Question Will an underpowered powersupply affect my performance?

[AtlasEra]

I've seen a few people ask this question on some different forums but I've seen mixed answers. I have a ryzen 7 5800x and an RTX 3080 that have somehow both been surviving on a 450w PSU for a few years now, I remember when I first upgraded and I was underwhelmed when I was running benchmarks on some games but I thought nothing of it at the time.

For context, I bought my computer pre-built like 6-7 years ago and it came with a GTX 1060 but since then I've replaced literally every part except the case and psu, and some time ago I've experienced random shut-offs maybe like twice.

After seeing other people talk about their underpowered PSUs it would seem that my case is a bit unusual, by all logic, I shouldn't even be able to power it on.

My question, is it possible for my GPU/motherboard to automatically run my parts at a lower performance level just to stay on? Or is my power supply more powerful than it says?

 

[TerryLaze]

My question, is it possible for my GPU/motherboard to automatically run my parts at a lower performance level just to stay on? Or is my power supply more powerful than it says?

You can test that by running hwinfo gpu-z coretemp or several other monitoring apps to see the power draw of your cpu and gpu when gaming and doing other stuff.

In general yes, the mobo and cpu/gpu can adjust automatically to run only up to the power limit.

 

[DSzymborski]

What's the exact PSU? Can't answer any questions without that information really.

If it's junky, you may have already shortened the eventual lifespan of your RTX 3080.

 

[AtlasEra]

What's the exact PSU? Can't answer any questions without that information really.

If it's junky, you may have already shortened the eventual lifespan of your RTX 3080.

I'm not sure... I'm upgrading to an ASUS TUF 1000w tomorrow but the one I have now has barely any info on it and only has the logo of the store i bought it at. I did buy it from a reputable source and it is rated gold 80+ so I don't think it's low quality

 

[AtlasEra]

You can test that by running hwinfo gpu-z coretemp or several other monitoring apps to see the power draw of your cpu and gpu when gaming and doing other stuff.

In general yes, the mobo and cpu/gpu can adjust automatically to run only up to the power limit.

I tried it and I can see how much power it's using but I don't know what to compare it to, so it means nothing to me

 

[punkncat]

I certainly never would have suggested to someone they consider using a power supply at nearly 50% less output than recommended by the manufacturer. It amazes me that it is working at all.

What brand/make is that power supply?
Personally think you have been very lucky so far.