F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Using an old power supply unit with a graphics card like an NVIDIA RTX 4090

Using an old power supply unit with a graphics card like an NVIDIA RTX 4090

Using an old power supply unit with a graphics card like an NVIDIA RTX 4090

H
Heyello
Member
196
06-14-2026, 02:43 AM
#1
Hey guys, I'm trying to upgrade my gaming computer. I have a Super Flower Leadex platinum 850w (model SF-850F14MP) that I bought back in 2015 and would like to keep if it works well enough. My plan is to get a 9800k with either a used Gainward Phantom GS 4090 (which came from my family) or a new 5070 that looks nice. The rest of the stuff will be two or three SSDs, maybe some NVMe drives instead of an HDD, and I'll probably get liquid cooling for the CPU, all inside a Corsair 750d power supply. Based on this setup, here are my questions: - Will my PSU handle a 9800k and a 4090? I thought it was a top-tier PSU, but back then someone recommended an 850w one in their review for the 4090. On forums, people have argued whether it's enough or if you should get at least a 1000w instead. - Have the power connector slots changed since my last computer was built? I saw some stories about new 12v connectors burning out on some GPUs. - Should I try getting a used GPU? Is adding extra VRAM actually better than just running DLSS and using less electricity? Thanks!
H
Heyello
06-14-2026, 02:43 AM #1

Hey guys, I'm trying to upgrade my gaming computer. I have a Super Flower Leadex platinum 850w (model SF-850F14MP) that I bought back in 2015 and would like to keep if it works well enough. My plan is to get a 9800k with either a used Gainward Phantom GS 4090 (which came from my family) or a new 5070 that looks nice. The rest of the stuff will be two or three SSDs, maybe some NVMe drives instead of an HDD, and I'll probably get liquid cooling for the CPU, all inside a Corsair 750d power supply. Based on this setup, here are my questions: - Will my PSU handle a 9800k and a 4090? I thought it was a top-tier PSU, but back then someone recommended an 850w one in their review for the 4090. On forums, people have argued whether it's enough or if you should get at least a 1000w instead. - Have the power connector slots changed since my last computer was built? I saw some stories about new 12v connectors burning out on some GPUs. - Should I try getting a used GPU? Is adding extra VRAM actually better than just running DLSS and using less electricity? Thanks!

B
BritishPing
Member
105
06-19-2026, 07:49 PM
#2
Surely that power supply unit is really excellent for this setup. Yet, ten years feels like quite a long stretch from the point of view of how well a PSU works over time. This matters if you've put a lot of stuff into it already.
B
BritishPing
06-19-2026, 07:49 PM #2

Surely that power supply unit is really excellent for this setup. Yet, ten years feels like quite a long stretch from the point of view of how well a PSU works over time. This matters if you've put a lot of stuff into it already.

R
71
06-27-2026, 03:13 AM
#3
I'd get a new PSU if your current one is ten years old. That's the end of warranty even for the best power supply. Also, the 4090 beats the 5080 in most ways, especially if you want to game at 4K where raw horsepower and VRAM really shine.
R
Rodcraft99_PvP
06-27-2026, 03:13 AM #3

I'd get a new PSU if your current one is ten years old. That's the end of warranty even for the best power supply. Also, the 4090 beats the 5080 in most ways, especially if you want to game at 4K where raw horsepower and VRAM really shine.

M
mike_channel
Member
130
06-27-2026, 12:02 PM
#4
It's a good idea to get a brand-new power supply too, but don't forget to leave your old one ready just in case.
M
mike_channel
06-27-2026, 12:02 PM #4

It's a good idea to get a brand-new power supply too, but don't forget to leave your old one ready just in case.

S
Snufelke
Junior Member
3
06-27-2026, 12:47 PM
#5
I've been stuck in the same situation since buying my car from 2016. Now I need to go look for something else.
S
Snufelke
06-27-2026, 12:47 PM #5

I've been stuck in the same situation since buying my car from 2016. Now I need to go look for something else.

D
Desertdare
Member
82
06-28-2026, 06:15 PM
#6
Hey, I didn't think about swapping it out because of how old it is. When the computer turns off, do they just shut up or do the parts get dangerous? That's hard to tell, but it takes about 15 to 20 hours a week on average. The PC was always turned down when we weren't using it.
D
Desertdare
06-28-2026, 06:15 PM #6

Hey, I didn't think about swapping it out because of how old it is. When the computer turns off, do they just shut up or do the parts get dangerous? That's hard to tell, but it takes about 15 to 20 hours a week on average. The PC was always turned down when we weren't using it.

T
71
06-29-2026, 12:51 AM
#7
Yeah, an old power supply is dangerous because it could break things or make them explode. You should get rid of the rusty old one and fix the problem now.
T
TheRealNoob123
06-29-2026, 12:51 AM #7

Yeah, an old power supply is dangerous because it could break things or make them explode. You should get rid of the rusty old one and fix the problem now.

B
BamBamJ
Junior Member
4
06-29-2026, 04:40 AM
#8
Do you want to know how much power I should put into it this year, specifically for a 1000-watt or a 1200-watt model?
B
BamBamJ
06-29-2026, 04:40 AM #8

Do you want to know how much power I should put into it this year, specifically for a 1000-watt or a 1200-watt model?

Y
ylyes4
Senior Member
572
07-02-2026, 10:25 PM
#9
Honestly, I don't think you'd ever need a PSU that big unless you're stacking several GPUs with an insanely power-hungry processor.
Y
ylyes4
07-02-2026, 10:25 PM #9

Honestly, I don't think you'd ever need a PSU that big unless you're stacking several GPUs with an insanely power-hungry processor.