[SOLVED] Can I run Radeon HD 6850 with my i5-2400S with 320W PSU?

[Sandman__]

Hi guys, I currently have a system with the following specs:

Dell Optiplex 790

• Intel Core i5-2400S
• DDR3 (4x2 = 8GB)
• 2 HDDs

I've recently got Radeon HD 6850 (Power Color Edition) from one of my friends just to see if I can run/test it in my system. GPU has 6-pin connector, but my PSU doesn't have any 6-pin connector. So, I'm planning on to use Sata to 6-pin connector. My PSU details:

DC Output

• 5.0 V ----- 13.0 A ]
• 3.3 V ----- 10.0 A ] Total 90W Max

• 12.0VA ---- 17.0A ]
• 12.0VB ---- 13.0A ] Total 280W Max

- 12.0V ---- 0.5A
+ 5.0VFP ---- 4.0A

Total Power: 320W Max.

Can I really go on with this??? Is it okay to use Sata to 6-Pin connector??? Is 320W PSU is okay for HD 6850???

 

[Sandman__]

Hi guys, I currently have a system with the following specs:

Dell Optiplex 790

• Intel Core i5-2400S
• DDR3 (4x2 = 8GB)
• 2 HDDs

I've recently got Radeon HD 6850 (Power Color Edition) from one of my friends just to see if I can run/test it in my system. GPU has 6-pin connector, but my PSU doesn't have any 6-pin connector. So, I'm planning on to use Sata to 6-pin connector. My PSU details:

DC Output

• 5.0 V ----- 13.0 A ]
• 3.3 V ----- 10.0 A ] Total 90W Max
• 12.0VA ---- 17.0A ]
• 12.0VB ---- 13.0A ] Total 280W Max

- 12.0V ---- 0.5A
+ 5.0VFP ---- 4.0A

Total Power: 320W Max.

Can I really go on with this??? Is it okay to use Sata to 6-Pin connector??? Is 320W PSU is okay for HD 6850???

 

[lvt]

I won't run any dedicated GPU with PSU less than 450W as the minimum albeit a 550W will make me feel more comfortable.

 

[Sandman__]

Currently, I dont plan on changing PSU. So can I go with current PSU?? and will Sata to 6-pin connector work fine??

 

[lvt]

Currently, I dont plan on changing PSU. So can I go with current PSU?? and will Sata to 6-pin connector work fine??

If the SATA to 6pin is intended to be used with a GPU, it will work.

The recommended PSU for a HD 6850 is 450W, you can check it online. A 320W PSU probably will work but you might experience some system instability.

 

[DSzymborski]

Hi guys, I currently have a system with the following specs:

Dell Optiplex 790

• Intel Core i5-2400S
• DDR3 (4x2 = 8GB)
• 2 HDDs

I've recently got Radeon HD 6850 (Power Color Edition) from one of my friends just to see if I can run/test it in my system. GPU has 6-pin connector, but my PSU doesn't have any 6-pin connector. So, I'm planning on to use Sata to 6-pin connector. My PSU details:

DC Output

• 5.0 V ----- 13.0 A ]
• 3.3 V ----- 10.0 A ] Total 90W Max
• 12.0VA ---- 17.0A ]
• 12.0VB ---- 13.0A ] Total 280W Max

- 12.0V ---- 0.5A
+ 5.0VFP ---- 4.0A

Total Power: 320W Max.

Can I really go on with this??? Is it okay to use Sata to 6-Pin connector??? Is 320W PSU is okay for HD 6850???

I would not do this. This PSU only actually had 280W of +12V power when it was new and it's neither new nor good quality. SATA to PCIE adapters are rarely non-horrible ideas and this isn't one of those rare times.

 

[dotas1]

Using adapters is a bad idea. Depending on the adapter you may even start a fire.

If a PSU does not have the appropriate connections then it's not meant to power hardware with said connections required. If you take account the age of the PSU, the degradation of it makes it even less reliable.

HD 6850 has a recommendation of 450w PSU, so even if somehow the PSU can provide power for simple tasks, it will turn off immediately when gaming. By turn off I mean all the possible ways, including breaking down, sparkles, flames, etc...

 

[Sandman__]

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-hd-6850.c255

Suggested PSU 300W on above techpowerup link. Is it wrong then? Or Am I missing something?

 

[--SID--]

300w would work if it's a good quality PSU with a single 6 pin PEG connector. You're PSU is missing the PEG and using a SATA/Molex to 6-pin PEG isn't a safe solution.

 

[iPeekYou]

OP, other than the low wattage of the PSU itself, the 6850 is rated for 127W at stock. Overclocked AIB boards might suck more watts as well.

PCIe slot is rated for, what, 75W? and SATA is rated for 54W. Awfully close to the stock limit, and now we're up on more janky points: low PSU wattage, (assumed) old PSU and they do wear with age, the aforementioned 75+54W thing, and the most important point: SATA to PCIE adapter. Highly risky, would not recommend.

Yeah, people used to use Molex to PCIe power back in the day, but that was before 125W+ GPUs were a real thing, and Molex was popular. It's fine to use it like in, say, the few HD 7750s that use PCIe power, but anything more power hungry I would stay away from. Get a decent PSU, used if you have to, and you'll free yourself of PSU limitation should another upgrade is coming down the line.

 

[DSzymborski]

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-hd-6850.c255

Suggested PSU 300W on above techpowerup link. Is it wrong then? Or Am I missing something?

At least three things.

For one, this particular 6850 is a bit spikier compared to the stock 6850. The very same site had it at maximum peak, about 20W more than the stock one.

Second, you don't actually have a 300W PSU in any modern sense, but a 280W one. And what's more, this isn't a new 280W PSU but one with parts made a decade ago.

Lastly, you're missing a key connector. Even without number one or two, you don't have a quality PSU in there. SATA to PCIE connectors are very rarely recommendable for very good reasons.[/QUOTE]