Building a PC, have everything chosen but PSU

[linuxguy]

Here's my system:

CPU: Intel - Core™2 Quad Processor Q6600 2.4GHz w/ 2x4MB Cache

Video Card:eVGA - e-GeForce 8800 GT 512MB PCI-E w/ Dual DVI, HDTV-Out

Mobo:Asus - P5QL PRO w/ DualDDR2 1066, 7.1 Audio, Gigabit Lan, PCI-E 2.0 x16 (review on newegg said it was linux compatible )

HDD - Western Digital - 640GB Caviar SE16 7200rpm SATA II w/ 16MB Cache

RAM - Corsair - 4GB XMS2-6400 TWIN2X Dual Channel DDR2 Kit (2 x 2GB)

Case - ANTEC - Nine Hundred (6 stock fans)
Keyboard - Logitech - Internet 350 USB Keyboard, OEM

Mouse - Logitech - RX250 Optical Mouse, Black, OEM

Monitor - Acer - X193Wb 19n Widescreen LCD w/ 5ms, Black

Optical Drive - Samsung - SH-S223Q 22X SpeedPlus™ Serial ATA Internal DVD-Writer, Black

Would the VX450 be enough? Or would I need more?

I might overclock, or I might not. I havn't really decided yet. I probably won't.

And I'll never bother with SLI.

I'll be buying corsair, or maybe PC power and cooling.

Thanks.

 

[br3nd064]

Yes, the 450 will work. A good PC&P alternative would be this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703015

 

[BioRouge]

Check out this website:
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/powercalc.jsp

It might help you decide what's best. I wouldn't take the number it gives you at its face value. If it tell ya you need a 430W PS then maybe getting a 500W one is a good solution.

It's worth checking out.

Hope that helps

 

[br3nd064]

That is a good site, but you also need to consider the amps on the +12v rail.

 

[linuxguy]

Hmm... reviews on that PCP&P don't seem to be too good.

How much A on the +12v rail do you think I'll need?

 

[linuxguy]

(compared to the Corsair, I meant.)

Also, if I ever upgrade to a newer video card, say, HD 4870. Or 4870x2

Would 450vx handle it?

Maximum Power 450W
Fans 1 x 120mm Double ball-bearing fan
PFC Active
Main Connector 20+4Pin
+12V Rails Single
PCI-E Connectors 1 x 6Pin
SLI No
Modular No
Efficiency Up to 85%
Energy-Efficient 80 PLUS Certified
Over Voltage Protection Yes
Input Voltage 90 - 264 V
Input Frequency Range 50/60 Hz
Input Current 9/ 4.5A
Output +3.3V@20A,+5V@20A,+12V@33A,-12V@0.8A,+5VSB@2.5A

 

[dirtmountain]

The 450vx and the PC Power and Cooling 500w would be fine for the initial system, in fact excellent. They would also handle the single 4870. The 4870x2 would be too much for them. The minimum i'd go with your system and the 4870x2 is the PC Power and Cooling 610w, Corsair 650w and i'd be more comfortable with the 750 Corsair or PC Power and Cooling Silencer 750w.

 

[linuxguy]

Keep in mind, there are times where I play games all day. And I use my computer probably about 18 hours a day.

Would the 650 be overkill? It's not that much more than the 450, so its in my price range...

I've also heard going overkill on a PSU is less efficient, is that true?

I probably won't upgrade my videocard for atleast a year or maybe even two.

 

[linuxguy]

Also, say I was running a single 4870 with my CPU overclocked to 3.4 Ghz, would the 450 handle it?

 

[br3nd064]

The 650 would be overkill for the current system, but not for a 4870x2. It's less efficient only when going with really powerful (>1000watt) power supplies. A 650 won't be any less efficient than a 450, though.

 

[linuxguy]

Okay thanks, I may go with the 650 then, just so I have some head room for upgrades.

 

[linuxguy]

One more thing..

HX520 has 18a on the 12v rail and XV450 has 30a on the 12v rail

Does that mean the 450 can handle more?

 

[br3nd064]

The HX520 has (3) +12v rails. Each of them has 18a on it.

 

[lunyone]

Best buys right now on good PSU's are here:
$93 - $20 MIR = $73!!!
Corsair TX 650W ATX12V Power Supply
$104 - $20 = $84!! Worth spending the $11 more for this PSU over the tx 650w one.
Corsair TX 750W ATX 12V Power Supply

You can decide, but for $11 more, I'd get the tx 750w PSU. It has 4 x 6+2pin (8 pin) PCI-e power connectors, so if you add another GPU later, you won't have to get any extra converter cables!!!

 

[dirtmountain]

+1 ^ lunyone!!!

 

[Sable Wanderer]

+1 for the corsair they make solid PSUs that will last.