Windows 7: Graphics Card Upgrade

adt · 03 Sep 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Wishmaster

What Solarstarshines said

The 570 will chew up most games out ATM at 1080P resolutions.
So at 1680x1050, it may actually be a bit more than you need. But if you ever decide to get a higher resolution display, it will be up to the task.

As far as the PSU, what bothers me is the fact they are not outright with specs. Such as the Amps it has on the 12V rail.
Or at least, I couldn't find those specs. Only that it was 800W.

When it comes to PSUs, the wattage itself is not nearly as important as effeciency and the 12V rail amps.

I would recommend to sticking with one of the more reputable brands as mentioned previously.
A 650W or so of one of these will be plenty.

If I had to guess, I would say a 650W Antec, Corsair, or Seasonic would be significantly more powerful, cooler, & energy effecient than the 800W EZcool PSU.

I could be wrong, but just my thoughts for what its worth.
I wouldn't trust something like that to run my system plus a $300+ GPU.
But thats just me.

If it would help I could always take a picture of the sticker on the PSU if you like? I've seen that it has relevant details. And if I may ask what are the risks of running on a cheap PSU? I've had it for 2 years now and it has not caused me any problems.

EDIT: actually I've just taken a picture hope it helps.

Solarstarshines · 03 Sep 2011

If this was your PSU it is 80+ certified you are good to go

Ezcool Ambiance 80+ 800W 80+ Efficiency Dual 12V Rail PSU, Retail Box [EZCOOL-AMBIANCE-800] from Overclock.co.uk

But this is your and it is not 80+ certified i had to edit my post cause thiere are two different versions hence you got the cheaper model

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Compo...roductId=38126

Wishmaster · 03 Sep 2011

The GTX 570 requires a minimum of 38A on the 12V rail.

Your PSU has 2 rails at 22A each. if you add them together, it would be 44A.
Which is, it would seem, about the same as the 285.
So you may be OK.

The 550W, 38A requirement does take into consideration the GPU and most common system setups.

This is what I was refering to in my last post.
That PSU is 800W @ 44Amps.
A Corsair 650, for example, is 650W @ 52Amps and 80+ certified.

Essentially, that means its creating more useable power for the PC, and its pulling less power from the wall to do so.

Although you may be OK as it is, I would look into upgrading it at some point.
Again, this is just my opinion and a suggestion as to what I would do.

The reason?
1) The run cooler
2) Create more power at lower wattage while using less electricity
3) More stable power (clean power)
4) Often, more reliable

If a PSU surges, it can may die and take several components with it.
Motherboard, RAM, CPU, Graphics card, etc ...

Higher Quality PSUs many times can somewhat limit the damage.
In such a case, they may blow & die, but can save the rest of the PC in the process limiting the damage to within itself.

adt · 04 Sep 2011

Ok, I''ll go ahead and order the card next week for now and I shall start putting money aside for a PSU and probably get one by Christmas time. Would that be a good idea?

Windows 7: Graphics Card Upgrade

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