Determining PSU/Watt

[kiet]

I am currently in the process of building a new computer. This is the current specifications that I am hoping to run on.
- Intel Core i7 860
- BFG Tech 9800 GT 512 MB 256-Bit PCI-E 2.0 x16
- ASUS P7P55 LX
- Artic Cooling Freezer Pro 7 Rev 2 CPU Cooler
- 500 GB SATA hard drive
- CD Driver
- 2 case fans (1 back, 1 side)

Would 550 watt be fine to run all this smoothly?

 

[Henry Chinaski]

A quality 400 Watt power supply would be enough.

 

[kiet]

do you think 500-550 is pushing it too far?

 

[Pyroflea]

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

I usually use that.

do you think 500-550 is pushing it too far?

You can't "push it too far". You could use a 1000w PSU on a 50w Mini-ITX rig if you wanted. As long as the power supply has enough power to run your rig with some headroom, it's good.

 

[Henry Chinaski]

do you think 500-550 is pushing it too far?

A 500 - 550W power supply is even better. The efficiency wil be higher (usually the power supply achieves its highest efficiency when delivering between 40% and 60% of its maximum capacity). The disadvantage is the price of a higher wattage PSU. Anyway, at the long run it is a good idea because you will save money on your electricity bill and you will have a higher headroom for upgrades if needed.

 

[Henry Chinaski]

Here you have some good options:

ANTEC TRUEPOWER NEW 550W (by Seasonic) (modular)
CORSAIR VX550 550W (by CWT)
ENERMAX Pro82+ II 525W
ENERMAX LibertyECO II 500W (modular)
SEASONIC S12 II Bronze 520W
THERMALTAKE THOUGHPOWER QFAN 500W (by CWT) (modular)

Anyway, these ones are cheaper and good options too:

ANTEC EARTHWATTS 500W (by Delta Electronics)
CORSAIR VX450 450W (by Seasonic)

 

[4745454b]

You can't just say 500W. It matters as to which 500W.