Quick opinion on whether a new PSU is necessary

[wachary]

So I want to add another HDD for my desktop to run OSX, I know my components are compatible, but I'm concerned that adding 1-2 more hdds will put a strain on my psu. I am currently running an Antec 550w with a core2 quad 9450 @ 3.0, 6bg of g.skill ddr2, evga 9800gt, and 2x250gb, WD 2x1tb WD green, 1x1tb WD black. I'm looking to add another drive or two, most likely 2 more 1tb+ drives for system back ups. I'm also running out of physical sata power connectors, so that is another thing I need to consider. Thanks

 

[jsc]

If you can resolve the power and SATA connector problem, you PSU should work for two more drives.

I do not which Antec 550 watt PSU that you have, but figure 40 amps on the 12 volt lines. You need about 25 amps at 12 volts:
Figure 10 amps for the OC'd processor.
Figure 10 amps for the video card.
Figure 5 amps for the 7 drives.

That's about 300 watts. Add another 50 watts or so for the 3.3 and 5 volt output for memory and digital logic power and you are well under 400 watts.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

use this to "do the math"

http://www.antec.outervision.com/

Using the above, after the 1st HD, you can figure that each 7200 rpm SATA HD adds about 10 extra watts

 

[wachary]

Best answer selected by wachary.

 

[wachary]

use this to "do the math"

http://www.antec.outervision.com/

Using the above, after the 1st HD, you can figure that each 7200 rpm SATA HD adds about 10 extra watts

wow, this site is awesome. I'm slightly concerned though, after entering in all my information currently, the calculator spit out a number 200w+ over my current rig. A few tweaks with my planned upgrades, that jumped to nearly 300w+ over. I'm hoping this is inflated a bit, and that I don't need a 1kw psu for a non-sli rig. I was looking at this one though, figured that it would be good for a future build too.

Corsair 750w
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
-or-
Corsair 750w Modular
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010

 

[JackNaylorPE]

If you are not OC'ing seriously, not using XFire / SLI or doing anything else that requires super stable voltages, the TX will be fine. If you have a compatible case (Antec 1200, P193. P183) the Antec CP-850 is the way to go.

The TX garners an average performance rating (8.5) on jonnyguru
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=73

The TX850 does a bit better at 9.5 and the HX850 gets a 10.0
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=126

I'd also look at the Antec TP / TPX / Eathwatts series

 

[wachary]

I'm oc'ing a bit, nothing extreme, its just on air cooling. my current setup can't do sli, and for my purposes, it isn't necessary until gpu computing is implemented more efficiently. efficiency would be a huge bonus over my current psu, but I don't need a 80 plus silver rating. I'll probably invest in a better unit up front and future proof myself a bit for my next build. btw I have the thermaltake speedo case. thanks