Video Card Power Supply Requirements When shopping for a new graphics card/visual card, choosing which one your PSU can handle has to be one of the most challenging tasks. You can’t select a graphics card anyhow; you need to consider how it will get voltage for maximum functionality, and this is where the Power supply comes in. The PSU must be powerful enough to supply the required voltage for the GPU.
The first requirement has to do with compatibility; your video card must be compatible with the PSU in the sense that they must have the same pin connectors, whether 6-pin or 8-pin connectors. If your video card has an 8-pin connector, your PSU must also have the same, or else they won’t support each other.
Ensure that all the power cables are of the best quality; poor-quality hardware will cause hardware damage which will affect the performance of the video card and the entire system. How do you tell that your PSU is compatible with your video cards, and what are the consequences of incompatibility between the two components? Get your answers below;
How To Tell That Your PSU Is Compatible With The Graphics Card
Calculating your device’s power consumption, including the video card, is the best way to confirm that your PSU can supply the required voltage to your graphics card. If your total power consumption is below your current power supply output, it means your PSU will efficiently and effectively supply your GPU with the required voltage.
If not, the best way forward is to purchase a new PSU that can satisfy the power supply requirements of your GPU. An average graphics card needs between 100-200 watts of power, depending on the category. Note that there are three categories of GPU in terms of power supply, they include;
- Entry-level GPUs with less voltage requirement.
- Moderate or mid-range GPUs that require 150 and above wattage.
- High-end GPUs with over 300 wattage requirements.
| Entry-level GPU | Moderate or mid-range GPU | High-end GPUs |
| 80-100 watts | 150-250 watts | 25-350 watts |
After calculating your device’s overall power consumption, if it is more than 800W, you will need to buy a more powerful PSU; for instance, a PSU that can supply 850W and above power will be compatible with your device.
How To Calculate PSU For Your Graphics Card
- Search the internet and search how much power your case fans, SSD, cooler, and RAM consumes.
- Visit your specific graphics card’s official website or read the user manual to confirm the expected power consumption.
- Check how much RAM and SSD you have, and confirm their wattages and your GPU’s overall wattage consumption. Check the table below;
Read: Why Is My VRAM Usage So High
If you calculate the numbers, the total power consumption is 674W; this means for this device, you will need a PSU that can supply over 700W, and the closest is the 800W PSU. When the PSU provides the right amount of wattage for your graphics card, it will simultaneously increase its lifespan and overall performance.
Also, there are online Powe Supply Calculators that make the above calculation easier. To use the calculator, enter the figures on your fans, cooler, RAM, SSD, and the like, and click “calculate.” In a matter of seconds, it will calculate and display the required power supply for your device.
Consequences Of An Incompatible PSU and GPU
If your power supply is too weak to supply the required wattage for your graphics card, it will cause hardware damage and system crashes. Also, it may lead to system instability, poor performance, and in some cases, system shutdown. Below are some adverse outcomes of this combination;
1. GPU Overheating
When your GPU does not get the required wattage from the PSU, the card will experience voltage instability which will cause overheating. Also, the fans supposed to cool the device won’t be able to spin fast enough and perform its cooling function because the power supply is insufficient. The outcome of the two situations is GPU high temperature.
2. Several Components Damage
The overall performance of the graphics processor and other components solely depends on the amount of wattage supplied by the PSU; if the PSU is weak, it will supply low voltage and damage some of your device’s components.
3. GPU Fan Error
You will get the GPU “fan error” message if there is a low voltage dispense from your PSU. Your GPU fan is one of those components that require excess power; if it is not getting enough, it won’t be able to perform its functions, hence, overheating. You can use MSI Afterburner or Corsair iCUE to check your GPU fans’ performance.
4. Sudden Black Screen
Your GPU is in charge of images and 3D graphics generation; if the PSU fails in its responsibility to supply the required wattage to the card, it will affect the image generation, hence, a sudden black screen. Was there a time you were playing a graphics-demanding game like FIFA, and your GPU suddenly crashed? That’s a result of low PSU.
The GPU requires the right amount of power to function well. If your PSU is not doing the right job, then it’s time to get an upgrade.
5. Flickering Display
The flickering display is caused by GPU fans’ over speeding, and the only culprit of this occurrence is a weak PSU. A flickering display means the PSU only directs wattage to the GPU fans only, which causes over speeding.
Read: What Should My GPU Temp Be?
6. Unstable FPS
The primary cause of unstable FPS and benchmark scores is the weak PSU. The benchmark score is the information about the overall performance of your graphics card; if the scores are inconsistent, it means your GPU is not getting enough wattage to perform at its maximum capacity from the PSU.
The best way to avoid this is always to check your GPU’s power consumption. If a weak PSU is the issue, then you should get an upgrade.
Conclusion
The best way you can get the best from your PSU and other components is to have a PSU that will supply the required voltage. This is why it is essential to know your PSU capacity before you purchase a graphics card. The information in this article will help you make an informed decision while shopping for a new graphics card.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do All Graphics Cards Require A PSU?
Not all graphics cards depend on PSU for power supply. For instance, graphics cards like AMD 7000 series and Nvidia 7 series depend on the PCI Express slot on your motherboard for power supply. However, graphics cards in this category are less powerful and are not designed for gaming.
2. What Factors Should I Consider While Buying A New PSU For My Graphics Card?
While shopping and upgrading your PSU for a better power supply to your graphics card, you should consider factors such as compatibility and quality power cables. Also, the brand from which your PSU comes affects its functionality, so choose from a reputable brand. In addition, select a PSU that is easy to set up.
3. What Are The Best Universal PSUs For Most GPUs?
There are all-sufficient PSUs compatible with any graphics card; although they are more expensive, they are worth it. Examples are Corsair CX450, Cooler Master V750 Gold V2, Corsair RM850x, Corsair AX1000, and Corsair SF750.
4. Can A Weak PSU Damage My Device?
The consequence of having a weak PSU is that your GPU and its device will underperform. A GPU getting low wattage from the PSU will overheat, and high temperature can damage your PSU and other PC components.
5. What Is The Solution For A Weak PSU?
If your PSU is too weak to supply the required voltage to your graphics card, upgrading your PSU is the best and easiest solution.