From the original SynthMaker forum (2004–2014), with its members’ names and dates.
loopeytunes ·
Hey peeps, I need a little help from the computer masters. I've just bought a new pc here's my specs:
CPU: Interl Core i3 2.93GHz (4 CPUs) RAM: 3GB HDD: 500GB OTHER HARDWARE: Dual Layer DVD/RW+ PSU: 350 WATT
I've just been given a ATI Radeon Sapphire HD 3870 512mb. I installed the graphics card and everything runs smoothly, but then i checked what PSU i needed for the graphics card and it says 450 - 550 watt, could I still use the graphics card with my 350 watt PSU?
LT
trogluddite ·
350W sounds maybe a little low these days - but it really depends on the PSU, a good quality 350W can be better overall than a really cheap nasty 500W. I'd suggest using some stress test/hardware monitoring software to really push the system to it's limits, and keep an eye on the PSU voltages and temperature - if the system can take being run at near 100% for an hour, you're probably OK.
MichaelBenjamin ·
you can check the delivered power per volt-channel on your psu spec sheet, if that gfxcard got a special 4 pin power supply, maybe its also written how much the psu can deliver on that. i guess the gfx card uses the 12v channel, like most of the other stuff, so you can add up the consumptions and see if its ok. also if you dont use 3d opengl/dx programs and just use it for 2d desktop display then it should not matter.
loopeytunes ·
Thanks for the replies, I've just been running it most of the day playing pc games like Driving simulator 2009 etc and it seems ok at the moment so fingers crossed..lol
mayo ·
Hello loopeytunes,
first of all, core i3 is dual-core and not a quad-core 🙂
to your question about a PSU: I've calculated that your configuration needs a minimum of 260W and recommended is 310W (including two additional fans and 100% system laod -> cpu at max, gpu at max)
so 350W is on the edge and you might have a problems in the future withit
if you'll buy a new one, look for a PSU with active PFC - they are much better
MegaHurtz ·
my older cpu ran about a 50-60 celcius, never had any stalls at all. It was my modem thattd die in the summertime. Also the new dualcores are using the same technology as the quads. So they run really cool.
loopeytunes ·
mayo wrote: first of all, core i3 is dual-core and not a quad-core
yep i know it's dual core but it's split into 4 cpus I ran the dxdiag and it states in there it's split into 4 😀
mayo wrote: if you'll buy a new one, look for a PSU with active PFC - they are much better
thanks mate, I'll defo look for one asap 😀
MegaHurtz wrote: Also the new dualcores are using the same technology as the quads. So they run really cool.
yeah they sure are 😀
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