PSU requirements for graphic cards

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  1. Posts : 139
    windows 7 ultimate 32-bit
       #1

    PSU requirements for graphic cards


    im planning to build a pc
    i have a true rated 300watts psu, but hd 5450 needs atleast 400watts in psu. is it still ok to run the graphic card in that system i dont know about the amps.

    other spec
    pentium D 945
    2gb ddr2 ram
    intel mobo
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  2. Posts : 6,075
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
       #2

    I have to say no.

    It "May" run for a while but the 300 Watt PSU will be under heavy strain and will most likely die at some point, it may wreck some of your other components along the way when it dies too.

    In my opinion it is not worth the risk. I would recommend upgrading to the best branded PSU you can afford and higher than the 400 watts if possible, this will allow you the choice to get better graphics cards and components in the future should you wish.

    The problem is, you have not filled out your system specs, so we don't know what PC or case you have. This is of importance regarding the PSU too as many OEM cases will not allow the fitment of regular sized PSU's.

    Hope that helps a little.

    Paul.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #3

    I agree with Paul. The power supply recommendation is for your total system. Use a power supply calculator. Extreme Psu Calc I would get a 550 at the minimum, giving room for future upgrades.
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  4. Posts : 139
    windows 7 ultimate 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    ill think ill buy geforce 210 but i checked its psu recommended wattage is 250watts
    so is it fine to run in my 300 watt true rated if i changed it to geforce 210
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  5. Posts : 139
    windows 7 ultimate 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    i also checked geforce 210 psu requirements must havge atleast 300watt psu, so my system can handle geforce 210?
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  6. Posts : 6,075
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
       #6

    Should be OK, you are aware the 210 is a very low end GPU, I mean most cpu's have better built in graphics than that by a fair way now. It's fine for websurfing and basic games but don't expect much from it. I owned one a long time back.
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  7. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #7

    If you want to put ANY GPU in, you will need a new PSU. 300 Watts is just not enough - unless you want to set the house ablaze. And as was said, 550W is the minimum. I would even go with 650W from a reputable company like Antec.

    It's fun to wrestle with the wires. Here is when I did it last.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails PSU requirements for graphic cards-pict0091.jpg  
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  8. Posts : 6,075
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
       #8

    whs said:
    If you want to put ANY GPU in, you will need a new PSU. 300 Watts is just not enough - unless you want to set the house ablaze. And as was said, 550W is the minimum. I would even go with 650W from a reputable company like Antec.

    It's fun to wrestle with the wires. Here is when I did it last.
    Not wanting to start an argument, I also consider 300 watts to be too low for any modern GPU, but 550W is not needed as a minimum, there are some fantastic lower wattage PSU's available for lower end GPU's when a user is on a budget, for example the XFX Pro core edition 450 Watt or Corsair CX430 or Seasonic G-360 Watt.

    In certain circumstances with lower end GPU's these PSU's will do the job and do the job well.

    As I mentioned before I would recommend going higher than he needs for the purpose of future upgrades, but the point I am getting at is he does not need 550 Watt as a minimum based on the GPU he listed in his OP.

    I get the feeling he does not want to upgrade his PSU so all of this is pointless. Of course my recommendation would be to upgrade the PSU first, but it's up to him if he wants to take the risk.
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  9. Posts : 7,683
    Windows 10 Pro
       #9

    whs said:
    If you want to put ANY GPU in, you will need a new PSU. 300 Watts is just not enough - unless you want to set the house ablaze. And as was said, 550W is the minimum. I would even go with 650W from a reputable company like Antec.

    It's fun to wrestle with the wires. Here is when I did it last.
    Nice one Wolfgang
      My Computer


  10. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #10

    Thanks Drew.
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