My graphics card may have failed recently. When I tried to start the computer, it repeatedly powered on and shut off with a clicking sound, but the system booted normally using the motherboard's integrated graphics. I'm considering replacing the card with a GTX 1080 Ti and want to know whether reusing the PCIe power cables from my current 600W PSU could damage the replacement GPU. My system uses an Intel i7-4790K and an Apevia ATX-PR600W power supply. Should I replace the PSU, and would a new unit include the required cables?
2 Answers
Given the age of the system and the specific Apevia ATX-PR600W model, I would replace the PSU rather than risk an expensive graphics card. The repeated clicking and power cycling could indicate the PSU’s protection circuitry is tripping, although the GPU itself could also be faulty. A quality 650W unit should handle a GTX 1080 Ti, while 750W gives you more headroom.
A 1080 Ti generally works with a good 650W supply, but wattage alone is not enough. Your current unit is old and not a model I’d trust with a replacement GPU, so choose a reputable modern PSU with the proper PCIe connectors. New modular PSUs normally include their own cables, but use only the cables that come with that exact PSU—never reuse modular cables from the old unit, even if the plugs appear to fit.
Would I need to buy the PCIe cables separately, or do replacement power supplies normally include them?