Power supply and demand

[lukewarmpork]

I'm seeking advice on power demand and feasibility.

Currently I have a build with the following:
ASRock H67M
Intel Core i3-2100T
CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Crucial M4 64GB
WD 2TB*
Samsung Blu-Ray*
Lian Li PC-C33B w/ 3 case fans*
&
CORSAIR Builder Series CX430
*parts will be omitted as they won't be used going forward

I have both an XFX 5870 and a HIS 6950 and am looking to run one or the other. What I would like to know is if the 430W PSU would be able to push either of these cards at full load?

More information: The purpose of running the card is for bitcoin mining (for whatever few remaining GPU mining months left). Hence, CPU usage would be near idle. Currently, I believe the above system configuration pulls somewhere around 80W. Now, before I get jumped, yes, I realize the minimum recommended PSU for either card would be 500W, but I would believe that to be considering at least a mid-range system with all components at full load. The 430W PSU has 28Amps on the 12V rail and only one 6+2pin connector that would force me to use an adapter to achieve another 6pin. I'd happily undervolt the GPU should that help.

In this lower power environment, would the 430W be sufficient or am I playing with fire?

 

[lukewarmpork]

As a side note using the calculator at http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine is showing me about 320W recommended. Again, I realize it's only a general idea and still goes against manufacturer recommendations. But, what it does show me is the apparent power consumption with the aforementioned setup at load would come to about 266W.

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[delluser1]

I'm seeking advice on power demand and feasibility.

Currently I have a build with the following:
ASRock H67M
Intel Core i3-2100T
CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Crucial M4 64GB
WD 2TB*
Samsung Blu-Ray*
Lian Li PC-C33B w/ 3 case fans*
&
CORSAIR Builder Series CX430
*parts will be omitted as they won't be used going forward

I have both an XFX 5870 and a HIS 6950 and am looking to run one or the other. What I would like to know is if the 430W PSU would be able to push either of these cards at full load?

More information: The purpose of running the card is for bitcoin mining (for whatever few remaining GPU mining months left). Hence, CPU usage would be near idle. Currently, I believe the above system configuration pulls somewhere around 80W. Now, before I get jumped, yes, I realize the minimum recommended PSU for either card would be 500W, but I would believe that to be considering at least a mid-range system with all components at full load. The 430W PSU has 28Amps on the 12V rail and only one 6+2pin connector that would force me to use an adapter to achieve another 6pin. I'd happily undervolt the GPU should that help.

In this lower power environment, would the 430W be sufficient or am I playing with fire?

Running Furmark on an I3-2100 with a GTX570 only pulled 300w from the wall ( around a 255 watt load on the ~85% efficient TPN550 ) , the CX430 should be able to handle mining with either of your cards and a stripped system.

Check out the difference in power consumption between your cards and the 570 when running Furmark
http://ht4u.net/reviews/2011/msi_r6950_twinfrozr_2_test/index12.php

 

[lukewarmpork]

That confirms what I was speculating. Thanks for the feedback and reference!

 

[lukewarmpork]

Best answer selected by lukewarmpork.