Windows 7: I have 300 Watt... AMD recommends 400 Watt?

linux731 · 12 Apr 2011

Help please. I recently contacted AMD about my XFX RADEON HD 4650 card that I was having some problems overclocking it on CCC. When I click Apply settings, nothing seems to happen, like if it didn't work. I also have this little Windows Sidebar thing that tells me info about my card. It says that the GPU is clocked to 600MHz, which I on CCC selected 700MHz. I also can't seem to change the fan speed. I put it to 100% and the sound of the card is still the same. Could this Watt thing be a problem in the future?

biggles1000 · 12 Apr 2011

yeah, wattage is the power supply. if you have a 300W PSU, nice

(mines only 180 :P)
most mid-range new graphics cards have a 300W minimum, so if you're wanting to overclock it I guess it's just saying you need more power. I'm afraid the only fix is getting a new PSU (i'd recommend a 450W one just to be on the safe side). considering that your computer is a dell and not built by you, you may not have been inside it yet. if not, i'll try to guide you through it if you do choose to get a new PSU

biggles1000 · 12 Apr 2011

oh yeah, with the fan noise, when i put a good graphics card in my machine that didn't have anywhere close to the power requirements for it, the fan didn't spin at all, so yeah, again that's the PSU.

Sardonicus · 12 Apr 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by linux731

Help please. I recently contacted AMD about my XFX RADEON HD 4650 card that I was having some problems overclocking it on CCC. When I click Apply settings, nothing seems to happen, like if it didn't work. I also have this little Windows Sidebar thing that tells me info about my card. It says that the GPU is clocked to 600MHz, which I on CCC selected 700MHz. I also can't seem to change the fan speed. I put it to 100% and the sound of the card is still the same. Could this Watt thing be a problem in the future?

Are you using the latest driver from the AMD site. AMD Graphics Drivers & Software

GeneO · 12 Apr 2011

You definitely should get a higher wattage PS - I would say at least 450W. That may not solve your problem though. Do you havr the most recent ATI/AMD drivers for the card/

linux731 · 12 Apr 2011

Thanks guys fot the help. Yes, I have the most recent AMD drivers. (I get them from the XFX website since it is specific for my card). My PSU is 300Watt. But, I just noticed something. I opened iTunes and did the little Visualizer and then I looked at my sidebar gadget. It says that the Clock increased to the level I put it in the CCC program. So I guess now it's working. But my main question is that since I have a 300 Watt and XFX recommends a 400 Watt, do I have any problems?

biggles1000 · 12 Apr 2011

running a graphics card like that with just a 300W PSU is rather risky. I would recommend that you do get a new 450W at least PSU.

Everlong · 12 Apr 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by linux731

Thanks guys fot the help. Yes, I have the most recent AMD drivers. (I get them from the XFX website since it is specific for my card). My PSU is 300Watt. But, I just noticed something. I opened iTunes and did the little Visualizer and then I looked at my sidebar gadget. It says that the Clock increased to the level I put it in the CCC program. So I guess now it's working. But my main question is that since I have a 300 Watt and XFX recommends a 400 Watt, do I have any problems?

The recommended wattage is usually based on a specific set of specifications. For general usage you might be okay, but playing games where you start stressing the card more might cause some problems.

linux731 · 12 Apr 2011

Oh crap guys. I'm kinda confused. My computer is a Dell, so I still have a warranty. I'm afraid that changing a PSU is extremely difficult. Overall, I kind of fell disappointed with my purchase. I never knew a $80 card could cause me to buy a $200 PSU.

Sardonicus · 12 Apr 2011

Using a power calculator, you should exceed 300 watts, even with the most basic components.
Thermaltake Power Supply Calculator

Windows 7: I have 300 Watt... AMD recommends 400 Watt?

I have 300 Watt... AMD recommends 400 Watt? problems?