How powerful of a PSU do I need?

[dwthewhiteness]

Hey everyone. I'm working on my first build, and have been around these forums a lot for the past few days. I've gotten some great help so far, and have stumbled upon yet another question.

Here's my build:

Case:
PC Design Lab Qmicra v2 Micro-ATX Liquid Cool-able Case
http://www.xoxide.com/pclab-qmicra-v2-case.html?utm_content=pclab-qmicra-v2-case&utm_campaign=FROOG&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping

Mobo:
DFI LP JR GF9400-T2RS LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9400 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136064&Tpk=gf9400

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66ghz

GPU:
Geforce 9800 GTX + (or 9800 GX2 if I can get one for the right price...)

RAM:
8GB

HDD:
Western Digital Velociraptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0GB/s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136296&Tpk=wd1500hlfs

Optical Drive:
Some CD/DVD burner.

Now, when I plug my spec's into Newegg, it recommends that I need a 663W PSU, so my first inclination was to just grab up a 700W PSU. However, when looking at these and other forums, I see people scoff at anything above 650W, unless the person is trying to triple-SLI or something.

So my question is, should I go with the 700W PSU, or can I get by on something much smaller? Is Newegg's wattage calculator flawed? I don't currently do overclocking, and am not actively planning to. However, if I get really comfortable with my computer I might try it out sometime down the line. Any help is appeciated. Thanks!

 

[sailer]

With no overclocking and the hardware you list, a good quality 550wt PSU should do fine and give a little room to spare. If you plan to overclock or add some more hardware, a 650wt should take care of things. I used this calculator, which gave a suggested PSU of 452wts using a 9800GX2. I usually add about 100wts so I don't run the PSU maxed out.

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

 

[GhislainG]

You need to understand that a good 500W PSU is better than a crappy 700W. You can go to Antec to get your PSU requirements and then buy a quality PSU. http://www.antec.outervision.com/PSUEngine

Using the list that you provided, a 300W would be enough, but I'd get a 500W.

 

[chookman]

Not sure if newegg is just trying to get more money or what but

http://archive.atomicmpc.com.au/forums.asp?s=2&c=7&t=9354
9800 GTX+____________######¦)#######}' 52W-117W

Try here, i put what i thought you had and got 265, which believe it or not is closer to the mark.
http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

Your main power draw is going to be the GPU, CPU and mobo. Considering the 9800GTX+ is very power efficient and will draw the majority or power required through the slot on the mobo, you arent overclocking and the TDP of the Quad isnt insane (believe its 95w without looking)

 

[dwthewhiteness]

Great info, guys! Thanks a ton!