video card anyway.

 

[Epsil0n00]

Originally posted by: DSF
How long has the PSU been in service? Also, what screen resolution are you playing at? If your screen is relatively small your processor might end up hamstringing that video card anyway.

Thanks for your response...

The PSU has been in use for 2.5 years.

I have a 24" monitor and usually play games at 1920x1200... sometimes lower depending on the game. I know my CPU/chipset/RAM is in need of upgrading... I am planning on doing the GPU now and the rest of it in like 4 months or so. I figure that I will need a new PSU when it comes time to upgrade the CPU/RAM/Mobo... but I was hoping to wait and get the PSU along with that upgrade.

<Edit> So really, I guess I am wondering if I can get by on my current PSU for 6 months max until I do my larger system upgrade...

 

[mpilchfamily]

How long the PSU has been in service has nothing to do with the question. Bottom line is that a 450W PSU isn't sufficient for that video card. Then factor in that it only has a single PCI-e connector when the card needs 2 means you need a new PSU. You'll want a good quality 500W or better PSU.

 

[Epsil0n00]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
How long the PSU has been in service has nothing to do with the question. Bottom line is that a 450W PSU isn't sufficient for that video card. Then factor in that it only has a single PCI-e connector when the card needs 2 means you need a new PSU. You'll want a good quality 500W or better PSU.

Even when I have a free Molex connector that I can use with the supplied adapter?

Wouldn't this really come down to how many watts I'm currently using for all the other internal devices and how close I am to hitting the 450W limit of my PSU (ie. how much headroom is available)?

 

[Epsil0n00]

I just came across another thread in the PSU sub-forum where someone was asking a very similar question... and everyone told him to upgrade the PSU first. It looks like this really comes down to a limitation of available power on the 12v rails specifically.

Here's the thread I am talking about:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2257324&enterthread=y

Looks like I'm going to go shopping for a new PSU to accompany my video card... didn't want to do it now, but at least I'll be ready for that new CPU and Mobo when the time comes.

Thanks!
Eps.

 

[DSF]

There's a nice PCP&C 610W for $55 after rebate with free shipping at Newegg. At least it was going at that price yesterday.

 

[Epsil0n00]

Originally posted by: DSF
There's a nice PCP&C 610W for $55 after rebate with free shipping at Newegg. At least it was going at that price yesterday.

got link?

 

[JPB]

Probably this one