GPU PCI express slots

ClassicBagget

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Aug 28, 2014
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I am new to pc gaming, so I bought a regular desktop pc and decided to upgrade the graphics card and PSU. My old GPU has a 16 pin PCI slot and my new GPU has a 2 6 pin slots. Do I have to simply buy new cables or is it more complicated.
 
Solution
Unfortunately AMD pulled the wattage requirements from their system requirements page so when you look up their cards, they don't provide all the necessary information. Looking at nVidia's page:

http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-760/specifications

Thermal and Power Specs:
Maximum GPU Temperature (in C) = 97 C
Graphics Card Power (W) = 170 W
Minimum Recommended System Power (W) = 500 W
Supplementary Power Connectors = Two 6-pin

I does however tell you

http://www.amd.com/en-us/products/graphics/desktop/r9#
Required Power Supply Connectors 2 x -pin

Which is the relevant part of your inquiry.

If you want the power requirements, you'll have to rely on a 3rd party site like Guru3D...
Every GPU plugs in to a PCI slot which provided 75 watts of power. If the card requires more power, each 6 pin connector provides 75 watts, each 8 pin connector provides 150 watts. The power comes from your PSU. If you don't have (2) PCI-E cables on ya PSU, then you need a new one that does.
 
Unfortunately AMD pulled the wattage requirements from their system requirements page so when you look up their cards, they don't provide all the necessary information. Looking at nVidia's page:

http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-760/specifications

Thermal and Power Specs:
Maximum GPU Temperature (in C) = 97 C
Graphics Card Power (W) = 170 W
Minimum Recommended System Power (W) = 500 W
Supplementary Power Connectors = Two 6-pin

I does however tell you

http://www.amd.com/en-us/products/graphics/desktop/r9#
Required Power Supply Connectors 2 x -pin

Which is the relevant part of your inquiry.

If you want the power requirements, you'll have to rely on a 3rd party site like Guru3D

http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_r9_270_review,8.html

This is Guru3D's generic power supply recommendation for the R7 and R9 series:

AMD R9 270 - On your average system the card requires you to have a 500 Watt power supply unit.
AMD R9 270 Crossfire - On your average system the cards require you to have a 700 Watt power supply unit as minimum.

AMD R9 270X - On your average system the card requires you to have a 500 Watt power supply unit.
AMD R9 270X Crossfire - On your average system the cards require you to have a 700 Watt power supply unit as minimum.

If you are going to overclock GPU or processor, then we do recommend you purchase something with some more stamina.

So if you are overclocking, I'd suggest a 550 watt or greater PSU and 750 if you possibly have a 2nd card upgrade in your future. However you will find that, among quality PSU's, the 650s and 500s ave small price differentials

$65 620 watts Seasonic S12
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096
$80 650 watt XFX Core Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207014

$70 620 Seasonic M12
watts http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095

The M12 is the better PSU, the other two are equal, so for $5 I'd jump on that one.....

=====================================================
$60 520 watts Seasonic S12 .... For $5, the 650 watter a better deal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094

$67 520 Seasonic M12 ... For $3, the 650 watter a better deal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

The Corsair HX and EVGA G2 are comparable to the M12. No, don't look at any Corsair Model with a "C" in it.
 
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