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I am looking to purchase a new graphics card for my machine that has Antec 500watt power supply. I am looking to buy the Radeon R9 270X graphics card which is coming in my budget. I will also buy a cooler master cooler for my setup to keep the graphics card cool. I just want to know whether the AMP of the power supply is enough for this graphics card that I have choosen. Thanks for helping me out.
The graphics card power recommendation is based on the Power Supply's total 12V output and it is not based on how many rails the PSU has. There is supposed to be a 6 pin connector which is rated for 6.25 amps and sometimes it also provides much more. From the PCIE slot as well the graphics card draws some power. So, if your power supply gives 36amps combined and if the graphics card requirement is only 24 amps total then you dont have to worry anything about. And if you are also looking for overclocking then you will need to go with atleast an Antec NeoECO C NeoECO 620C 620W PSU.
I think that the molex connectors of the Antec 500W power supply will cause issues in powering the R9 270X graphics card. So therefore I would suggest you to go for other PSU like XFX TS Series XFX TS 550W ATX12V 2.2 & ESP12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Bronze Certified Active PFC Power Supply. It is also not that costly, comes for around 70 dollars only. It is a decent psu that also remains quiet when at full load and provides enough power to any computer.
I have found out that the Radeon R9 270X graphics card needs atleast 24 amps on the 12v rail. And along with that you also need powering for your other hardware components, so I dont think a 500Watt power supply will be good for a long run. I would suggest you something like CORSAIR RM Series RM750 750W ATX12V v2.31 and EPS 2.92 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply if you are up for a budget of $130, with this psu you need not have to worry for atleast 3+ years.
Buying a good psu will be beneficial for your graphic card and other hardware also. Just don't rely on the total output only. One of the best psu recommended for gaming pc is Antec EA-750. With power output it also gives you stable current. It features Active Power Factor Correction technology that maintain a proper current flow in your system. It also provide you Industrial grade protection like OVP (Over Voltage Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection), and OCP (Over Current Protection).