Does a 500W power supply provide sufficient power for the RX 5700 XT when the system runs smoothly?
Does a 500W power supply provide sufficient power for the RX 5700 XT when the system runs smoothly?
Hi everyone,
I’m seeking insights from real users and shared experiences.
My setup includes:
GPU – RX 5700 XT (Dell OEM)
CPU – i7-4770
RAM – 16GB
Power Supply – Antec EA-500W (80+ Bronze, previously used)
I’ve run this PSU for roughly four months with a GTX 750 Ti without issues.
In the past two weeks, I’ve been using the RX 5700 XT at an undervolted setting of 1800 MHz @ 950 mV with a –10% power limit.
The system has remained completely stable: no crashes, no random shutdowns, no black screens, and no driver timeouts.
My main games are RDR2, GTA V, and AC Valhalla.
AMD recommends a 600W PSU for the RX 5700 XT, so I wanted to know – is a decent 500W unit sufficient in practice?
Given that the system has been stable under these conditions, should I revert to default or stock settings for gaming? Or is it better to maintain the undervolt configuration long-term, particularly with a used PSU?
I’m not planning any overclocking.
I’m looking for practical advice, not just theoretical specs.
Appreciate your help!
Hi everyone,
I’m seeking insights from real users and shared experiences.
My setup includes:
GPU – RX 5700 XT (Dell OEM)
CPU – i7-4770
RAM – 16GB
Power Supply – Antec EA-500W (80+ Bronze, previously used)
I’ve run this PSU for roughly four months with a GTX 750 Ti without issues.
In the past two weeks, I’ve been using the RX 5700 XT at an undervolted setting of 1800 MHz @ 950 mV with a –10% power limit.
The system has remained completely stable: no crashes, no random shutdowns, no black screens, and no driver timeouts.
My main games are RDR2, GTA V, and AC Valhalla.
AMD recommends a 600W PSU for the RX 5700 XT, so I wanted to know – is a decent 500W unit sufficient in practice?
Given that the system has been stable under these conditions, should I revert to default or keep the undervolt settings for gaming?
Or would it be safer to maintain the low voltage over time, particularly with a used PSU?
I’m not planning any overclocking and am looking for practical advice, not just technical specs.
Appreciate your help!
PSU:
Antec EA-500W (80+ Bronze, previously used)
Initially, if this item was acquired used, please note its age before purchase. It would be helpful to share a photo of the unit's labels to confirm the Earthwatts model you're using, as there are several models available from Antec. If the device was launched in 2007, it may need replacement or a return. I’m unlikely to consider a return after four months.
https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/ra...0-xt.c3339
Your graphics card needs a stable power supply of at least 550W. Sticking to that specification is important; avoid lower wattages or unreliable units, as this ensures you have sufficient capacity.
Combining threads. Running threads on the same subject in different sections can cause confusion.
Thank you for your response.
Unfortunately, because the unit was purchased used locally, its precise age remains unclear. I’ll upload pictures of all marked sides of the PSU to help identify the exact EarthWatts revision.
For more details, the RX 5700 XT was tested with an undervolt of 1800 MHz at 950 mV (–10% PL) for about 20 days without any crashes or shutdowns. Running it at stock settings inside a closed case caused the GPU to become a hotspot around 104°C, which is why undervolting is now being used to control temperatures.
I know the advice suggests using a higher-wattage model in the long run, but my main goal right now is to ensure short-term safety while keeping it undervolted.
My PSU is an EarthWatts EA-500 Green............
My PSU is an EarthWatts EA-500 Green......
This document details the specifications.
The referenced file shows the Antec EA-500D, which includes a 3-year warranty.
It was released in 2010 and is currently 16 years old.
I previously owned a 5700XT that I purchased second-hand. It worked well for six months before failing. Perhaps I should have reduced its clock speed too; heh. I'm unsure if this counts as useful experience, but I'd keep it underclocked and save up for a new PSU.
Underwatted is challenging since we lack data on the wattage under those circumstances.
I’d feel uncertain about this PSU, though. I could possibly use a 500W unit if it were a high-quality one recently produced.
This particular model isn’t, though. In a setup with an older PC and GPU, it’s not even close to a 500W unit—it drops to around 400W due to its outdated design and limited power handling. A used 5700XT is affordable, but if I had the means to invest in a better PSU, I’d likely prioritize the graphics card more.
You might be able to manage it technically, but using a low-quality, very old PSU—especially one that’s been stored for ten years—is risky. You need to be fully aware of the potential issues before proceeding.