Does changing graphics card require changing power supply?

[BookOfNostradamus]

Hello, I had a build recommended to me that uses a Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card and a Rosewill Capstone 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply. If I change the graphics card to a Nvidia GTX 970, will I need to, or should I change the power supply as well? Thank you so much.

 

[dovah-chan]

No, in fact you could use an even weaker PSU for the 970 and still sufficiently power it. I wouldn't recommend the GPU upgrade from a 290 to a 970 as its a very small one and you probably wouldn't notice a performance difference.

 

[dovah-chan]

Although if you're referring to switching PSUs between different GPUs in general, no you don't have to. I would say the average PSU has a life span of about 4 years before needing to be replaced. Above average PSUs (generally high end ones such as the Corsair AX Series or Seasonic 's Platinum Series) can probably last anywhere from 5-10+ and still deliver stable power as long as it's kept in a good and dust free condition.

 

[Jay Lavistria]

In conclusion not anyways.

 

[BookOfNostradamus]

Thank you! That's very helpful