300 Watt enough?

[aleks0o01]

I recently had issues with some computer parts so I replaced them.

First my graphics card broke, so I got a Radeon 5670.

Then my hard drive stopped working and I got a WD 640 Caviar Black

Running an Intel q6600 btw.

So my question is, is my PSU providing enough power for these components? My old hard drive had some parts where it looked like it had melted and I was wondering if maybe it overheated?

I use my computer for everyday stuff, but I also watch 1080p movies, have an external hd hooked up, and use it for rendering (LARGE renderings).

Should I consider a new PSU to prevent future damage?

 

[o1die]

Yes. Get a 550-600 watt in one of these brands: antec, seasonic, corsair, enermax, or ocz. Newegg has an antec 620w neo for about $44 after rebate in it's email promos right now.

 

[geekapproved]

No 300w is NOT enough.

 

[saaiello]

300 watts is plenty for your system actually but it all depends on the the brand of the power supply.

 

[saaiello]

5670 - 56 watts max
Q6600 - 105 watts max will most likely never get to that though 70 watts is more realistic
HD - 5 to 10 watts
CD/dvdRW -5 to 10 watts
Mobo & RAM - 35 to 50 watts max
Fans - 1 to 2 watts per fan

so your system at the most is pulling around 210 watts.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

300W is weak for any gaming system. Pick a quality PSU which you will not find by buying according to Brand Name. While some manufacturers, (I should say vendors because most PSU vendors don't actually make any PSU's, they buy them from OEM's) only lake enthusiast products, most build to several market tiers.

If you were to judge Antec for example by the performance of their SG and CP lines (both get 10.0 performance ratings at jonnyguru), you'd conclude that Antec makes all' top notch stuff.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=142
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=101

The Antec Basiq and Neo (6.5 performance rating) series however are "low budget" or "Builder Series" PSU's intended for the mass market which don't belong in any gaming system.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=117

The best way to pick a PSU is to two step it .... size it, then pick it.

You can size it here:

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

You can narrow down your options here:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Recommended_PSUs

and then look up your "short list" on jonnyguru.

To my mind, I can't see buying less than 650 watters today, the savings for smaller ones is minimal .... except when newegg drops the bargain deals, but that usually lasts a week.

This Antec can often be found as low as $59 on newegg and it gets a 9.0 rating on joinnyguru ... it's $79 today

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

This Corsair is usually $89 but it's $69 today so it would be the one I'd choose

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

With the 500 being only $5 cheaper, you can see why I don't bother with anything less than 650

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

 

[saaiello]

No where in the OPs post did they say this was a gaming rig. They said it was for everyday stuff to me that is surfing the web and word processing, the second thing they listed was some video rendering something that does not require a substantial amount of power on their rig its only a Q6600 and a 5670 both not what I would call power hungry at all.

I see no point on spending money on something that was not needed in the first place. The OP's system most likely will never be drawing more then 150 watts.

 

[dalauder]

Install HWMonitor and check if your voltages are within spec. Your +12V and +5V rails should stay above 11.5V and 4.5V or so. It's best if they stay over 12 & 5 and if they don't fluctuate at all. If your voltages vary by more than 0.05 regularly, then your PSU is not a very good one (CPU voltage okay to fluctuate). If you're curious if your PSU is adequate, check out: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Also, is your computer hooked up to a surge protector. Power surges can damage components.