Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > Power Supplies, PC Cases & Case Mods > Right PSU for build? Will it work?

Right PSU for build? Will it work?

Forum CPU & Components : Power Supplies, PC Cases & Case Mods - Right PSU for build? Will it work?

Tom's Hardware: Over 1.4 million members in 6 different countries available to answer all your high-tech questions. Sign up now! Its free!
Word :    Username :           
 

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147052
$24.99

HD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99

Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130025
$89.99

Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231102
$109.99

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115004
$222.00

Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128017
$118.99 (currently $108.99 with $10 off)

I would like to to use this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128012
$144.99

NOW, The PSU my question is about this pick.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817194009
$89.99 (currently $79.99 with $10 off)

Will it work for this set up?

I looked at two sites (http://psu.thetruck.net and http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine) and the information I pulled from both lead me to believe I got a winner. I hope the amps on the dual rail(s) is not over kill for the items that may power them?

Now I messed around with the caculator and got a few different #'s as I may have added a few things (extras) incorrectly. Psu I selected was listed as a good brand/good caps. I think I my have to go up in watts if I try to overclock in the future.

Not counting the DS3 Mobo, I have a total of $688.94 and $717.51 w/shipping. Add $36 more for the DS3 and that puts me $100 over my intended buget.

With C2D prices coming down soon, will I be ok with the PSU or should I spend the savings on a better one?

Thanks for the feedback :).

Sponsored Links
Register or log in to remove.

Enermax make great PSUs and it will suffice for your system. It will handle most single card upgrades in the future but wouldnt recommend for use with an 8800 series card. Nice choice.

Reply to tool_462

Quote :

Enermax make great PSUs and it will suffice for your system. It will handle most single card upgrades in the future but wouldnt recommend for use with an 8800 series card. Nice choice.



How high of a card (DDR3?) could I go before I would have to consider a PSU upgrade? The card I did choose for this build, will it overclocked well with this PSU?

Thanks

Reply to skeptic

I would say the PSU would be good for up to a 7950GT or 1950xt but no dual card solutions. Your 7300GT will run just fine on the PSU, the card doesn't even require an extra power cable to be plugged in as it can get all the wattage it needs from the PCI-e slot.

Reply to tool_462

it's overkill, but it's a good PSU. Unlike what others are saying, it'd easilly power an 8800GTX. Go look on Hardocp at what the 8800gtx pulls on an X6800 system. At full draw it's pulling 345 watts from the wall. Your PSU is rated for 32amps of 12v power, so even if every single watt was from the 12v rail (it's not) and your PSU was 100% efficient (it's efficiency is roughly 80% at full load), you still wouldn't need more PSU than this with your system even with an 8800GTX.

So you're fine. Of course if you're not planning to get a more demanding card, you could probably get a smaller PSU, which might end up being more power efficient during your normal use.

Reply to nilepez

So keeping the PSU I picked out, I could add a couple of PCI cards and some "other gadets" and it will still be rockin?

I'll look it that site now, thanks for "heads up".

Reply to skeptic

Quote :

I would say the PSU would be good for up to a 7950GT or 1950xt but no dual card solutions. Your 7300GT will run just fine on the PSU, the card doesn't even require an extra power cable to be plugged in as it can get all the wattage it needs from the PCI-e slot.



He'd be hard pressed to run 2 8800GTX cards with this PSU, but he probably could run 2 8800GS which would probably cause the total pull from the PSU (assuming every single watt is on the 12v rail) to go to 355 watts(*). If this PSU is accurately rated (and I'd be surprised if it wasn't, in this case) it can continuously output 385.

It'd be close (probably a bit close for comfort), but doable.

(*) Based on HardOCP's test with an X6800, and an 8800GTS pulling roughly 306 watts from the wall and thus 245 is pulled form the PSU (306 * .80). The card is estimated to pull 110 watts (I'm assuming from the PSU, but the review doesn't specify).

Reply to nilepez

First thats a nice system specially if your going to upgrade later.

But, I have built and sold many low end systems with raidmax psu's the ones that come with the cases. your 350 is little small - look for a case with a 420+

Your psu is overkill for such a low end gpu and c2d are low power.

since your systems is very low end and u have such a low power cpu and gpu you could find a nice case like raidmax with a 450w psu. as long as its 25 amps on the 12 volt u be ok -- then u can get a better video card.

is this for gaming?

you can get a hipro for half that price and put all your saving into nice video card!

Good luck!

Warpedsystems "the need4speed"

Reply to dragonsprayer

Quote :

Case:

With C2D prices coming down soon, will I be ok with the PSU or should I spend the savings on a better one?

Thanks for the feedback :).





In my opinion, C2D will not be coming down - the reason the prices are so low is for intel to get back there market. C2D has been slow - the magazines still favor amd -- i think demand for C@D will increase. Do not look for a price decrease.

Reply to dragonsprayer

You are reccomending an inferior power supply. Raidmax does not make quality PSUs. Stick with the enermax, it even gives you Amps to spare.

Reply to Valtiel

Quote :

You are reccomending an inferior power supply. Raidmax does not make quality PSUs. Stick with the enermax, it even gives you Amps to spare.



I suspect the point is with such a low end system, you have no need for all the power the Enermax has. I'm not sure I'd by a crap PSU, if raidmax is, in fact, crap, but I'd be shocked if the OP couldn't buy a $40.00 psu that could easilly run the configuration he's looking at, with plenty of power left over.

Reply to nilepez

lol - i have raidmax system here that had nvidia 6800, 3.2c @3.6 ghz, my kid gamed on every day 12 hours day, it never failed it never crashed and worked great for 2 years. i sold it on ebay and the buyer was so happy! i never heard back so must still work!

if u building a low end system - you can get away with the box psu - i recommended raidmax since i have used them in many systems. with core 2 duo - u free up a lot of watts (75 vs 125) - so u can run a nice mid lvl gpu with that.

check new eggs feedback to see if the "el cheapo" psu is "ok" - like i said i have good luck with stock 430 watt raidmax psu's in low end systems

bottom line is add up your amps


i use hipro 600 in all my $1000-1800 and silver stone 600 in my mid systems and 750 in my high end systems.

Reply to dragonsprayer

newegg has a sweet hipro 500 watt for $40 - specs look good if i remember right - i never used but i have good luck with the 600 watt which is $75

if you buying any psu seperate make sure you getting 30-35 amps min the 12v

Reply to dragonsprayer

40 amps, good ratings and $36 bucks! - silver stone is $99 for 38amps

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Cust [...] 6817174023

Reply to dragonsprayer

Quote :

newegg has a sweet hipro 500 watt for $40 - specs look good if i remember right - i never used but i have good luck with the 600 watt which is $75

if you buying any psu seperate make sure you getting 30-35 amps min the 12v



In that price range, I'd probably go with a Fortron (or some other brand made by FSP). I've used both cheap and good PSUs, and the only problem I ever had was the fan died on one of the cheap units....replaced the fan and it still works after 10 years of use.

Edit: Just realized that this is a topower unit and they generally make quality PSUs, so I suspect this one is no exception (but I'm not in the market for a PSU, so I'm not going to do further research :wink: )

Reply to nilepez

Quote :

newegg has a sweet hipro 500 watt for $40 - specs look good if i remember right - i never used but i have good luck with the 600 watt which is $75

if you buying any psu seperate make sure you getting 30-35 amps min the 12v



In that price range, I'd probably go with a Fortron (or some other brand made by FSP). I've used both cheap and good PSUs, and the only problem I ever had was the fan died on one of the cheap units....replaced the fan and it still works after 10 years of use.

Edit: Just realized that this is a topower unit and they generally make quality PSUs, so I suspect this one is no exception (but I'm not in the market for a PSU, so I'm not going to do further research :wink: )



fortune is:
is $4 more and 75% less power @ 70% effecient but you do get a box - hipro comes in bubble wrap!

by the way i had hipro in old hp for 6 yrs (windows 98) and it worked when i though out the pc 2 yrs ago, the hdd gave way! its been around!

Brand FSP Group (Fortron Source)
Model FSP400-60THN-R
SPEC
Type ATX
Maximum Power 400W
Fans 12cm large fan
PFC No
Main Connector 24Pin
Dual +12V Yes
SLI Support No
Modular Cabling Support No
Power Good Signal 100-500ms
Hold-up Time 12.0 ms minimum at 230V / 50 Hz
Efficiency > 70%
Over Voltage Protection +5V +3.3V +12V
Input Voltage 115/230 V
Input Frequency Range 50/60 Hz
Input Current 8A @ 115V, 5A @ 230V
Output +3.3V@30A; +5V@28A; +12V1@14A; +12V2@15A; -12V@0.5A; +5VSB@2A
MTBF >100,000 Hours
Approvals NEMKO, TUV, CSA, IEC, UL, CE
Features
Connectors 1 x Main connector (24 pin)
1 x 12V (P4)
6 x peripheral
2 x SATA
2 x Floppy
Features High efficiency & Low ripple & Noise
Short circuit protection on all output
100% burn-in under high ambient temperature (50°C)
Vacuum-impregnated transformer
100% Hi-pot tested
Line input fuse protection


ok now hipro:
Model
Brand HIPRO
Model TOP-500P5
SPEC
Type ATX V2.01
Maximum Power 500W
Fans 1
PFC No
Main Connector 24Pin
Dual +12V Yes
PCI-E Connectors 1 x 6-pin
Modular Cabling Support No
Input Voltage 115/230 V
Input Frequency Range 50/60 Hz
Input Current 10A @ 115V, 6A @ 230V
Output +3.3V@28A, +5V@44A, +12V1@20A, +12V2@20A, -12V@1.0A, -5@0.8A,+5VSB@2.5A
Approvals cUL, FCC
Features
Connectors 1 x Main connector (24-pin)
1 x 12V(4pin)
6 x peripheral
2 x SATA
1 x Floppy


its actually almost 600 watts and has 40 amps - the 500 watt rating may be very conservative - no effeicenty but 70% is really a min and 80-85% a max!

in conclusion, i skip the nice box and get the hipro in bubble wrap!

Reply to dragonsprayer

Quote :

First thats a nice system specially if your going to upgrade later.

But, I have built and sold many low end systems with raidmax psu's the ones that come with the cases. your 350 is little small - look for a case with a 420+

Your psu is overkill for such a low end gpu and c2d are low power.

since your systems is very low end and u have such a low power cpu and gpu you could find a nice case like raidmax with a 450w psu. as long as its 25 amps on the 12 volt u be ok -- then u can get a better video card.

is this for gaming?

you can get a hipro for half that price and put all your saving into nice video card!

Good luck!

Warpedsystems "the need4speed"



:) Don't remember if the case I picked out has a PSU. But When I picked out the case it was more the $ and review. But I'll look at the raidmax cases and read those reviews.

Not really in it for the gaming but if I get the Itch, I'm There! :) Maybe w.o.w. if anything. So no dual SLI for me.

The Hipro looks nice and the watts are there but I do plan to upgrade some over the years but I think the PSU I picked out may allow for that... connection wise.

Do you have some suggestions for a case w/PSU? (raidmax?)

Reply to skeptic

I think the HIPRO kicks this PSU spec's wise but I like the reviews on this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817104954

But I'll look a bit more, and the "caps" are said to be some of the better ones.

Thanks! :)

Oh, I forgot about this site (http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=974240) and it's suggestions. So no case with PSU from raidmax, unless I'm lucky things have changed. Raidmax (topower/ tagan) are sold without case combo so I'll look into these as well.

Reply to skeptic

250 watts rocks!

funny thing is i got x6800 in the box, new, its been here for months i think holding out for qx6700. no one is buying (custom systems) all waiting for vista!!!

i got a 4 drive raid10/0 e6300 set at 2.67 ghz with vista on raid o and xp on the raid 10 - its in box - no case - lol with 850xt ,i use it as a set up card.

and i sit here with my 250watt shuttle with 3.0c running 3.5ghz and 9600xt i build 2003!

i was a heavy diablo player - i dropped out of guild wars, boring!

i am setting up 2 directx 10 systems for hellgate london it better rock!

Reply to dragonsprayer

Guild wars looked like a good game (cover art), but so does the cover of a playboy. :twisted:

How bout a raidmax case combo to review? You have 1 to suggest?

Thanks!

Reply to skeptic

most raidmax cases offer this:

look cool! nice paint!

low price
good layout
either 2x12cm fans or 6x80cm fans
pop off the front face plate for air filter - i use mobo faom in front
door fan - put a fan filter on that $3
stock psu is "i think" 430 watt 22-25 amp - works with a C2D, low end gpu


i used cobra (oldest case), samuri, selbodon, rx-9, atx-701 (one with gages) i liked all of them all have good cooling.

most are under $100

cobra is $40-$50 with a psu - as i said they work well.

i even use a raidmax psu for testing on my desk top - prebuilt naked systems. i did burn one up once / more like used it up - if just failed no other damage. In that case i had high end power hungry gpu and was doing stablity testing. The psu just did not fire up the next time - i think i ran it to death!

I got 4 new raidmax psu's if want one send me $15 for a box and usps priority shipping - usps money order only! first 2 peeps! lol contact me: russ@ http://www.warpedsystems.net/contactus.html

Reply to dragonsprayer

Nice info on the "PSU 101 Basics", maybe I need to go back and really look at the specs on the items I picked out.

I picked out the PSU below from the recommendations by these sites.
http://psu.thetruck.net/
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=974240


This looks to be a well liked brand and suggested by most as good. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817194009

Glad to hear your ideas on a selection.

Thanks.

Reply to skeptic

It's just a good thing to go with a good brand PSU than risk having an overestimated cheap PSU that could possibly short out on you (and take something with it) Proactive vs reactive, right? :)

Reply to Valtiel

I'll check out pricegrabber as Newegg does not have pc power & cooling. I thought Antec was on "a" bad list? So would the sonata II be a good case/PSU combo and a $$$ saver?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129155

:)

Reply to skeptic

Quote :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] ng&Ntk=all

They aren't cheap but they are the best. Probably a bit overkill for your system. Remember that after you type in the brand name you need to narrow your search to the Power supplies on the left hand side.



Wow! I need to find something with in my budget and the Enermax is more of what I would be looking to spend unless I find better for the same amount or a tad over.

Less and better is also good.

Thanks :)!

Reply to skeptic

Quote :

I'll check out pricegrabber as Newegg does not have pc power & cooling. I thought Antec was on "a" bad list? So would the sonata II be a good case/PSU combo and a $$$ saver?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129155

:)



Antec is not on a "bad" list but the smart power is.

Reply to Valtiel

8O , good catch! didn't see that. when you start looking "really" hard to tend to overlook that which is subtle to the eye.

Guess there is no case/PSU combo with out some kinda objection of some sort, but your right....

Quote :

Valtiel

It's just a good thing to go with a good brand PSU than risk having an overestimated cheap PSU that could possibly short out on you (and take something with it) Proactive vs reactive, right?



:)

Reply to skeptic

No problem glad to be of service. :)

Reply to Valtiel
Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > Power Supplies, PC Cases & Case Mods > Right PSU for build? Will it work?
Go to:

There are 1174 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
Sponsored links
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them