GTX 460 power issues

[F1FAN]

I just got this GPU
http://www.zotac.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=100025&lang=un
And i have it set up on an artic power 600w PSU. I was using 2x 1 Molex to 6 pin and was working fine but on dirt 2, the frames would suddenly drop to 20fps and then go back up to 60, then on lap 2, driving on the same area it was fine, so it does it randomly. I replaced 1 of the 1 Molex to six pin with the 2 Molex to 6 pin provided and now i don’t get any frame drops.
I will be getting another PSU, but i would like to know if it is safe using it at the moment? And do you get better performance from a dedicated pci-e 6 pin connecter psu?

These are my pc specs (not the specs listed in system specs, this is a different pc)
23" monitor via DVI
amd phenom quad core 940 3.0ghz
4gb RAM DDR2 800mhz
600w arctic power PSU
640 WD sata HDD.
windows 7 32bit pro
AS rock N68C-S UCC

 

[Hopalong X]

And do you get better performance from a dedicated pci-e 6 pin connecter psu?

From what I have read, Yes! Most if not all have two and some three 12v rails instead of one. If you can get one as most do with dual/ SLI set up. You might decide to add another card at some point.
Minimum 800 watt and a major brand.
Mike

My PS you can use it as a comparison. This one is pricy on its own.
I bought it as a combo with the case so I got it a lot cheaper.

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2948

Hope that helps.

 

[thefabe]

Is it safe for now? Well probably for a while but I would suggest (like your going to do) and that is to get one with the dedicated connectors.
This way you will have power that is setup in your power supply dedicated to run your video card.

Before you purchase one some things to keep in mind.
Check the manufacturers recommended power supply wattage for your video card, even though it's more about the amps on the +12 V rail(s) that count.

Any quality 600w SLI or Crossfire certified power supply should be enough for the specs you have listed.But it never hurts to have more if you can afford it.
Check the efficiency rating on the power supply also you want to have 80% or higher.

As long as you buy a quality supply say a Corsair, Antec, OCZ or and their are others as well you'll be alright.

It's always been my opinion when it comes to your power supply always buy the best you can afford and one that has a little more power than just the minimum since I consider it to be a very important core piece of hardware in your system.

If you could provide what your budget is and possibly where you would be purchasing one from we could check out what they have available and give you a more definitive answer. Fabe

 

[F1FAN]

im from UK, and thinking this 1
Coolermaster GX 650W PSU - 6x SATA 2x PCI-E 80plus.. | Ebuyer.com
hopefully that will increase the frams because i think the reason why its droping to such a low frame rate, is the GPU isn't getting enough power at that givin time.

 

[archie123]

I replaced 1 of the 1 Molex to six pin with the 2 Molex to 6 pin provided and now i don’t get any frame drops

thats how it should be , now you have it connected correctly you dont need a new psu the one you have is most likey fine . 600w is plenty for a 460 system aslong as it is a reputable make , dont waste any cash getting a new psu you dont need one , 550w is good enough , you have 20a on the 12v rail thats pusing it but still ok dont listen to anyone telling you otherwise they should do their research before telling you to spend cash

MSI GeForce GTX 460 HAWK review

 

[F1FAN]

i have used all the molex as it has 3. the 1 molex to six pin and the 2 molex to six pin that was provided so that =3. But i still notice random frame drops. This time on far cry 2. COD MW2 seems fine though because its not as demanding .
Im pretty sure it is the PSU because when the frame drop does happen, the PSU seems to get louder, trying to cope.

 

[thefabe]

I replaced 1 of the 1 Molex to six pin with the 2 Molex to 6 pin provided and now i don’t get any frame drops

thats how it should be , now you have it connected correctly you dont need a new psu the one you have is most likey fine . 600w is plenty for a 460 system aslong as it is a reputable make , dont waste any cash getting a new psu you dont need one , 550w is good enough , you have 20a on the 12v rail thats pusing it but still ok dont listen to anyone telling you otherwise they should do their research before telling you to spend cash

MSI GeForce GTX 460 HAWK review

You make a statement they should do their research before telling you to spend cash.
Then you link him to a card that isn't his card(but will do for my point) and one of the very first things listed on that card you linked him to is

GeForce GTX 460 needs two 6-pin PEG connectors,

Followed by

Preferably the PEG headers should come directly from the power supply and are not converted from 4-pin Molex peripheral connectors.

You also reassure him by stating the one you have "should" be enough.
Followed by You have 20A on the 12v rail" that's pushing it" but still ok.

The OP seems to have pretty much decided his problem is with his power supply so, our responses were to point him in the direction of a power supply that would make a difference.

Like one that doesn't require using adapters to connect his graphics card.
When his current power supply was designed, powering a graphics card wasn't taken into consideration on how the power was going to be distributed.

Verses one that was designed with dedicated 6pin Graphics card power connectors.
It may seem like I'm trying to be ugly(I'm not) but the other posters were only trying to accommodate the OP's concerns about using his current power supply with the adapters if his graphics card is getting all the power it needs.

If you can afford the power supply you linked to, then I would get it.
If it will resolve your issue or not is yet to be determined, but at least you will know your card is receiving all the power it requires. JMO. Fabe

 

[F1FAN]

have ordered that PSU stated. i will get back with results