Taking risks with a cheap PSU...

[Pavel_6]

Hello everyone.

My system is getting a bit old now, but can't really afford a brand new PC so I plan on upgrading.

I currently have a:

AMD Phenom II 1090t (no OC)
8GM RAM
An old GT630

I want to replace the 630 with a GTX 950

Now, my concern is if the PSU will handle it.
According to http://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator my system with a 950 will draw ~270 watts at full load.

My PSU is a Codegen 350x 450 watt (100% sure it's fake) which I plan on also replacing but a few months down the line. It's nearly 6 years old and so far I haven't had issues with it but I don't want to put my components on a big risk.

Here is a table of the rails:

+3.3V - 20A

5V - 25A

30W max on the 5 and 3.3V rails.

+12V1 - 10A

+12V2 - 14A

-12V - 0.8A, 9.6W max

+5VSB - 2A, 10W

I'm not very knowledge-able with PSUs but the 12v rails seem weak to me.

Thanks for the help in advance.

 

[Faux_Grey]

You can't afford a new PC now, and you definitely wont be able to afford 2x 950 graphics cards after the cheap power supply blows one up.

Don't risk it.
It's never worth it.

 

[USAFRet]

a Codegen 350x 450 watt (100% sure it's fake)

You'll let the magic smoke out.

 

[Rogue Leader]

If you're on a tight budget how is this risk worth it?

When you are dropping an additional $140 for another GTX 950 and a new PSU, you will regret it.

 

[Slumy__57]

That PSU more than likely isn't making anywhere near 450 watts, and in addition, it's a very low quality brand. I'd recommend a new one, they can be had for pretty cheap.

You might see some improvement by plugging everything into a potato.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

Jonnyguru recently said the reason he started his site is because people kept buying PSUs like these, and it's not that they didn't work, but they would kill people's GPUs and motherboards in under a year. So enjoy your $140 GPU for maybe 1 year 😀

 

[engineer5261]

I do not think OP mentioned anything about SLI or running 2x 950's. However, the general consensus here is correct. Do not gamble with power supplies, there is a lot more to a PSU than the output numbers on the spec sheet. Good manufacturers de-rate the components they use e.g. if they need a 2W resistor they may use a 2.5W resistor in case of un-predictable I/V levels, furthermore they have clamping diodes and power management IC's that provide over current and over voltage protection.
With your PSU you may be putting all your components at risk since the power draw for the 950 will stress your PSU and it will be more likely to cause undesired operation.

I suggest save your money for now, upgrade when you have enough put aside for a decent PSU and your choice of GPU (and hope that the 950 becomes another 10$ cheaper by then)

 

[Pavel_6]

Well, a little update, I've decided to go ahead and get a new PSU first. I don't plan on SLI or anything like that so I decided to stay in the same power range. The main contenders in the price range are:

Thermaltake LT450p
Zalman ZM500 LX or LE
Corsair VS450

The cheapest option is the Thermaltake and the Corsair is about how far I'm willing to stretch.

 

[Rogue Leader]

I do not think OP mentioned anything about SLI or running 2x 950's.

Neither of us meant that, we meant having to buy a second 950 after the first one gets busted using it with a junk PSU.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Well, a little update, I've decided to go ahead and get a new PSU first. I don't plan on SLI or anything like that so I decided to stay in the same power range. The main contenders in the price range are:

Thermaltake LT450p
Zalman ZM500 LX or LE
Corsair VS450

The cheapest option is the Thermaltake and the Corsair is about how far I'm willing to stretch.

None of them are particularly great however the Corsair is the least bad. What site are you buying from maybe we can find you something better for your price range?

 

[Faux_Grey]

Well, a little update, I've decided to go ahead and get a new PSU first. I don't plan on SLI or anything like that so I decided to stay in the same power range. The main contenders in the price range are:

Thermaltake LT450p
Zalman ZM500 LX or LE
Corsair VS450

The cheapest option is the Thermaltake and the Corsair is about how far I'm willing to stretch.

I would wait rather until you have enough to get a 500w+ of good brand.

I know for a fact that the VS450 will power a 950, but you'll be stuck in the same boat when you eventually want to upgrade your CPU.

 

[Pavel_6]

I don't plan on doing any more upgrades, but as far as far the PSU goes, I can shed a few extra bucks if the difference is decent enough. (Just as an example, a 950 is 45% of the monthly salary where I live.) As far as the sites go, I'm going through everything I can find.

 

[Rogue Leader]

I don't plan on doing any more upgrades, but as far as far the PSU goes, I can shed a few extra bucks if the difference is decent enough. (Just as an example, a 950 is 45% of the monthly salary where I live.) As far as the sites go, I'm going through everything I can find.

Ok where are you located? Can you provide me with a couple links?

 

[Pavel_6]

Bulgaria, eastern Europe.

http://www.pazaruvaj.com/zahranvawi-blokove-c3158/?orderby=1 Is something like a big portal showing offers from different shops. No English version, but Google translate should do. Sorting is by price.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Can you spend 10 more and get this:

Seasonic ECO-430 (SSR-430ST)

WAY Better Quality

 

[Pavel_6]

Well, you are the expert, not me and I think the Seasonic is what I'll go with. Thank you for your time. 😉