Is a 320W PSU Enough for an i5-4690 with a GTX 1060 6GB?
When considering building or modifying a gaming or computing system, the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is a critical component. In this article, we will examine whether a 320W PSU is adequate for a system consisting of an Intel i5-4690 CPU and a NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB graphics card.
Power Requirements Breakdown
A 320W PSU is generally not sufficient for a system that includes an Intel i5-4690 and a GTX 1060 6GB graphics card. These components have relatively high power requirements, and a 320W power supply might struggle to provide enough power to run them effectively, leading to potential instability or failure under heavier loads.
The Components and Their Power Requirements
The Intel i5-4690 has a typical Thermal Design Power (TDP) of around 84 watts. On the other hand, the NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB has a TDP of about 120 watts. Additionally, the total power consumption can vary based on other components such as the motherboard, RAM, storage, and additional peripherals.
Total Estimated Power Consumption
Intel i5-4690
TDP: ~84W
NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB
TDP: ~120W
Other Components
Total Power Consumption: ~50-100W
Total Power Consumption
Total: Approximately 250-300W, depending on other components.
Recommendations for PSU Capacity
To ensure stability and account for peak usage, it is typically recommended to have a PSU that provides at least 20-30 more watts than your estimated total draw. For a system with an i5-4690 and GTX 1060 6GB, this means a PSU with at least 400 watts would be a safer choice.
Quality of PSU
Ensure the PSU is from a reputable brand and has good efficiency ratings, such as 80 Plus Bronze or better. This will provide better reliability and efficiency.
Case Studies and Comparisons
Several individuals have built systems with similar configurations but have never experienced issues with a 320W PSU. However, these experiences may vary based on specific circumstances and components.
Examples from Actual Builds
For instance, a build using an Intel i5-4690 and a GTX 1060 6GB with a 265W or 275W power supply from Dell has never caused any problems. Additionally, an overclocked GTX 1060 can use up to 139 watts under maximum load.
PC Components' Power Consumption
Typical power consumption for various PC components includes:
PC fans: ~2.5W each Chipset: ~7W DDR3-1600 RAM: SATA SSD: ~4.5W when active Intel i5-4560 gaming: seldom above 38W Overclocked GTX 1060: up to 139WTransient Spikes and PSU Performance
Transient spikes can sometimes cause confusion regarding PSU requirements. Sites like pcpartpicker suggest higher capacities than necessary, and anxious consumers may worry about their systems crashing. However, transient spikes are usually absorbed by the PSU to protect the system from potential damage.
Example Build and Power Consumption
Nerd On A Budget recently built an i7-6700 Optiplex 7040 with a 100W GTX 1650 Super using a 240W proprietary Dell power unit. The system pulled 179W from the wall while gaming, indicating that a 320W PSU can be sufficient for the i5-4690 and GTX 1060 6GB setup.
When considering the maximum power draw for a GTX 1060 overclocked, the highest recorded was 139W, which is well within the capacity of a 400W PSU. Similarly, an extreme overclocked version of the 4090 requiring 520W with a 155W CPU is still safe with an 850W PSU.
Conclusion
While a 320W PSU may power the system under light loads, it is not recommended for heavier loads such as gaming or intensive tasks. Upgrading to a 400W or higher PSU is suggested for optimal performance and stability. Always choose a reputable PSU with good efficiency ratings for best performance and reliability.