Graphics/Video Card & PSU

Shulim · July 2012

I do lots of video editing, so I bought a big graphics card ($270, link below). It plugs into the PCI-E port, but I just realized that it needs power supply as well, and it takes 2 6-pin cables. My computer has a couple extra-looking cables lying around, but those have 4 pins. Should I buy 4-pin to 6-pin adapter and plug it into my current minuscule PSU (250w) and hope for the best?
Or do I definitely need a PSU upgrade?

Thanks so much.

NewEgg.com link to my graphics card

Here are the specs on my PC:

HP.com info on my pc

Trev · July 2012

Advice Warning #1: Take it to a Computer place, get them to check it out. Far cheaper than frying a new Graphics card or your total system.

Advice Warnings 2/3: Read # 1 again.

Trev.

Shulim · July 2012

That was helpful. Thanks, Trev.

Trev · July 2012

Sorry if I sounded a bit flippant, but there would be no way I would muck around on the fly only to have my system compromised in any way.

Trev.

Mgarber · July 2012

PSUs are cheap, and 250v is low if you plan on getting more hard drives (which you will unless A. You use an external NAS, or B. You use an ever growing pile of USB hard drives, or C. You use an online backup, which you probably don't because they are slow and expensive.)

Oh, and don't kill yourself by electrocution when you take the thing out

Shulim · July 2012

Trev, thanks, I'm seriously considering your advice, although I'm out of town now, which makes it difficult to find a computer place (I was hoping to get your advice on this, as I've read your other posts on computer hardware).

Mgarber (and Trev): are higher power PSUs bigger in size? I want them to fit in my casing.

Trev · July 2012

Shulim,

Various PSUs would differ in size with power but also in brands.

I have an Antec 1200 Full Tower gaming Case, 12 bays, so space is not a problem and I would not be able to recommend a PSU for your needs since anytime I get a PC, I don't just upgrade, I build a complete new system, including case so I am not reliant on old components and newer ones.

Currently I have the Antec 1000W PSU which handles my 6 HDDs and 3 burners, 6 fans effortlessly.

Not having anything to do with HP gear I could not advise what would/not fit into that particular case.

Honestly, see if you can actually call someone from HP or even a HP dealer store, see what can/won't fit.

As Mgarber said, 250W is pretty low these days. I had a 200W back in 1995.

That Graphics Card looks damn awesome though, should be a nice fit into your system, as long as you are able to install it and have it all running on only 250W. Certainly get a second opinion.

Trev.

Shulim · July 2012

Thanks, Trev. HP customer service is said to be a misnomer, but perhaps I'll try calling them anyway. Thanks.

Howie · July 2012

From Newegg:

System Requirements:
Minimum of a 500 Watt power supply

According to this site, http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4594/amd_radeon_hd_7850_2gb_reference_video_card_review/index17.html

the card draws 257W under load.

Shulim · July 2012

Howie, thanks, i never read those specs b4. Now I have to look up a PSU that has all of the connectors that my current psu has, plus the 2 six-pin connectors for this graphics card. It also has to fit into my tower, I guess.

Shulim · July 2012

After googling around a bit, and checking the specs on my current PSU, I bought this 500w piece for $50. I'll let you guys know if it works, and if I fry my computer (everything's backed up)!

Thanks again, Howie, Trev and Mgarber.

My new PSU from newegg

Mgarber · July 2012

Good luck! and be safe!

Chrisegg · July 2012

I would get a new 500w power supply compatible with your board and graphics card.

Chrisegg · July 2012

It is highly likely your graphic card will need a power supply of greater than 400 watts. I would normally install a 600 watt power supply with any high end graphics card.

Mgarber · July 2012

Trev, do you have any advice about graphics cards? I now have 4 monitors now and am looking at either getting 2 cards to run SLI or some other solution that will let me use them all at the same time.

That aside, are there any specs I should watch out for which would be especially beneficial to using Photoshop or Lightroom? I know back when I used Maya, having a better graphics card really sped up the hardware rendering.

Trev · July 2012

I always stick to the NVidia [Gigabyte] Brands personally.

Not cheap, but damn well worth it.

This one [Australian Online site] would fit the bill. Multi-view of 4.

****load of Cache and speed with GDDR5 Memory.

http://umart.com.au/pro/products_listnew.phtml?id=10&id2=247&bid=4&sid=92543

You will need minimum 550W PSU.

Now, if you really want your eyeballs to hurt with blinding speed, rendering quality, this sucker here:
http://umart.com.au/pro/products_review.phtml?id=10&bid=4&id2=247&sid=77919

But it will set you back a huge chunk of change and you need a large PSU of 700+W

Trev.

OUCH: This has gotta hurt the hip pocket, but look at the specs:
http://umart.com.au/pro/products_listnew.phtml?id=10&id2=247&bid=4&sid=92448

Shulim · July 2012

Not to interrupt the thread: I just want to update everyone that I've successfully installed the new PSU, and my graphics card is doing a wonderful job. I can certainly imagine that a better one would do better, but this one is just awesome!

Trev · July 2012

Shulim,

Bloody marvellous mate. Good to hear you are now a happy camper.

Trev.

Shulim · July 2012

Thanks. I actually started enjoying work - it feels more like play with this gaming card

Mgarber · July 2012

Hmmm... one of the good things about Taiwan, that last one you posted costs about $350AUD less here

35,900.00 TWD = 1,145.57 AUD
http://tw.page.bid.yahoo.com/tw/auction/f38727993;_ylt=Ar0wA83MDbhYbXV1EAweorCpFLJ8?u=Y6527527667

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