Adjusting the CPU speed on this PSU+GPU setup
Adjusting the CPU speed on this PSU+GPU setup
Hello everyone! I'm currently in Miami (from Argentina) and recently purchased an MSI R9 390 with a new Sandisk SSD (240gb). My existing PC has an AMD FX 6300 BE CPU on a basic motherboard, a XFX TS Pro 550w PSU, two 4GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM modules at 5200 rpm HDD. I've already checked online using the extreme PSU calculator and accounted for a new motherboard and CPU fan. I calculated the power draw at both normal speeds and a 4.5GHz overclock. The results were 455w in stock and 485w when overclocked. My questions are:
- Should I try overclocking my CPU while having that GPU?
- Will my PSU handle the extra load from the overclock and all components?
- Is it safe to push the power usage at that level?
Thank you!
275 watt video card paired with a 125 watt processor, using around 70 watts for other components.
475 Watts under full load, roughly 420 Watts during gaming, about 80% of the power supply should handle errors safely. I’d consider replacing it if I buy a new one. When building PCs, I aim for a PSU that stays in the 70% range during stress tests.
You have a decent PSU but it's not providing enough power for overclocking. If you were using a GTX 970 instead, a 750W PSU would work well, otherwise you should be fine.
And if you're considering just boosting the CPU's performance, it's still viable. Otherwise, I won't proceed with any overclocking efforts, as I was assured my power supply could manage it.
275 watt video card paired with a 125 watt processor, using around 70 watts for other components.
475 Watts under full load, roughly 420 Watts during gaming, about 80% of the power supply should handle errors safely. I’d consider replacing it if I buy a new one. When building PCs, I aim for a PSU that stays in the 70% range during stress tests.
Zerk recommends considering a new PSU only if you plan to overclock, not otherwise.
Hello, thank you Zerk! Do you think I should buy a new PSU or only if I plan to overclock? To be honest, I believe you're fine without overclocking just for gaming. Avoid any stress tests. I’d consider upgrading soon since you’ll need to overclock the processor to get good performance, and I know most people don’t have much money. If I were you, I’d run it if necessary and use it to sell for a replacement. Just don’t overclock and skip stress tests. That XFX power supply is really good, with Seasonic quality.
Thank you! For safely overclocking your CPU and GPU, I recommend checking their specific wattage limits. Also, for future upgrades to AMD's newer CPUs, aim for at least that wattage to ensure compatibility. Let me know if you need more details!
I haven't checked the new AMD processors closely, and I'm not sure if they'll work with AM3+ boards. It's hard to say for sure.
With what you have now, a 750-watt power supply would allow you to push your system to its maximum capacity.
The price jump from 650 watts to 750 watts isn't huge, so I'd be cautious.
I still prefer sticking to the 70% power supply range during stress tests.
Stress tests are rarely at full load like gaming does, and you rarely use both the CPU and graphics card at 100%.