Question MSI OC Card (OC Mode/Gaming Mode/Silent Mode) + PSU question

[jamesm113]

I just picked up a used MSI Radeon RX 580 Armor MK2 OC. The spec sheets recommend a 500W PSU: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1AFXpfKakL.pdf

However, before adding a discrete video card, my system (5600G on an ITX board) only used 75W while gaming. With the card, it's now 250W at the max, measured at the wall.

Can I get away with using a smaller PSU, like 450W or even 350W?

Also, how do I change the core clocks between OC Mode (1380 MHz), Gaming mode (1366 MHz) and Silent Mode (1340)? Will switching to silent mode reduce power usage as well?

 

[Deleted member 2731765]

Technically speaking you can use a slightly lower wattage PSU. It all depends on how much the total power is drawn by your system, including all the PC components under load. Companies usually recommend a minimum wattage PSU just to be on a safer side.

Just because your card requires a 500 Watts PSU, doesn't mean the whole system will consume that much power. Make a note that QUALITY of a PSU matters more than the exact wattage number.

 

[Barty1884]

The "500w" recommendation is there to account for the mediocre & garbage units that exist.
Assuming you have quality PSU with the relevant PCIe connectors, then yes, a <500W should suffice. Without knowing the specific PSU in question though, it's impossible to say definitively.

Switching between modes is unlikely to impact power draw much, if at all.

 

[Deleted member 2731765]

Also, how do I change the core clocks between OC Mode (1380 MHz), Gaming mode (1366 MHz) and Silent Mode (1340)? Will switching to silent mode reduce power usage as well?

Use this app:

MSI Global - The Leading Brand in High-end Gaming & Professional Creation

As a world leading gaming brand, MSI is the most trusted name in gaming and eSports. We stand by our principles of breakthroughs in design, and roll out the amazing gaming gear like motherboards, graphics cards, laptops and desktops.

www.msi.com

https://www.guru3d.com/files-details/msi-gaming-app-download.html

 

[jamesm113]

Thanks, currently running an EVGA 500W ATX PSU I had laying around. It has the relevant PCIe connector. Thinking about switching to a SFX for clearance issues. Would probably be a Silverstone 450W SFX with a relevant PCIe connector.

 

[Barty1884]

Thanks, currently running an EVGA 500W ATX PSU I had laying around. It has the relevant PCIe connector. Thinking about switching to a SFX for clearance issues. Would probably be a Silverstone 450W SFX with a relevant PCIe connector.

"Meh" PSU, but not absolute garbage. 40A on the 12V = 480W

I don't think Silverstone have any 'bad' SFX units.... some better than others, of course - but all their offerings should be 37.5A on the 12V - so the "full" 450W listed, and have improved efficiency over the EVGA unit.

That being said.... I believe you should find EVGA's "GM" lineup of SFX units for very similar money to Silverstone's entry-level 450Ws, which would be a better move. Wil lbe location dependent of course - but in the US, I see the GM *550* for ~$108 vs ~$97 for Silverstone's cheapest 450W SFX. In Canada the *650* GM is less than Silverstone's 450. In Europe, it seems to vary dramatically country to country.

There is also Corsair's SF lineup, price-dependent.

 

[jamesm113]

Dug around my emails and found the EVGA PSU I am currently using: https://www.evga.com/products/specs/psu.aspx?pn=da1b9615-b0a9-4a11-a94d-da64dad7270c

Debating picking up a second hand Silverstone SST-ST45SF 450W for $40, looks like 37.5A on 12V as you said

 

[Barty1884]

"BR" wasn't bad, but it's getting a bit older now. Both are probably as "good" as each other, in used condition.