Possible upgrade to GTX970?

[JeroenBeunckens]

Hi guys,

About 4 years ago I've builded my first computer (it costed around 1k back then) wich was a serious investment i.m.o., as you can see below its pretty outdated. I'm playing CS:GO allot lately and I'm getting 200+fps on prefered settings, wich is good enough for me (I'm using a 144hz monitor). Now I have been looking into Overwatch and I'm seriously hyped for it, but my current build would be a failure probably, I want to get 60+ fps to enjoy my 144hz screen and right now I wont get it (maybe at horrible settings). Now my question is, I am going to upgrade to a GTX970, will this even be usefull? (CPU wise..) Also is it compatible with my current motherboard and PCU? Do I need to upgrade my PSU (hopefully not..) I've looked on the interwebs on how to check it but I need you guys for a second opnion and it's greatly appreciated!

SPECS::

GPU: AMD Radeon HD 7800
Motherboard: ASRock B75 Pro 3
PSU: Corsair CX500
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2320 CPU @ 3.00GHz
RAM: 8GB

EXTERNALS::

BenQ XL2430T
Samsung Led monitor

 

[P4-630]

http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-970/specifications

"Recommended System Power (W)** 500 W
** Recommendation is made based on PC configured with an Intel Core i7 3.2 GHz processor."

You should be fine with that i5 and a GTX970.

 

[GhostRyder]

Hi guys,

About 4 years ago I've builded my first computer (it costed around 1k back then) wich was a serious investment i.m.o., as you can see below its pretty outdated. I'm playing CS:GO allot lately and I'm getting 200+fps on prefered settings, wich is good enough for me (I'm using a 144hz monitor). Now I have been looking into Overwatch and I'm seriously hyped for it, but my current build would be a failure probably, I want to get 60+ fps to enjoy my 144hz screen and right now I wont get it (maybe at horrible settings). Now my question is, I am going to upgrade to a GTX970, will this even be usefull? (CPU wise..) Also is it compatible with my current motherboard and PCU? Do I need to upgrade my PSU (hopefully not..) I've looked on the interwebs on how to check it but I need you guys for a second opnion and it's greatly appreciated!

SPECS::

GPU: AMD Radeon HD 7800
Motherboard: ASRock B75 Pro 3
PSU: Corsair CX500
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2320 CPU @ 3.00GHz
RAM: 8GB

EXTERNALS::

BenQ XL2430T
Samsung Led monitor

Your fine, just pick one up and go!

 

[mstenholm]

I run two OC'ed GTX 970 with a 4970 runing 100 % 24/7 and it pulls 450 W folding. You will be fine.

 

[Tsukiyomi91]

your current setup will do fine for the GTX970 but make sure the PSU have at least two 6-pin connectors before getting it to ensure you don't run into compatibility issues, but most of the time a good number of vendors are generous enough to give a Molex to PCIe converter cables.

 

[mstenholm]

your current setup will do fine for the GTX970 but make sure the PSU have at least two 6-pin connectors before getting it to ensure you don't run into compatibility issues, but most of the time a good number of vendors are generous enough to give a Molex to PCIe converter cables.

My MSI's (Gaming 4G) wants 6+8 but my Asus (OC Strix) only uses a 8-pin. Better check what you have on your PSU before hitting BUY.

 

[red_stapler]

Am I still on techpowerup? Usually people suggest getting a 1000w minimum for everything around here.

 

[mstenholm]

Am I still on techpowerup? Usually people suggest getting a 1000w minimum for everything around here.

Wait....it will come. We always think that it's nice with a little room for some extra GPUs. My 450 W is done on a 860 W.....

 

[jboydgolfer]

Am I still on techpowerup? Usually people suggest getting a 1000w minimum for everything around here.

Sooner or l8r some bolognahead will suggest some ridiculous over watt psu.

I have run 2x 970's , a 4690k @4.6ghz, just fine on a GOOD 650watt. No issue,and for more than a hour or 2

Honestly, i love that mentality....its the reason 650 watt psu are cheap often.

 

[rtwjunkie]

Am I still on techpowerup? Usually people suggest getting a 1000w minimum for everything around here.

I've actually been noticing the opposite since Maxwells were released for the last year. Most people I see are in competition to see who can suggest the LOWEST wattage PSU that will perform and be reliable. Personally, I always prefer a little more than those minimal recommendations.

 

[JeroenBeunckens]

your current setup will do fine for the GTX970 but make sure the PSU have at least two 6-pin connectors before getting it to ensure you don't run into compatibility issues, but most of the time a good number of vendors are generous enough to give a Molex to PCIe converter cables.

Can you explain to me how I can check this. I'm studying IT and I feel embarrased that I have to ask something stupid like this to you guys. You are helping me out greatly though! Very much appreciated already
PS: You might also wanna check the comment below you before answering my question, I don't know for sure what he is saying.. :/

 

[red_stapler]

Can you explain to me how I can check this.

You could go to Corsair's website, find your power supply, and look at the specs page to see how many PCI-E connectors are listed:

http://www.corsair.com/en-us/cx500-80-plus-bronze-certified-power-supply-na-refurbished

They hook into the video card like this:

 

[JeroenBeunckens]

You could go to Corsair's website, find your power supply, and look at the specs page to see how many PCI-E connectors are listed:

http://www.corsair.com/en-us/cx500-80-plus-bronze-certified-power-supply-na-refurbished

They hook into the video card like this:

I seems that my PSU has 2 PCI-E connectors, so if those PCI-E connectors are both 6 pinned I will be good to go as long as I buy an MSI version?

 

[red_stapler]

I seems that my PSU has 2 PCI-E connectors, so if those PCI-E connectors are both 6 pinned I will be good to go as long as I buy an MSI version?

The CX500 has 2x "6+2" connectors like in the photo I posted, so you can use them with 6 or 8 pin video cards.

 

[JeroenBeunckens]

The CX500 has 2x "6+2" connectors like in the photo I posted, so you can use them with 6 or 8 pin video cards.

Oh okay I think I understand now, thanks!!

 

[Frick]

Am I still on techpowerup? Usually people suggest getting a 1000w minimum for everything around here.

Those people has always been wrong anyway.

 

[Tsukiyomi91]

IMO, any PSU that has a rating below 700W with 80 Plus Silver efficiency or higher is fine to run any single GPU setup, whether it's from AMD or Nvidia as the additional headroom can either be for stability or squeezing a couple of MHz more from either the VGA card or the CPU. 1kW seems overkill, even for dual GPU setups unless you are running two of AMD's microscopic nuclear reactor beast; the R9 295X2 in Quad Crossfire, then it sounds quite reasonable.

 

[Shou Miko]

your current setup will do fine for the GTX970 but make sure the PSU have at least two 6-pin connectors before getting it to ensure you don't run into compatibility issues, but most of the time a good number of vendors are generous enough to give a Molex to PCIe converter cables.

that really depends on the model, bcs there are various models out there some with 1x8pins, 2x6pins, 1x6pins+1x8pins, not sure if u fine one with 2x8pins

 

[Tsukiyomi91]

it greatly depends on the price tag as well since most modified/aftermarket 970s requirements are widely varied by model type.

 

[JeroenBeunckens]

Alright guys, I found out that my PSU has 2x 8 pins so I will be good on that one. As far as hardware placement, I should be good to go. Now I've come up with another issue, I know my CPU is not that good, actually its pretty bad, wont that be a big bottleneck for my GPU? Like can you explain bottleneck? I guess it has something to do wether if I buy a titan x or a 970, I will still get the same FPS because of my CPU, am I right? I'm going to get my card this evening so a quick answer before I'm going would be great! Also thanks for the replies guys

 

[JrockTech]

I had the CX500 and it could not handle my single GPU setup. System hangups and fans dropping in RPM underload were fixed when I upgraded to a HX750i.

 

[JeroenBeunckens]

I had the CX500 and it could not handle my single GPU setup. System hangups and fans dropping in RPM underload were fixed when I upgraded to a HX750i.

I'm getting the card tonight, I will keep you guys updated

 

[JrockTech]

Yeah, you should be fine. I had my setup over clocked a lot. An Intel and Nvidia setup will be a lot less power draw as well.

 

[Tsukiyomi91]

@JeroenBeunckens looking forward to it.

 

[JeroenBeunckens]

@JeroenBeunckens looking forward to it.

Well I got it, I was so excited untill I ran into a problem wich I made another thread for..

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/nvidia-cant-find-graphics-card.222095/

I'm so sad

EDIT::

I wanted to try another motherboard port but my hard drive was in the way, so i just replugged it and it worked! I wouldn't know why it didn't work on the first time but I'm playing battlefield 4 on ultra with 120 FPS right now!
Thanks guys, happy gaming!