PSU issue

Hello guys, I'd like to replace a gtx285 with a 580 and my concern is the psu which is an OCZ 600w with four +12v rails at 18A each. Will I jeopardize the system with this psu?

 

600w quality OCZ No you'll be fine

 

Just found another psu that I had purchased, a Cooler Master 650w with three +12v rails at 19A each. I'm posting these because I'm not versed on how to determine amperage in order to use the right power unit.
There are many thoughts on how to determine what works when you don't have a single +12v rail at 40+ amps.

 

The 580 alone will draw 244w which is 20 amps at full load, the entire system under full load will draw around the 360w mark so as you can see a 600 or 650 watt power supply will suffice and Nvidia lists a 600w supply as the minimum.

Ref.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2010/11/09/nvidia-geforce-gtx-580-review/8

http://www.geforce.co.uk/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-580/specifications

The 580 also has two PCI-E power connectors so in essence you'll be using two rails at 18 amps each which is fine.

As for are you definitely using two seperate rails there are a couple of ways to check. one or more of the pci-e wires have a line on or slightly different markings, if one set does and one set doesn't they're a different rail. Have a look in the back of the power supply to see is there are two connectors that come from a different point on the pcb, if they're connected in a line pick two the furthest away from each other. Finally just run 3d mark and see if it turns off, it's an OCZ so it will have over current protection which will either draw power from another rail automatically or turn the computer off so you have little to worry about, nothing will be damaged.

Check the power supply or top rear of the case periodically for temperature with your hand after running the benchmark for a while.

If your still usure how to proceed post the exact model of the psu or just post the support page which will save us some time and post a picture of the diagran from the side of the psu.

 

Thank-you for your diligence in finding this information, it's greatly appreciated.

 

By way of a follow up, I just learned that at least one of the 600w units has what I call a fail safe/preventive measure, in that the PCIe 2 power connector does not fit the 580. Whether that's intentional I cannot say. So, if the other one has that limitation I'll be shopping for another psu.

 

It seems my 750w unit may have died, because I installed everything into a new case and still had no power. In shopping for a psu, I found a 1000w Coolmax modular for $90, reduced from $129. Many will say that's overkill but now I'm sure I can add another 580 down the road. By the way, it was worth the price just to get rid of the electronic octopus of unused cables that sat at the bottom of my case for so many years:-D

 

90$ for 1000 watt, I would not touch that at all. Personally, I'd go for high quality. My current new build has this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151105 Seasonic Plat 1000W A bit more money than yours, but, since the power supply is one of the most important items in a build, why skimp?

 

Enjoy