Can a GTX 1650 run safely on a 250W PSU

[Exodus6124]

Hello all,

I own a Fujitsu Esprimo P556/2 desktop office PC coupled with a GPU that is at best 1.5x as powerful as my iGPU. Naturally, I cannot game on this machine on any meaningful level.
I also live in a third world country where, coupled with the rapid devaluation of our currency, every single piece of hardware is sold at a minimum 2-4x markup. Therefore, I cannot justify myself buying a new PSU, motherboard, a GPU and/or a new CPU. The motherboard uses a proprietary connector, so I cannot upgrade my PSU without also replacing the motherboard. In order to replace the minimum amount of components, I have found a used Zotac GTX 1650 4GB with 1 year warranty left for approximately $135.

According to my own calculations and some online tools, the computer's power draw at everything on full load should be at 230 to 250W. However, on some tech related forums and subreddits the people are outright dismissing the idea of running this card with a 250W PSU, and instead they suggest (in my opinion) needlessly high capacity PSUs (500W and more). What do you guys think, can I safely run this PC without frying my hardware or worse?

My computer specs:
CPU: Intel i5-7400
Current GPU: NVIDIA Quadro K620
RAM: 2x8 GB DDR4
Disk: 250 GB SSD + 500 GB SSD + 3.5" 7200 RPM HDD
PSU: 250W Fujitsu

Here's the datasheet for my model.

Thanks.

 

[BSim500]

According to my own calculations and some online tools, the computer's power draw at everything on full load should be at 230 to 250W. However, on some tech related forums and subreddits the people are outright dismissing the idea of running this card with a 250W PSU, and instead they suggest (in my opinion) needlessly high capacity PSUs (500W and more). What do you guys think, can I safely run this PC without frying my hardware or worse?

Should do. I've seen an i5-7500 + 75w GTX 1050Ti run on a 160w Pico-PSU before with a total system power draw peak well under 130w. Online calculation tools always over-estimate everything. Likewise "experts" on enthusiast forums will 9 times out of 10 just tell you to buy what they bought simply because they bought it regardless of your actual needs.

Edit: Another "reality check" : My current i5-10400F + GTX 1660 (both undervolted) barely hit 150w total system usage.

 

[Lei]

@Exodus6124
Yep

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Specs

NVIDIA TU117, 1665 MHz, 896 Cores, 56 TMUs, 32 ROPs, 4096 MB GDDR5, 2001 MHz, 128 bit

www.techpowerup.com

 

[PLAfiller]

Should be fine, the Zotac has no external power connector, so PCI-power it is (75W).

 

[Exodus6124]

Likewise "experts" on enthusiast forums will 9 times out of 10 just tell you to buy what they bought simply because they bought it regardless of your actual needs.

That's honestly what I have suspected as well.

Thanks for the replies everyone, I will be buying the card and update here when I get to try it and run some benchmarks.

 

[Lei]

That's honestly what I have suspected as well.

Thanks for the replies everyone, I will be buying the card and update here when I get to try it and run some benchmarks.

A power supply more that you need makes the power supply quieter/cooler....

You don't want to work its arse off tbh. But 250w handles it.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Hello all,

I own a Fujitsu Esprimo P556/2 desktop office PC coupled with a GPU that is at best 1.5x as powerful as my iGPU. Naturally, I cannot game on this machine on any meaningful level.
I also live in a third world country where, coupled with the rapid devaluation of our currency, every single piece of hardware is sold at a minimum 2-4x markup. Therefore, I cannot justify myself buying a new PSU, motherboard, a GPU and/or a new CPU. The motherboard uses a proprietary connector, so I cannot upgrade my PSU without also replacing the motherboard. In order to replace the minimum amount of components, I have found a used Zotac GTX 1650 4GB with 1 year warranty left for approximately $135.

According to my own calculations and some online tools, the computer's power draw at everything on full load should be at 230 to 250W. However, on some tech related forums and subreddits the people are outright dismissing the idea of running this card with a 250W PSU, and instead they suggest (in my opinion) needlessly high capacity PSUs (500W and more). What do you guys think, can I safely run this PC without frying my hardware or worse?

My computer specs:
CPU: Intel i5-7400
Current GPU: NVIDIA Quadro K620
RAM: 2x8 GB DDR4
Disk: 250 GB SSD + 500 GB SSD + 3.5" 7200 RPM HDD
PSU: 250W Fujitsu

Here's the datasheet for my model.

Thanks.

You should be fine. Not sure where those wattage calculations are coming from, but none of the rest of that system will pull more than 110W under full load(which will not happen while gaming) and that Zotac 1650 will pull 75W max, which leaves plenty of headroom. Buy with confidence.

BTW, Welcome to TPU! Don't be a stranger.

That's honestly what I have suspected as well.

Thanks for the replies everyone, I will be buying the card and update here when I get to try it and run some benchmarks.

Oops, looks like I missed this! Enjoy! With that card, your system will give you a good gaming experience. Don't expect it to take you to the moon and don't expect to run AAA titles like a boss, but most recent games will run well.

 

[Lei]

Oops, looks like I missed this! Enjoy, with that card, your system will give you a good gaming experience. Don't expect it to take you to the moon and don't expect to run AAA titles, but most recent games will run well.

Sleeping dogs definitive edition. Beat like Jackie Chan, eat noodles and get into a massage parlour to regain health

 

[Exodus6124]

Oops, looks like I missed this! Enjoy! With that card, your system will give you a good gaming experience. Don't expect it to take you to the moon and don't expect to run AAA titles like a boss, but most recent games will run well.

Yes absolutely, while it is much faster than what I currently own, 1650 is low end today all things considered. As you've said, I think it should be fine with relatively new-ish games on lowest settings.

Thank you very much for the warm welcome

 

[Lei]

Yes absolutely, while it is much faster than what I currently own, 1650 is low end today all things considered. As you've said, I think it should be fine with relatively new-ish games on lowest settings.

Thank you very much for the warm welcome

Why don't you buy a 1060 6gb?
it's 3 years older, so I guess in second hand market, it won't cost more than gtx1650.
but it's faster and has 2gb more vram:

 

[ir_cow]

Why don't you buy a 1060 6gb?
it's 3 years older, so I guess in second hand market, it won't cost more than gtx1650.
but it's faster and has 2gb more vram:

Because it's double the power draw and needs a 6pin PEG. Also it's only 1-3% faster.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Why don't you buy a 1060 6gb?
it's 3 years older, so I guess in second hand market, it won't cost more than gtx1650.
but it's faster and has 2gb more vram:

The OP needs a GPU that runs on slot power and the 1650 fits that requirement. For the money and the use case scenario, it's the perfect card.

Thank you very much for the warm welcome

You're welcome! When you get it, if you'd like a few tips for getting the most out of settings and performance, chime in and we'll be happy to help.

 

[AusWolf]

I used to have a 1650 with an 11700 (albeit, limited to factory default 65 W TDP) run on a 300 W PSU. Should be fine.