I've recently upgraded my PC from an AMD A8-6600K to a QuadCore Intel Core i5-4670K, and I'm thinking about adding an old Radeon HD 5700 graphics card that a friend gave me. It worked fine with my previous setup, but I'm unsure if my current 500W power supply can handle it. The power supply is the TM-500-PSAP-I3, but I've heard that not all 500W PSUs are reliable, especially since it only provides 20A on the +12V rail. I calculated that with the card, my power consumption should be around 240W, but I'm worried if that's too much for my PSU. Also, the PSU is quite old—about 10 years. Am I risking damaging my components if I install the GPU?
2 Answers
The Radeon HD 5700 isn’t that great compared to modern integrated graphics, honestly. If you can, consider saving up for something like an RX 580 instead. They’re more powerful and potentially not as risky for your setup. Plus, you might find a decent one for about $35, which is a scale-up from what you've got. Hang in there with your builds, and good luck!
Honestly, your power supply's 20A limit on the 12V rail is a red flag. Many older PSUs like yours may not deliver their rated power consistently, and 20A is on the low side for a system with high-performance components. It's safer to look for a PSU with better ratings and warranties—plus, those old units typically don’t come with great voltage regulation. So, yes, I would be cautious about plugging in the Radeon HD 5700.
I appreciate the advice! I'm really on a tight budget as a student, but I hope to save up for a proper upgrade soon.