Can my PSU handle this OC?
Can my PSU handle this OC?
Hi, everyone!
My system is this:
-
Processor:
i5 2500K 3.3GHz [Stock] (which I'm planning to OC)
-
Video card:
GTX 970 EVGA SSC
-
Motherboard:
ASUS P8Z77-M
-
Memory:
16GB (2x8) Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz
-
Drives:
1x SSD Samsung 850 EVO 250GB + 1x HDD Seagate Barracuda 320GB + 1x DVD-RW
-
Coolers:
Hyper 212 EVO + 4x 120mm fans across the case (5 with the Hyper 212 included)
-
PSU:
Antec Gamer 520W 80 plus Bronze (
3 years old
)
So, I have two questions:
1)
Do I really need an overclock, considering a VGA bottleneck from that processor?
2)
If I need it, how much OC? And will my PSU handle it?
Many thanks in advance!!
the 500w estimate is just that; the system will operate below that even when overclocked. Companies need to anticipate many users running poor and inexpensive power supplies, so they add extra capacity to handle all scenarios. Likely it falls between 350 to 400, possibly reaching 425 with extreme overclocking. Personally, I’d suggest a moderate overclock for the chip. You have the K chip with a decent CPU cooler.
I wouldn't overclock that PSU, the 970 suggests 500w (it's just an estimate), but you won't have much extra power left and you prefer to keep some capacity unused so the PSU doesn't run at full capacity.
the 500w estimate is just that; the system will operate below that even when overclocked. Companies need to anticipate many users running poor and inexpensive power supplies, so they add extra to ensure reliability. Likely it falls between 350 to 400, possibly reaching 425 with extreme overclocking.
the 500w estimate is just that, the system will use less than that even overclocked. Companies need to account for many users running poor and cheap power supplies, so they overestimate to cover all situations. Likely somewhere between 350 to 400, maybe 425 with an extreme overclock. personally i would suggest a moderate overclock on the chip. You have the K chip a decent cooler. That was what crossed my mind when I read the other answer. Thank you for your help on both topics, sportsfanboy
Remember you can achieve a solid output while maintaining voltage levels, so you can conserve power unless you aim for higher performance which might require increasing the voltage. I believe the PSU will work well for you.
I don't think three years is an issue. My 7-year-old PSU still works well with an overclocked 4790k. Capacitor wear can seem exaggerated, but my friend's old Maranz amp from the mid-70s still functions properly. As long as you keep the unit cool, it shouldn't cause problems. Also, Burges is right—you can get a modest overclock without needing extra volts, or by adding a small amount, which could add around 10 or 20 extra watts.
burgessanthony :
Don't forget you could get a decent oc and keep the voltage stock....so can keep power down unless you want to go higher abs may need to bump voltage. But I think you will be fine on that psu
Thank you for the tip, burges!
sportsfanboy :
yw... I don't think three years is a problem. I have a 7 year old psu that I still game on with an overclocked 4790k. capacitor aging can also be blown out of proportion. I mean my friend for example has an old maranz amplifier from the mid 70's and the power unit is still fine. as long as you keap the unit cool their shouldn't be a problem.
also burges is correct, you can achieve modest overclock with no ex volts sometimes, or by adding a little, which might equate to 10 or 20 extra watts tops.
Thanks, I'm really glad to know those things about the PSU aging!
Anyway, I tested a 4.5GHz OC here, following a step-by-step guide, but turns out my temps got to 60ºC on idle (which is strange, considering the Hyper 212 EVO and the Thermaltake TG-2 thermal paste). So I guess I'll stick to the stock clock, which now I think won't bottleneck the GTX 970