Upgrading my GPU, some questions.

[Myhre]

Hey! Question about upgrading GPU

I'm thinking of upgrading my 750 Ti to something a little better.

I've been looking at either:
AMD RX 480 4gb
Nvidia GTX 1060 3gb

My PSU is a no name 450W.

I am therefore wondering if i should then go for the 1060, or try my luck on the 480. I've read that it dosent Really need 500.

Thanks in advance for answers. I'm also open for other card suggestions if you have any!

 

[raisonjohn]

In order to determine which GPU is "better", can you provide details of your current setup:

1) What is your current CPU / MB / RAM (to verify possible bottlenecking)?
2) What is your current monitor (resolution and refresh rate)?
3) How many PCIe connectors (6/8 pin) does your current PSU have?
4) Check the sticker of the PSU, how many amperes does it provide at the +12V rail and its combined power output?
5) What case are you using (to verify the length clearance)?
6) What is your max. budget for the GPU?

 

[Myhre]

1) Intel i5 6600 / 6MB / 8GB RAM
2) 24" 144hz 1920x1080
5) case is big enough
6) looking at Max 250 dollars, they sre both 240 dollars here in Norway.

3-4) http://m.imgur.com/a5AnOu5 picture of PSU. I think it Might have 4. But uncertain.

 

[Myhre]

http://m.imgur.com/qF7wLsC

Better quality image

 

[raisonjohn]

Thanks for the info and the photo! Here are my thoughts:

You have a very powerful CPU capable of handling those GTX 1060 and RX 480 (even a GTX 1070 and GTX 1080, if you so choose). But having a 1080p/144Hz monitor, your planned GTX 1060 or RX 480 *might* struggle to reach more than 60fps in *some* games (especially GPU-hungry AAA games with all the eye-candy settings enabled). More often than not, it is recommended that for 1080p/60Hz Ultra the GTX 1060/RX 480 is enough; while for 1080p/144Hz *or* 1440p/60Hz, the GTX 1070 would be more sufficient.

In any case, choosing between the GTX 1060 or RX 480 given your current monitor and resolution would still be a logical choice, esp. if budget is a factor.

Now, my concern is that PSU which only has a 324W combined +12V rail power, i.e., equal to 27A. Not to mention, it's a no-name PSU (AcBel, actually) that can be construed to have questionable quality, reliability, and efficiency.

Your i5-6600 has a TDP of only 65W. A GTX 1060, depending on the exact model you choose, could require a 6-pin PCIe connector which can mean a possible power draw of 150W max. If the GTX 1060 would require an 8-pin PCIe connector, then the possible theoretical power draw can reach up to 225W max. Same goes for the RX 480.

So, your CPU + GPU could draw 290W of power at that +12V rail (not yet including other components such as HDDs, fans, RAMs, etc.). With other components to consider, we can say that your rig can draw around ~300W++. This means your PSU ain't gonna cut it.

I highly suggest getting a good quality PSU of ample wattage but with enough headroom (in case you decide on upgrading other components that would necessitate additional power). I'd look into the Seasonic G-550 or EVGA SuperNOVA G3 550W as best options. You can also get the more affordable Seasonic M12II-520 EVO if budget is limited.

Between the GTX 1060 3GB and the RX 480 4GB, I'd personally choose the RX 480 (with higher VRAM, for a lower price).

 

[Myhre]

Thank you very much for a good answer!