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How much power do I need?

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - How much power do I need?

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jeremy9174   10-07-2008 at 03:08:08 PM

Hi, I was wondering what kind of PSU I should be running with my current setup. I've heard alot of different things about how much power is really needed to run your rig at its maximum potential.

I've got a Intel Q9550 Quad core
An XFX 8800 GTS 512MB
4(4x1)GB Corsair Dominator ram
One 10,000 RPM Hard drive and One 7,200 RPM drive
A Sony Sata DVD burner
3 23cm fans and a 120cm fan

Any input would be helpful, thanks!

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Bronze Home Brew badge Shadow703793   10-07-2008 at 03:28:59 PM
- 1 +

I recommend Corsair and PC Power & Cooling. For your rig, a Corsair 550 or a PP&C 610(~$90-100) will work fine, I personally like the 610, but the 550VX(~$75) is cheaper.

------------------------------ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3815217176_0a5be7955d_o.gif
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3818083596_1a772f7162_o.gif
 Reply to Shadow703793
jeremy9174   10-07-2008 at 03:46:38 PM
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I guess im not very familiar with PP&C, anyone got a link to one? What are its advantages over other power supplies? I like corsair, I've just never heard of PP&C

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to jeremy9174
homerdog   10-07-2008 at 03:47:37 PM
- 0 +

+1 for Corsair VX550. Heck, even an Antec earthwatts EA430 or Corsair VX450 would work, but it's nice to have a little more than is necessary.

Reply to homerdog
homerdog   10-07-2008 at 03:49:09 PM
- 0 +

jeremy9174 wrote :

I guess im not very familiar with PP&C, anyone got a link to one? What are its advantages over other power supplies? I like corsair, I've just never heard of PP&C


PC Power and Cooling makes some of the highest quality PSUs money can buy. Seriously their PSUs are legendary.

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jeremy9174   10-07-2008 at 03:54:45 PM
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I think i have an extra 500W PSU lying around some where but it may be kinda old, is there any new technology in PSUs that i would need? or would my 1-2 year old 500W PSU be ok?

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jeremy9174   10-07-2008 at 03:57:43 PM
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I see things like "Quad core CPU Support" is that just a gimmick or something that might help me?

Reply to jeremy9174
smartel7070   10-07-2008 at 04:35:13 PM
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It depends on the quality of your 500w psu. If it's generic or no name then I would not use it 'cause most no name psu's are not really good. Some are rated for 500w and can't even put out 350w in real life situations. Remember that if you stress your psu too much it can fry and take out other components with it like ram, cpu, mobo, video card ... do you think it's worth the risk ?

That's a nice rig you got so I would not skimp on the psu, as others said Corsair is a good brand and so is PC Power & Cooling, Antec is also good as are the new psu's from BFG.

------------------------------ Intel Core i5 750 Asrock P55 Extreme 4GB OCZ DDR3-1333 BFG GTX275OC Benq 24" FP241vw Creative X-Fi Fatality pro OCZ Vertex 60gb 2x Seagate Sata2 500gb LG GGC H20L Blu-Ray/HDDVD TT Toughpower 650W Antec 1200
 Reply to smartel7070
evongugg   10-07-2008 at 04:49:12 PM
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You can buy the new connector adapters if they are not included with your PSU.

------------------------------ Google is your friend and Bob's your uncle
 Reply to evongugg
huron   10-07-2008 at 05:04:54 PM
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For everyone here. I found this to be very interesting. It gives some great perspective. The comments give a link to a more complete list of GPUs and their power consumption.

http://anandtech.com/casecoolingps [...] spx?i=3413

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Reply to huron
smartel7070   10-07-2008 at 05:14:35 PM
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huron wrote :

For everyone here. I found this to be very interesting. It gives some great perspective. The comments give a link to a more complete list of GPUs and their power consumption.

http://anandtech.com/casecoolingps [...] spx?i=3413



I've read that article already and I think they are right .... but I think it is better to have more power (30 to 40%) than needed so your psu will not be running at full capacity all the time. According to the article you linked , with my system I would need between 350 and 400w so I know that with a 650w psu I will be fine.

------------------------------ Intel Core i5 750 Asrock P55 Extreme 4GB OCZ DDR3-1333 BFG GTX275OC Benq 24" FP241vw Creative X-Fi Fatality pro OCZ Vertex 60gb 2x Seagate Sata2 500gb LG GGC H20L Blu-Ray/HDDVD TT Toughpower 650W Antec 1200
 Reply to smartel7070
Bronze Home Brew badge WR2   10-07-2008 at 05:34:28 PM
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jeremy9174 wrote :

would my 1-2 year old 500W PSU be ok?

Would need to know the make and model of PSU. It might be one of those bargain PSUs that have a 500W stick on 400W hardware.


Reply to WR2
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