Best GPU to pair with 550W PSU?

[Ags1]

I have this PSU: Cooler Master V Series V550 - 80+ Gold. My CPU is an i7-6700 (non K) and I have no other components with significant power draw (just the usual USB ports and a Samsung SSD).

What would be the best GPU for this setup? I was thinking of either saving up for an R9 Nano for the combinatioon of performance with low power draw.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

A GTX 980ti will run on a good 550W PSU.

 

[Bearmann]

A GTX 980ti will run on a good 550W PSU.

Well, he has a good one. Tier 1, 600 watts output, 2 x 6+2 PCIe cables:

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/CoolerMaster/V550S/5.html

 

[DonkeyOatie]

A GTX 980ti will run on a good 550W PSU.

Well, he has a good one. Tier 1, 600 watts output, 2 x 6+2 PCIe cables:

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/CoolerMaster/V550S/5.html

Which I why I made no comment about considering something else.

The R9 Nano is a little better than the GTX980 and costs as much or more than the significantly better GTX980ti.

 

[Ags1]

R9 Nano would save me EUR160 vs 980Ti, but I didn't give a budget. I thought the 980Ti would not run on my PSU actually.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

You did not mention your market. In the US even the cheapest Nano I've seen is only $100 less than the GTX 980ti.

The GTX 980ti is a 250W GPU, your system should not exceed 100W. I'm happy to run a good PSU at 70% of capacity (or a little more), so 70% of 550W is 385W. You will get short, sudden, demand spikes of much higher draw from your GPU, but that's what high quality, high performance capacitors in your PSU are for.

 

[Ags1]

Thanks. I may save up for the 980Ti. This will push the purchase out by two months, which is a good thing as the new generation of GPUs should be coming available by the (May?).

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Yes. Unless I were desperate, I would be waiting for the next generation. If we look at the last cycle, the GTX 780ti was a beast and is still relevant, so a GTX980ti would still be an OK decision, but the release of the GTX 970 completely changed the market in terms of price performance. I expect Pascal to change the market in a similar, but different way.