Upgrade or Not?

I am wondering if I should buy a new PSU or use my old one. I am currently building a new computer and I am trying to save money where possible, but I don't want to cut conners as I want this system to last me as long as possibe. My last system (which was a gaming rig) last me for two years before the graphics card died on me (it was a Geforce 6800 and I did push the thing to its limits).

Heres what I plan to have for the system I am building:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+
eVGA Geforce 7900 GT KO (I am aware of the problems with this card hence the main reason for my post)
ASUS A8N-SLI
2 GB of RAM
2 SATA Hard Drives 80 gig each

My current PSU is an Aspire (model number: ATX-AS500w). I know it may not be the best one out there, but I don't plan on doing any overclocking. I am aware that my video card is overclocked, but I wanted an overclocked one becuase I tend to push the graphics card a lot. The PSU came with the case that I got for my other system which I plan on using as it keep things cold (CPU temp was from 25 to 35 C).

I would like to not to spend over $300 for a new PSU as I am trying to keep cost below $2,000. I am already at $1,000 (roughly) in parts at Newegg.

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Quote :

I am wondering if I should buy a new PSU or use my old one. I am currently building a new computer and I am trying to save money where possible, but I don't want to cut conners as I want this system to last me as long as possibe. My last system (which was a gaming rig) last me for two years before the graphics card died on me (it was a Geforce 6800 and I did push the thing to its limits).

Heres what I plan to have for the system I am building:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+
eVGA Geforce 7900 GT KO (I am aware of the problems with this card hence the main reason for my post)
ASUS A8N-SLI
2 GB of RAM
2 SATA Hard Drives 80 gig each

My current PSU is an Aspire (model number: ATX-AS500w). I know it may not be the best one out there, but I don't plan on doing any overclocking. I am aware that my video card is overclocked, but I wanted an overclocked one becuase I tend to push the graphics card a lot. The PSU came with the case that I got for my other system which I plan on using as it keep things cold (CPU temp was from 25 to 35 C).

I would like to not to spend over $300 for a new PSU as I am trying to keep cost below $2,000. I am already at $1,000 (roughly) in parts at Newegg.

I would be worried about the PSU...

I normally recommend Antec (True Power), PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, Silverstone, OCZ.

FSP Group / Fortron Source is usually pretty good too.

The Antec TPII 550 has 2 12V rails rated @ 19A each.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817103931

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp

I understand the Aspire ATX-AS500w tends to die after 6-8 months depending on usage and other factors.

Reply to linux_0

Well if you are not going for an SLI setup with your mobo, then I would normally recommend the SeaSonic S12-430 which is $103.

If that's a bit too steep then get the Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-430 for $70.

Your system should draw more than 225w and that's including a sound card, DVD drive, and 2 case fans. So you should have plenty of power to spare.

Hell, a Seasonic S12 330 is powerful enough for your system since it can provide 264w on the 12v rails.

Reply to jaguarskx

Quote :

Well if you are not going for an SLI setup with your mobo, then I would normally recommend the SeaSonic S12-430 which is $103.

If that's a bit too steep then get the Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-430 for $70.

Your system should draw more than 225w and that's including a sound card, DVD drive, and 2 case fans. So you should have plenty of power to spare.

Hell, a Seasonic S12 330 is powerful enough for your system since it can provide 264w on the 12v rails.

They are both good :-D

I'd recommend a 500W or 550W for future proofing.

The TPII-550 is only $81 :-D

Reply to linux_0

as was said before, a new and powerfull PSU will be a good investment. TPII-550 is just Ok

Reply to hacky_maximus

man u guys beat me to it today.

yah they are right, Antec TP, if u want modular get the NeoHE, i have a NeoHE 500w its a good unit.

Reply to pengwin

Quote :

man u guys beat me to it today.

yah they are right, Antec TP, if u want modular get the NeoHE, i have a NeoHE 500w its a good unit.

Aye modular PSUs are awesome :-D

Reply to linux_0

Thanks for the list of PSU. I think I will go with the Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550, as it will give me some breathing room down the road. Now I just have to order everything now and build it.

linux_0 - Well I guess I got lucky with my Apsire then becuase it lasted me two years and it still runs. I think it may had to do with how cold the fans kept the hardware and that I tweaked a lot thru Windows XP so that I get the best performace out of the hardware. So my hardware with the tweaking consumed less power even when I pushed the system.

Reply to jurupa

Quote :

Thanks for the list of PSU. I think I will go with the Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550, as it will give me some breathing room down the road. Now I just have to order everything now and build it.

linux_0 - Well I guess I got lucky with my Apsire then becuase it lasted me two years and it still runs. I think it may had to do with how cold the fans kept the hardware and that I tweaked a lot thru Windows XP so that I get the best performace out of the hardware. So my hardware with the tweaking consumed less power even when I pushed the system.

Great choice :-D

Luck, usage and other factors have a lot to do with it. Some batches are better than others and even top of the line hardware fails.

Reply to linux_0

TP 550 is good

never the less i still like the NeoHE 500w, when i build my own it'll be a neoHE series also luv the 3 12v rails.

Reply to pengwin

Quote :

TP 550 is good

never the less i still like the NeoHE 500w, when i build my own it'll be a neoHE series also luv the 3 12v rails.

Yes indeed! The NeoHE is very nice too and the 3 12v rails are great! :-D

So is the standard 3year Antec Warranty.

It's also modular :-D I just wish it was fully modular instead of being partially modular.

It's very reasonably priced for a modular PSU so that makes up for it.

I also understand the compatibility issues with some motherboards have been resolved.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817103940

Reply to linux_0

that issue was onyl with the 430w versions of the neoHE, and i think the non-fully modular is good but like the 8 pin BTX plug should be modular since i dont use the 8 pin plug and well it gets in the way of my 80mm blow hole., the 24 pin should be built on tho since u HAVE to use it.

also one thing i didnt like was that pulling the plugs out of of the PSU is a pain but atleast i know they will stay in so it really not a big problem.

still very happy with the nuit. if i had to i would buy it again, i dont think i will ever get a non-modular unless ofcourse its beter for the same price, (IE: 4 12v rails instead of NeoHE's 3)

very satisfied.

Reply to pengwin

Quote :

that issue was onyl with the 430w versions of the neoHE, and i think the non-fully modular is good but like the 8 pin BTX plug should be modular since i dont use the 8 pin plug and well it gets in the way of my 80mm blow hole., the 24 pin should be built on tho since u HAVE to use it.

also one thing i didnt like was that pulling the plugs out of of the PSU is a pain but atleast i know they will stay in so it really not a big problem.

still very happy with the nuit. if i had to i would buy it again, i dont think i will ever get a non-modular unless ofcourse its beter for the same price, (IE: 4 12v rails instead of NeoHE's 3)

very satisfied.

Indeed, I agree :-D

Some of us do crazy stuff with our PSUs tho, so I do like it when all the cables are modular :-D

I often use PSUs to power devices and computers without ATX connectors.

Reply to linux_0

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