PSU Thread 2

[imported_Neptune]

Now i have another dilemma.

I did not buy a PSU, like everybody recommend. You guys think that it will fry my whole system. Thing is, the last upgrade ive had (7600 gt) was at around christmas, so my question is to you: since ive been using the same psu for so long, can i continue to use it without the risk of frying?

Keep this in mind: I opened up my old comp (stock : Compaq, 4.0 MB GPU memory [integrated], 64 MB of RAM, 12 gig hard drive you get the point...) and noticed it ran a 240w psu, which is the same as the one im running now.

My second question is, if it wont fry, will i be surprised in a performance boost? If not, im not buying. Will the boost be noticable, in other words.

[=FCS=GI*DumB$hiT]

Re: PSU Thread 2

There is always a risk of frying, even with the $300 PSU's. Also keep in mind that those specs are around the decade mark, think of the stuff then...as you pointed out...and look at now.

And you may find a boost. If you bottleneck in game it may be caused by the PSU, not being able to give enough power to the essential parts (ie GPU). I know I just upgraded mine, and noticed a difference. I went from a 500w generic to a 700w GameXstream.


If your spending the money on the rig, why not buy the insurance of a quality PSU.

[megawhompertoo]

Re: PSU Thread 2

If it's running and you haven't been having problems, then compaq probably chose a decent supplier and you're probably safe.

PSU's don't bottleneck, as a rule, and if it is "bottlenecking", that means it isn't supplying ample power to your +12v rail/vCore. you can determine this (roughly) by using a program like speedfan and viewing the vCore/+12v rail immediately after exiting a game you suspect might be (cough, cough) "bottlenecking" your electron flow from your psu.

There have been some really good deals on 500-550W psu's with active PFC that compensate for power fluctations on newegg, from very decent mfgs. It wouldn't hurt to plug in a psu that will protect your components, but if your components are going on 2-3 years old, you're looking at diminishing returns.

me? i'd stick it out with what was working, but i'm a tightwad.

[imported_Neptune]

Re: PSU Thread 2

Ok i want to confirm one thing though, is my psu the most bottlenecking thing i have on my system? If not, is my pc bottlenecked at all?

[solofowaffles]

Re: PSU Thread 2

Ok i want to confirm one thing though, is my psu the most bottlenecking thing i have on my system? If not, is my pc bottlenecked at all?

well if the 12v rail isnt giving enough your cpu could slow down or the other way and your gpu slow down.

[megawhompertoo]

Re: PSU Thread 2

i hereby forbid you from uttering the word bottleneck in reference to your psu ever again. :)

if everything is running and not crashing, then your psu is currently just fine for that system. psu's do fail; most take 5-10 years. making it work harder (say...plugging a relatively high-ish power sucking 7600gt into a weak-ish psu) will accelerate that failure, so you are--somewhat--taking your chances.

it's a gamble i'd take, but when i did start looking to upgrade, the first thing i would upgrade WOULD be the psu. the first thing i upgraded to in my current system was a 380W --> 650W psu i got w/a very good sale (both antec, li'l bit of a fanboi here). then I was free to plug in w/e the heck I wanted down the road.

that doesn't mean i'd run out and get one right now for your current system; that means i'd keep an eye out for a decent one when i spot a very good sale.