I have a pre-built Aspire XC-780 PC with an i5-7400 processor, a GT 720 graphics card, 12GB DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB HDD, all powered by a 180W power supply. I'm considering upgrading to a GTX 1050 or 1050 Ti, but I'm worried that my PC might shut down while gaming due to power limitations. Can my PSU handle this upgrade?
3 Answers
Yes, your 180W PSU can support a GTX 1050 or 1050 Ti, though it'll be close. If you encounter shutdowns, you might want to consider undervolting the GPU to ease the load. Just keep in mind that running so close to the max can lead to instability.
Honestly, your power supply can just about manage it, but not under full load. If you push it too hard, the system might shut down, especially during heavy gaming sessions.
Is it a problem if your PSU is running at its limit like 160-170W? Yes, that's risky. Ideally, you want some headroom on your power supply because running at the limit could lead to unexpected shutdowns. It's better to have a slightly stronger PSU if you plan to use the GPU to its maximum potential.

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