Question Can this 500W PSU handle an old GTX 660?

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kyd23

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Dec 25, 2022
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Can this Micronics Cyclone III 500W power supply handle a GTX 660 without getting unstable?

Rest of the specs are,
Intel Core i5-4590 3.30 GHz
8 GB RAM
H81 motherboard
1x SATA SSD + 1x HDD 7200 rpm

R1280x0
 
I think that it would easily handle a GTX 660. According to the TechPowerUp GPU Database, the recommended PSU for the GTX 660 is only 300W. I've never heard of the Micronics brand but it does have at least a single +12V rail rated at 41.5A which makes it better than most generic PSUs.

I think that you'd be safe with that, I just don't know for how long.
 

DSzymborski

Curmudgeon Pursuivant
Moderator
Unless of course, they made up the +12V rating! Mystery PSUs sometimes do that.

PSUs are guilty until proven innocent. OP, I would not use this unless you don't really care about the GTX 660 (it's pretty old, after all).
 
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Unless of course, they made up the +12V rating! Mystery PSUs sometimes do that.

PSUs are guilty until proven innocent.
I agree but I've never seen one overclaim by an amount that huge. Of course, that doesn't mean that it never happens.
OP, I would not use this unless you don't really care about the GTX 660 (it's pretty old, after all).
Yeah, that's the other reason why I didn't think that it was worth worrying too much about. The GTX 660 is so weak that it's barely usable in most games that aren't over 10 years old. It was a low-end part even back in 2012 when it was released. It's even weaker than an old GTX 580. These days it would just be a glorified 1080p video adapter.
 

Pat Flynn

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Aug 8, 2013
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I have a Belkin wattage meter running on my tower.
Currently running:
CPU: Ryzen 9 5900X w/PBO (down-tuned)
RAM: 32GB DDR4 3600Hz G.Skill
GPU: RTX 2080Ti, not OC'd
M.2 PCIe 4 (WD SN850)
Dual 2.5" Samsung 850 EVO's
1x Seagate 3TB HDD

So long as I don't set my GPU's power limit above 100% (driver default is 130% max), I NEVER crack 500W.
I typically hit between 440-460W usage.
I'm very confident that you'll be able to run your system on that old PSU, just be sure to clear out the dust and use a GOOD surge protector on a properly grounded electrical outlet. This is key for PSU life and stability.
P.S. - I'm a retired system builder, built over 6K systems. I've seen dual GPU setups run on <1KW PSU's all day long for ~5 years. Age is another factor ;)
P.P.S - The PSU in my current tower is 9 years old, CoolerMaster 750W Gold series. Gold series PSU's typically last much longer. Something to think about for the upgrade ;)
 

DSzymborski

Curmudgeon Pursuivant
Moderator
I agree but I've never seen one overclaim by an amount that huge. Of course, that doesn't mean that it never happens.

Yeah, that's the other reason why I didn't think that it was worth worrying too much about. The GTX 660 is so weak that it's barely usable in most games that aren't over 10 years old. It was a low-end part even back in 2012 when it was released. It's even weaker than an old GTX 580. These days it would just be a glorified 1080p video adapter.

Don't forget, though, we have a lot of posters from low-income countries. Sometimes, these GPUs that we could get for $20 and not lose a wink of sleep about losing are luxuries to some!
 
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Don't forget, though, we have a lot of posters from low-income countries. Sometimes, these GPUs that we could get for $20 and not lose a wink of sleep about losing are luxuries to some!
You make a good point and it is well-taken. I'll try to keep that in mind. I'm usually at work when I'm on here and there are times when my brain isn't 100% present as a result. :giggle:
 
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