Radeon 4670 on 300 watt 18Amp 12V?

Hello, I am thinking about upgrading my video card to the Radeon 4670.

However, I only have a 300 watt Bestec PSU.

It goes as followed:

output: +12v/18A
-12v/0.8A

Should I forget about that and back down to the Radeon 4550 or the nVidia 9400 GT less I can afford a power supply upgrade?

I currently am on a Dell Inspiron 530, E2160 (1.8 GHz), non slim version. (With internal hard drive, keyboard/mouse USB, USB flash stick (drive/jump drive, whatever you call them), media card reader, PCI 56k, PCI FireWire (no devices currently), and a DVD+-RW

The current card is the 8300 GS 128 MB (doesn't do good in anything over Half-Life2). Junks out in Lost Coast even not to even mention Episode 1 and 2 (specially 2).

If I do have to go with the lower cards, I assume the Radeon 4550 would beat the 9400 GT giving a little better performance over the 8300 GS currently installed?

 

You may be able to get away with it but it's pushing it. Personally I would like to have a better power supply.

 

Personally as pclover has already said, 300W is nothing these days.

Plug your specs into this wattage calculator and see what you get.

Remember to buy a PSU with plenty of overhead, and make sure it is a good brand, as the PSU is one of the most critical components of your system. Get a good one and it will last years, but get a bad one and it may just explode and take out all your other components with it, worst case.

PSU calculator lite: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Good PSU brands: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=208143

 

I imagine that the "good" PSU is going to be "bad" with the video card and the PSU combined price wise.

I probably got less than $100 to spend, if that.

I assume it looks like I might as well get the 4550 till I can afford a better PSU.

However, some people claim that the Bestec power supplies are like the Narwhal of Death (Charlie the unicorn reference) to motherboards, etc, and I need to replace it ASAP no matter if I get a card or not?

 

"Very often, when an E-Machine power supply fails, it spikes the +5.0 volt rails. This is a -BIG- issue if the failed power supply was a "Bestec" branded supply. This is a -very- common issue and I've even come up with a way to verify the system board was "spiked". If the system board was spiked, it seems in almost every case the "southbridge" chip, if it exists in your particular E-Machine will often be too hot to touch after a short time.
I assist several shops in the Phoenix, AZ. area and "toasted" E-Machines are very common. In every case, the "Bestec" power supply spiked the system board, often, after/during/after a USB device was connected that used more then 1000ma of current.
I researched this further and found the SB +5.0 volt "rail" was connected with the standard +5.0 volt power rails and the power supply "overshot" when it sensed the additional load on the +5.0 volt rail. I have personally measured +16.00 volts on -both- the standby 5.0 volt and system 5.0 volt rails. There are revisions of the power supply because of a class action suit regarding E-Machines and "Bestec", in one revision, the SB +5.0 volt was tied to the system +12.00 volt rails.

Bottom line.....
If your system houses a "Bestec" power supply, you are advised to replace this component at your first opportunity. These power supples have even filtered into the DIY market, avoid at all costs."

 

Chepest I can find for that card and a good psu is about 135

Maybe a Nvidia 8600gt? I ran a 8600gt on 300 watts for a long time on a hipro PSU.

 

I suppose I'll just buy a 4550.

I'm sure it'll preform better than the 9400 GT and the 8300 GS?

 

To be honest I would save you money until you can afford a better PSU.

The HD 4670 is much better then the 4550 for like 20 more dollars.

 

True, I figure I'm wasting my money.

 

i'm running my 4670 on a 400 watt psu without any problems (at least nothing serious (it's mostly windows related)).
Also the 4670 is a great gaming card!

 

I have a 300 watt.

 

The only other good budget gaming card i know of that should work on your pc is radeon hd2400 pro (i also used to have this card).
http://ati.amd.com/products/radeonhd2400/radeonhd2400pro/specs.html

 

er.. looks like I'll be saving up for a power supply AND card then.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817822002

Would that be a total pile of junk too?

or the http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...?EdpNo=5079834&csid=ITD&body=MAIN#detailspecs

 

It's hard to say which is the best power supply to buy - people have their favorite name brands and such. I prefer Antec power supplies . . . but, I have bought and used generic-brand supplies with great success . . .

One being an HEC Orion 585W power supply - I have it running 3.0E P4 board with DDR2 memory, dual 250gb Seagate Barracuda harddrives, two optical drives, an add-in video tuner/capture card, and a PCI-E Radeon HD3850 video card. It has performed flawlessly as video cruncher and a part time gaming machine. I only paid $25US for it, and can't complain at all.

My point is you should do some research on power supplies . . . seek feedback on particular models, etc., at some of the gamer or hardware junkie sites.

The same goes for video cards. I usually, price permitting, look for cards that have a 256bit memory interface bus, and avoid any with just a 64bit interface. I'll take a 128bit if I have no choice . . . but the larger the interface the better the card performs overall. Of course, larger interface = more cost, unless you can find a good sale - and often you can.

 

I can get an Antec EarthWatts 430watt at a local store, but some people complain about those too.

It seems nobody is happy with anything anymore.

 

That's why I try and get as much anecdotal evidence as I can . . . if after some good, cross internet searching it turns out that 80% of people like a product and only 20% don't - then I feel the product is a safe bet.

I have a few Antec Basiq 500W power supplies, and another Antec (forget the model) and have not had problems with any of them. I do a little over-clocking, but I'm not a rabid performance enthusiast . . . I guess if you are looking to take a rig to the edge, then maybe a power supply geared toward that is in order . . . but for general usage? I can say Antec products have been good to me.

 

I'm just wanting something to work and not be Mr. Choppy in HL2: Episode 2.

Not to mention whenever they release Episode 3 (whatever decade they decide to, Jesus!).

Reading:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...er_master_power_supply-_-17-171-046-_-Product

seems that 65% love it, 17 like it, and the rest hate/ok it.

Maybe it's one I could take a chance with and not pay an arm and a leg?

 

Never used Cooler Master power supplies . . . so I can't speak from experience. If I were you I'd check for feedback from other sites also about that model, then average the results.

Depending on the shipping costs - it might be better to go with the Antec you mentioned from your local store . . . especially if they have a decent return policy. If it doesn't fit the bill, then pack it up and motor it back. Try another type.

 

the antec, they want $79 for.. That's just crazy.

Seems I'll be trying the one at tigerdirect. ( http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...?EdpNo=5079834&csid=ITD&body=MAIN#detailspecs )

 

hey check this out http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

It should be more then enough to power your components.

 

Im looking for a video card myself and thats the power supply im getting along with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277

theres also http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...7&cm_re=radeon_hd_4670-_-14-161-287-_-Product

and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...4&cm_re=radeon_hd_4670-_-14-125-244-_-Product

 

what's the power supply you are getting? I'm gonna just get the Elite Coolmax one.. I mean, all power supplies are somewhat of a gamble the first few days aren't they?

 

oh I noticed that one too.

I thought about it, I'll see if I can afford the slight extra cash from the 34.99 cool max for that one ($49.99).

 

Big risk spending that little on a PSU.

Reminder: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=208143

 

I agree with Collinsl buying a cheap power supply can lead to issues and fired components. If you cant afford the money for a good quality psu I would wait. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showpost.php?p=1418422&postcount=5 is an example of what can happen with cheap bad qaulity PSU's

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008 as somebody said is a very good quality PSU however I would check out the link collinsl linked you to.

 

As a PC service tech, I have to replace a lot of power supplies in a years time.
Most of the PSU's that fail in lower cost computers, by several well known vendors, are Bestec 300's. They are JUNK, to put it as simple as possible.
The PSU is the very engine that drives your PC. Going el'cheapo with the PSU will bring you nothing but disaster and heartbreak.
If you already have a Bestec PSU, get rid of it as quickly as possible.

My PC (PC's) is very important to me and I don't what it crashing because of a cheap PSU giving up the ghost. So in both of my main PC's, I use nothing but Antec Earthwatts 650 psu's.

On any given day, I may want to connect an extra HD, or two, to my system or plug in multiple USB devices that all want their fair share of power, and I don't have to worry about running out of power.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
The Shadow:cool

 

Well you make the complaint on money = quality. Then I go to the webpage and see Cooler Master listed under good power supplies.

What kind of sense is that?

"Cooler Master (UCP)"

Also you don't list any slightly over the price range of the Cooler Master's range for 'good power supplies.'

I think however, I will go with the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008 .

 

I think you will be very happy with the corsair one. I have a Corsair TX 750 Watt and it's awesome.

 

Yeah , like he said though people complain about Bestec all the time.

I might as well get the power supply first before the card if I can't buy both now.

 

I was responding to:

Sorry, should have made that clearer.

 

Alright, so to confirm I should be doing OK with that 400 watt Consiwhoever and the Sapphire one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...02854&cm_re=4670_512MB-_-14-102-854-_-Product

Or do I want that gigabyte one? Does it make a difference?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...25244&cm_re=4670_512MB-_-14-125-244-_-Product

I see that the Gigabyte has # Memory Clock: 2000MHz, and the other has # Memory Clock: 1600MHz.

Does that really make a hoot for me to pay the extra $5? Also the Gigabyte has a mail in rebate right now. (In the long run would be cheaper?).

 

Seems like the two will be very similar however the second more expensive one has a rebate for 10 dollars so it's cheaper after you get the rebate.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102855 I think would be a better choice tho. It costs a little more but you get a much better cooler then the Gigabyte one and double ram plus free shipping.

 

Alright, I'll take a look in to what's the difference in the free shipping vs the 512 (price wise).

 

I can save about $9 with buying the 512 even with free shipping on the 1GB card.

 

Unfortunately I was unable to remove the 24 PIN motherboard connector on the old power supply, i made sure I pushed the clamp in and lifted it up.. nothing happened. I pulled hard as I can , wiggling it and nothing.

So now I am running the 4670 on a 300 watt :-( , should I ship them both back and get a 4550 ?

 

It comes off don't worry or ship them back yet. I would double-check and try it again. Make sure you push the clip in and pull up.

 

I did, but no dice. I gave up in fear of breaking the board.

 

I think it would be a waste to send the parts back. If last resort I would ask a neighbor or friend that has pc knowledge.

You may need to rock the 24 pin connector left to right a bit to get it off while holding the clip down. if it's on there hard It may take a little force to get it off.

 

I thought about doing like we did in school.. pliers, but I can't afford anything that would break. So I give up.

 

http://www.fonerbooks.com/r_power.htm may be of help.

 

Update us on how that went and if you still need help. I tomorrow make a video for you on how to remove this connector if you want.

 

I already got the parts RMA ready beside the box sealed. I don't see how it's going to magically come off lol.

 

It's designed to come off in case you need to replace it. Are you sure you pushing the clip at the top to release the clip and then pulling up?

Personally I think your jumping the gun with the RMA. If you cant get it soon then I would consider it.

Don't give up

 

"The connector has a small latch on it. You just have to squeeze it until you see that it is released from the tab and pull it out. If you can't seem to squeeze it, use a screwdriver to release it. I guess I don't understand why you just don't put the HD 4670 in and run it on your current power supply. I would not be sending it back and dropping down to a 4550. "

I suppose I should have one last look at it without being uh.. 'unnerved' about it not coming off.

 

If you are willing to would you be able to provide pics of what your doing? Maybe I could point out you doing something wrong?

like I said it may take a little force but don't apply to much force.

 

To help you out I will make a video now on how I remove mine.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBIESz3DvuM

Hope this is able to help you.

 

Were you able to get it off?