How well would this work?

Vladamir Blackthorne · 02-01-2015

I'm thinking of replacing my PSU for a 400 watt one and buying a GTX 960. Would that even work? The GPU should fit my case, but is there anything else to consider?

Talon · 02-01-2015

I think you're going to need something stronger than 400W.

Vladamir Blackthorne · 02-01-2015

Posted by Talon

I think you're going to need something stronger than 400W.

You sure? On PCPartPicker I put together a build with GTX 960 in it when I was bored and according to it, less than 350 watts were used by the build.

Edit- http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QM3nCJ Here, this uses 286w and has GTX 960 in it. Keep in mind I'm not installing anything else if possible, all I need is a GPU since my CPU and RAM are fine as is for now.

Talon · 02-02-2015

It's not all in just the wattage output values, you also need to take into consideration 12A- outputs, connectors supported, etc. and PSUs that low in overall wattage generally can't support anything too powerful. Haven't been in hardware for a while so I may be out of the loop, but for reference, I had a similar problem with a 450W PSU not being able to power a GTX650 which locked up my motherboard... Can't imagine a 400W would fare better with a stronger card like the one you're eying.

Spirit19 · 02-02-2015

Usually, the site you buy it from will have specs. I know for sure Newegg does this but it should say the wattage required. Get about 100W above that. My R9 270 needed a 500W. I got a 500W :|

EDIT: Looks like your card, under brand EVGA, requires a 400W. It would likely go under stress like mine does sometimes. I would get a 500 or at least a 450

MBK · 02-02-2015

a PSU with 400W & 29Apms should be enough i guess.

02-01-2015	1
Vladamir Blackthorne Leg hair. AND RICE! Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Do you really wish to know o.o Posts: 2,803	How well would this work? I'm thinking of replacing my PSU for a 400 watt one and buying a GTX 960. Would that even work? The GPU should fit my case, but is there anything else to consider?

02-01-2015	2
Talon don't call it a comeback Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 8,268	I think you're going to need something stronger than 400W.

02-02-2015	4
Talon don't call it a comeback Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 8,268	It's not all in just the wattage output values, you also need to take into consideration 12A- outputs, connectors supported, etc. and PSUs that low in overall wattage generally can't support anything too powerful. Haven't been in hardware for a while so I may be out of the loop, but for reference, I had a similar problem with a 450W PSU not being able to power a GTX650 which locked up my motherboard... Can't imagine a 400W would fare better with a stronger card like the one you're eying.

02-02-2015	5
Spirit19 Weaboo Join Date: May 2014 Location: Hyrule Kingdom Posts: 393	Usually, the site you buy it from will have specs. I know for sure Newegg does this but it should say the wattage required. Get about 100W above that. My R9 270 needed a 500W. I got a 500W :\| EDIT: Looks like your card, under brand EVGA, requires a 400W. It would likely go under stress like mine does sometimes. I would get a 500 or at least a 450

02-02-2015	6
MBK Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 1,379	a PSU with 400W & 29Apms should be enough i guess.