PSU Question For Dell Optiplex 790

Question

So, I have a Dell Optiplex 790 MT and I want to ensure I’m buying the correct PSU. Here is the PSU:https://www.bestbuy.com/site/evga-700w-atx12v-eps12v-80-plus-bronze-power-supply-dc-dc-technology-black/6346160.p?skuId=6346160

From what I’ve seen, this should work. I plan to put a GT 710 DDR3 2 GB (yes, a terrible card but good enough for what I need it for now). Also, will I need any adapters? Thanks

chocolatekarma · Accepted Answer

Any standard ATX 24 pin PSU will both work and fit in it. As for the 710... it only has a TDP of 19 watts. Those PSU recommendations from GPU makers is always way overblown for the average user. They put it so high because you could have 10 drives and 10 fans running for all they know.

If you just need the 710 now, then you don't need a new PSU yet. I would hold off on that until you get a more beefy GPU.

chocolatekarma · Answer

Yes that PSU will work fine. I have the 450 watt version of that PSU in my 790 MT, and it works great. If you look inside your 790 you will see it has a bog standard 24 pin PSU connector.

But having said that... you certainly don't need a new PSU to power a GT 710. Is there a more beefy card you plan to buy in the future? Because it would have to be a 1080 TI or 2080 TI to warrant a 700 watt PSU.

nata550 · Answer

Thanks!

chocolatekarma · Answer

And to help you put things in better perspective. The 19 watt TDP of the 710 is about equal to the power draw of two spinning hard drives. Your 790 MT has a 265 watt, and under full CPU and GPU load would draw around 100-110 watts from the wall with the 710, no matter what CPU you have. And a PSU always draws a little more than it actually needs. That's where the efficiency ratings come in.

And TDP rating are also overblown. My i7 2600 has a TDP of 95 watts, but I have never seen it go above the high 70's.

When you do get a PSU get a EVGA, Cooler Master or Corsair bronze or higher. Like the one you already selected, but 700 watts is still likely more than most need. A 2080 Ti will run fine on a 550 or 600.

nata550 · Answer

I don’t plan to change this graphics card for a while, but my concern is the specs for the card it says that it needs a 300W PSU but the Dell OEM doesn’t have 300W so I fear of damaging the PSU or even possibly more parts.

I heard about the 700W BR being the only non-Dell PSU actually works because something about the added rails and compatibility issues. Then again, I could have misread it.

ihatedellandhp · Answer

@chocolatekarma  hey is your 1650 super bus powered?

Ojaymon · Answer

You do not need any extra power supply. I have the same system you have (Dell Optiplex 790 - Desktop) and I have the GT 710 Card in it and its running very fine.  The card's maximum power consumption is about 19 watts - so you are good to add the GT 710 without the need to upgrade your PSU

toffuuu101 · Answer

Same with me now I don't yet have this Optiplex 790 MT variant as of yet but I plan to buy refurbished unless I can't use the gt 730 with the default Dell PSU of the 790 MT variant. Hope someone here will help me understand this better and if I'm able to. Thanks. 🙂

PS I'll add that the vcard I have is low profile and doesn't require PSU cord power but is a gddr5 2 gigs EVGA version. States even that it requires 300 watts minimum.

Optiplex Desktops

PSU Question For Dell Optiplex 790

Was this post helpful?