Just got A PB iExtreme 5620 UK, has onboard Grforce 7100 Graphics card. Want to upgrade Graphics Card checked my PSU unit found it is only a 250w, do not really want to change my PSU because of warranty. Been looking at graphic cards the SapphireHD 5670 is suppose to run on very low power, could it run on 250w PSU. I have been reading conflicting reports, used power usage programs, which tells me my current setup is way underpowered yet itruns perfect. My set up is Windows 7 64 bit, Quad Processor 8300, 4Gb DDR2 Memory, 640Gb HDD, DVD Drive.
The 5670 barely draws 60 Watts at extreme load but ATI recommends a 400 Watt or greater PSU. As long as its a quality PSU you should be fine, but its a bit on the low end. Its better having a PSU thats a little over the top rather than one thats just up to scratch.
I think the PB ixtreme x5620 has a pretty generic PSU, although I couldnt find any specific specs (you should confirm this manually) and if you are thinking of doing any overclocking I would consider an upgrade.
What type of budget would you consider for a new GPU or GPU + PSU? I would consider a Corsair CX400 or HX450 and the HD4850 over the 5670 (newer isnt always better). The 4850 crushes the 5670 in performance even though the HD5670 is DX11 capable, it already struggles to handle DX10 games.
Originally posted by kgtrain: The 5670 barely draws 60 Watts at extreme load but ATI recommends a 400 Watt or greater PSU. As long as its a quality PSU you should be fine, but its a bit on the low end. Its better having a PSU thats a little over the top rather than one thats just up to scratch.
I think the PB ixtreme x5620 has a pretty generic PSU, although I couldnt find any specific specs (you should confirm this manually) and if you are thinking of doing any overclocking I would consider an upgrade.
What type of budget would you consider for a new GPU or GPU + PSU? I would consider a Corsair CX400 or HX450 and the HD4850 over the 5670 (newer isnt always better). The 4850 crushes the 5670 in performance even though the HD5670 is DX11 capable, it already struggles to handle DX10 games.
Thanks Kgtrain seen the Corsair on Ebuyer, has very good reviews. The problem is I don't want to invalidate my warranty. The HD5670 caught my eye claiming to be low powered if the Geforce 7100 onboard Card runs on 250w surely the HD5670 will or have I missed something. I get your point about The Corsair/HD4850 but like everything else it comes down to money. Corsair £55 HD4850 £80? = £150 or their abouts
Originally posted by HarryD2010: The HD5670 caught my eye claiming to be low powered if the Geforce 7100 onboard Card runs on 250w surely the HD5670 will or have I missed something.
You are right mostly right. A quality 250 watt PSU will supply enough power to a 5670, but if you have a generic PSU (again I think you might, you should confirm this by visually checking for us and reporting back what it is please) you could cause major damage to your PC.
I'll refer you to another thread if you don't mind.
Its not that I'm trying to talk you out of the 5670, just make sure you have read as much information as possible such as shootouts or 'vs' with other ATI card and reviews focusing specifically on their power consumption and you should find they will say to use a only 'quality PSU'.
The decision is yours but I would focus on a new PSU to begin with. When I first started getting more into computers and overclocking I got my graphics cards over a new power unit and windows would always crash. I'm lucky that I didn't cause any damage. Maybe keep the origional PSU and if something goes wrong and you need to use the warranty, shove it back in there before you send it off.
