Is 400 watts enough?

[hanrak]

Today i upgraded my dell 4600s PSU to 400 watts mainly so i can use the x1950 pro agp card that im buying. This is what i bought http://www.jeantech.com/400.htm . Now i thought this would be enough but on reading some other posts im not so sure and im beginning to think i need more. What do you guys think? Your valuable input is greatly appreciated. Cheers.

 

[31computers]

here is a link to a Watts calculation site, which you may find useful.

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

 

[utaka95]

Normally I don't recommend high wattage power supplies, but in your case I think you may want more. The 1950XT uses 280 watts under load. That's fairly close to maxing out a 400 watt PS after you factor in cpu load needs.

Edit: oops I just noticed the OP said 1950 pro - It has a lower power consumption than the XT but you still may come close to overloading the PSU.

 

[hanrak]

Ok thanks guys, i think ill take it back an get the 500 watt version.

 

[MEGAWATTZ2000]

Those cards use way too much power, one of the reasons why I will wait to upgrade my video card that's insane .. 28amps

 

[hanrak]

Thanks for all the info guys, you have really opened my eyes up. PSU king i guess this is no good either? www.jeantech.com/500.htm Im just trying to keep the cost down, or should i get this 600 watt version? www.jeantech.com/600.htm .Many thanks.

 

[Bache]

Today i upgraded my dell 4600s PSU to 400 watts mainly so i can use the x1950 pro agp card that im buying. This is what i bought http://www.jeantech.com/400.htm . Now i thought this would be enough but on reading some other posts im not so sure and im beginning to think i need more. What do you guys think? Your valuable input is greatly appreciated. Cheers.

Generally these days, 430W min.

Note that the way some PSU manufacturerers rate units is deceptive :twisted: , ie, rating for short period time, not constant. etc.

They usually don't tell you this.

 

[tim851]

The 1950XT uses 280 watts under load.

How do people make up that kind of nonsense...?!

 

[-silencer-]

The 1950XT uses 280 watts under load.

How do people make up that kind of nonsense...?!

They read videocard power consumption comparison graphs without realizing this is the whole system's power draw - cpu, mobo, ram, hdd, videocard.. reading the article & fine print instead of just looking at the graph is important.

Unless you're going SLI, 400W is fine for just about any cpu, mobo, ram, videocard, 1 hdd, 1 dvd drive setup at stock speeds. Overclocking does use quite a bit more power but even then, almost everyone buying the 1kw power supplies doesn't need more than a 500-600w PSU. Not to mention, power supplies aren't as efficient when running below it's sweet spot.. usually around 75% of max power.

 

[Slobogob]

That´s easy. For some people, reading, writing and thinking are all exclusive skills on their own.

 

[Dahak]

I would go with at least a 500watt psu as the newer graphics cards require more power than the old ones.If you can,take that 400 back and get a 500.That way you aleviate any potential problems with psu failure.Goodluck.

Dahak

AMD X2-4400+@2.4 S-939
EVGA NF4 SLI MB
2X EVGA 7800GT IN SLI
2X1GIG DDR IN DC MODE
WD300GIG HD
EXTREME 19IN.MONITOR 1280X1024
ACE 520WATT PSU
COOLERMASTER MINI R120