Which graphics card for use on a 500w PSU

[amd_user]

I'm looking to upgrade my graphics card as the one i have is getting old and it is failing on me but i am not sure what to go for.

I have an OCZ STEALTHXSTREAM 2 500w power supply which has only 1 pci-e connector which is a 6pin so any card i get needs to be sufficient enough for that PSU to power it.

 

[SieB]

A GTX460 (which is 2x 6pin but it comes with an adapter) or a 6850 would run ok on a 500W PSU, I have a 480w PSU and that runs my 6850 no probs. You might be able to run a 560TI if you are not doing any overclocking as well.

 

[Grizzly]

With only one 6 pin you can only get a gtx 550 unless you use adapters.

 

[Karlos_the_n00b]

Not sure what your budget is but AMD say that 500W and one 6 pin is enough for a 6850 and most of those get decent enough reviews, just stay away from the Sapphire Toxic as that needs two 6 pin connectors. If that's more than you want to pay then just go through the other cards on the AMD website and see what there power requirements are on the specification page until you find something in your price range.

http://www.amd.com/u...overview.aspx#3

On the NVIDIA side of things there's the 550 TI which only needs 400W but I haven't seen any reviews on those so no idea what there like.

http://uk.geforce.co.../specifications

 

[Grizzly]

Not sure what your budget is but AMD say that 500W and one 6 pin is enough for a 6850 and most of those get decent enough reviews, just stay away from the Sapphire Toxic as that needs two 6 pin connectors.

Sorry wasn't meaning to steer away from AMD, forgot that only needed one as well.

 

[SieB]

Don't forget about these thing guys

http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/product.aspx?code=LE-PSPCI-E1&af=50

 

[S_I_N]

500 to 550 watt is MIN for a 560ti depending on vendor and its oc. I would get the 560 and save up for a higher watt psu. I love my 560ti she's da beez knees. Runs crysis2 at extreme at 49-60fps

 

[amd_user]

Just got the PSU i have although depending on what happens with the system i'm doing up i might be getting something for it so could put my OCZ psu in that system and use the funds from that to get a higher watt one if required.

Might take a look at the 560ti see if i can run it.

 

[S_I_N]

it will run it I'm certain of that but other factors to consider is the rest of the system. First off no oc as its the bare min for the card an oc will assist in falures. secondly what other gear are ya running in your rig. For instance I have 4 hhd's that plays into to overall picture for wattage consumption as well. why not give us a run-down of the entire rig that will help us assist you.

 

[amd_user]

I have a Phenom II X2 545, 4x1Gb of RAM, Coolit Eco cooler +2 fans, 1 HDD that's always connected for windows, a wifi card, several antec 900 case fans.

 

[S_I_N]

well without SPECIFIC info for ur rig I guessed some I did ur 545cpu the 560ti 4 ddr3 mem 2x120mm for the coolit 4 extra 120mm fans 1 7200rmp hdd and a dvd/cdrw and came out at 460watts. so you'll be running near peak full time so a psu will def be warranted for stability

let me say when seeking help listing your full rigs specs is very helpful to those of us helping you. its easy to create a sig like mine in our user profile section. And make it to where its seen not to where we have to go to ur profile to view it. ( basically we have 2 spots to list ur components)

 

[amd_user]

Could possibly swap the PSU i got in my own system into the system i'm doing up and any funds from that could go towards a decent higher wattage power supply that would run a 560ti.

 

[SmoulderingCircuits]

I'd look into upgrading your processor too

 

[magicc8ball]

To run the 560 you need at least a 550 and that is what MSI recommends. I am assuming you will be going with a 3rd party vendor for the 560 and not nvidia's.

I recommend atleast a 650 and well a 750 to 800 is ideal imho. I run the Corsair TX 750.