is 18 A on PCIE power conector enough for GTX 970

[vedran_1]

Im buying an MSI GTX 970, and it requires a 8 pin power connector, now i got a antec true power trio PSU, with 18 A on a single 6 pin PCIE connector.
Question at hand is if it's enough to power the GPU with a 6 pin to 8 pin adapter.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Im buying an MSI GTX 970, and it requires a 8 pin power connector, now i got a antec true power trio PSU, with 18 A on a single 6 pin PCIE connector.
Question at hand is if it's enough to power the GPU with a 6 pin to 8 pin adapter.

You don't have a viable PSU to run a 970.
A GeForce GTX 970 needs 28 amps on the 12v + rail and at least 500W Power supply , usually with 2 PCIE 6 pin power connections , but it can vary on different models.

 

[vedran_1]

I apologize i think i should have been more detailed, i have 2x6 pin on the PSU.
The card requires as you said at least 500W supply, mine is a 550W, what I"m wondering is if the second 6 pin with 18 A can deliver the needed power through the 6 pin to 8 pin adapter,
Sorry for troubling you.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Nope.

 

[vedran_1]

Ok so i need a PSU that delivers 28 A on a single 12 + rail?

 

[Unolocogringo]

First. NO 6 pin adapter from a power supply has 18 amps. Th most a 6pin can carry is 75 watts or 6.25 amps (12v)
An 8 pin connector can carry 150watts or 12.5 amps (12v) If your power supply output is above 12v you can pull a little more from it.
We do not advise any one to use adapters. they usually overheat and melt or burn. Possibly killing the power supply,graphics card or whole computer.
It is not worth the risk.

 

[vedran_1]

http://cdn1.shopmania.biz/files/s9/896302725/p/l/6/sursa-antec-truepower-trio-tp3-550-550w-3-rail-uri-12v-18a-2xpci-ex~416.jpg
I dont understand so the 12+ rail doesnt have 18A?

 

[Unolocogringo]

Ok so i need a PSU that delivers 28 A on a single 12 + rail?

NO you need a power supply with the right connectors and power distribution to power the card correctly.
That 18amp includes molex connectors, SATA connectors etc...
And your power supply is close to 10 years old. With capacitor aging it is probable a 450 watt unit.

 

[vedran_1]

OK so you're telling me that fortron 500w PSU with identical 12+ rail specs as this (BTW seasonic platform) antec PSU can run my friends GTX 970 but my PSU can't?

 

[Unolocogringo]

http://cdn1.shopmania.biz/files/s9/896302725/p/l/6/sursa-antec-truepower-trio-tp3-550-550w-3-rail-uri-12v-18a-2xpci-ex~416.jpg
I dont understand so the 12+ rail doesnt have 18A?

Yes and NO.
The power supply has three 12v rails. Each capable of delivering 18a by themselves.
But you have a total of 42amps of 12v available.
18+18+18=54 12amps more than the supply can deliver.
So if 12v1 is pulling 18a and 12v2 is pulling 18a, 12v3 only has 6a available to it.factor in capacitor aging and you are a bit short on power.

 

[k1114]

You have to combine multi rails, you don't count a single per component. It's 42A combined (not 54 as you can't add them like that) as per the specs so you can run it.

 

[vedran_1]

so best would be to buy a new 500+ w PSU just to be sure i dont end up with white smoke and picking a new pope

 

[Unolocogringo]

You have to combine multi rails, you don't count a single per component. It's 42A combined as per the specs so you can run it.

Are you sure you want to make that statement on a 10 year old power supply?

 

[vedran_1]

10 years old or not it's running an ol HD 6970 without problems right now, didn't even notice overheating during full load

 

[Unolocogringo]

10 years old or not it's running an ol HD 6970 without problems right now, didn't even notice overheating during full load

The final choice in the matter is up to you.
I personally would not risk it on a power supply that old. I have the same 430w model in a closet down stairs that I retired because of its age.

Review of the unit. SeaSonic built to Antec specs. No over current protection.
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=1

 

[k1114]

Even if you over compensate for cap aging effects with a 20% decrease, he has enough power. It currently running a more power hungry 6970 is proof you are over exaggerating the effects of cap aging.

 

[vedran_1]

Even if you over compensate for cap aging effects with a 20% decrease, he has enough power. It currently running a more power hungry 6970 is proof you are over exaggerating the effects of cap aging.

Thank you very much sir, your help is much appreciated.

 

[Unolocogringo]

Even if you over compensate for cap aging effects with a 20% decrease, he has enough power. It currently running a more power hungry 6970 is proof you are over exaggerating the effects of cap aging.

And did you catch the part about using a6 to 8 pin PCI_E adapter. Since the power supply only has 2 6 pin connectors?

 

[vedran_1]

Ok well i brought the card home today, hooked it up and played Witcher 3 for about 4 hours straight, both the card and the PSU are stone cold and everything works just fine.