Looking for a 400 Watt PSU for a average PC.

[Deverica Wolf]

Hi. I've been asking around as I'm looking into a adding a 2TB 7200 Internal HD and two USB 2TB External HDs or perhaps one USB 3TB External HD for security backup. I currently have a Seagate 7200 1TB SATA II drive and it's being filled real quick with games and music.
This is my CPU...
http://www.premiumgeeks.com/desktop/hp/hp-pavilion-elite-hpe-400f-specs (EDIT: Link fixed)

When asking around, someone suggested that I get a 400W PSU as my currant 300W would in insufficient for the equipment I'm going to purchase.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...le-_-Hard+Drives-_-Western+Digital-_-22136824
Amazon.com: Western Digital My Book Essential 2 TB USB 3.0/2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive: Electronics

What I'm wondering...is this really needed or worth it? I plan on getting rid of this PC and giving it to my mom for simple internet browsing and music playing in a couple of months. I'm gonna get a great gaming PC. Also, I have a 2 year warranty on this and I don't want to void it.

Anyway, this is the one I'm looking at...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171046

Would this work OK with my PC? Could I risk damaging something? Would it be easier on my system to just add a second Internal 1TB instead of a additional 2TB?

Any help would be grateful.
NOTE: The link to my PC stats are above.

 

[davcon]

Yeah that psu is only a 400W unit and has no overcurrent protection.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cooler-Master-Elite-Power-460-W-Power-Supply-Review/1005/1
Btw adding hdd units isn't going to have a dramatic effect on power consumption.
An internal hdd would use 10W max, an external hdd none since they have their own power supply.
Imo you probably don't need a new psu.
If you feel the need Corsair and Antec are much better quality.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%204025&IsNodeId=1&page=6&bop=And&CompareItemList=58%7C17-371-033%5E17-371-033-TS%2C17-171-046%5E17-171-046-TS%2C17-139-017%5E17-139-017-TS

 

[Deverica Wolf]

Yeah that psu is only a 400W unit and has no overcurrent protection.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cooler-Master-Elite-Power-460-W-Power-Supply-Review/1005/1
Btw adding hdd units isn't going to have a dramatic effect on power consumption.
An internal hdd would use 10W max, an external hdd none since they have their own power supply.
Imo you probably don't need a new psu.
If you feel the need Corsair and Antec are much better quality.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%204025&IsNodeId=1&page=6&bop=And&CompareItemList=58%7C17-371-033%5E17-371-033-TS%2C17-171-046%5E17-171-046-TS%2C17-139-017%5E17-139-017-TS

So I should be good to go on the drives? I'm running out of space and want to place an order ASAP.
Note: I fixed the link to my PC.
http://www.premiumgeeks.com/desktop/hp/hp-pavilion-elite-hpe-400f-specs

 

[davcon]

So I should be good to go on the drives? I'm running out of space and want to place an order ASAP.
Note: I fixed the link to my PC.
http://www.premiumgeeks.com/desktop/hp/hp-pavilion-elite-hpe-400f-specs

I see no problem adding one more internal with your present psu.
Like i said external hdd's have their own independent power source.

 

[Deverica Wolf]

I see no problem adding one more internal with your present psu.
Like i said external hdd's have their own independent power source.

Hmmmmmmm...thank you. I'm gonna place the order now. You know, I wanted to some clarity before I placed an order. Didn't want to deal with returning things or having my PC blow up. Thank you.

 

[dalauder]

I just wanted to say (everything Davcon said is correct) a little disclaimer. Your PC may blow up, but that's only if you have bad luck. Also, your PC may have been built with an inadequate power supply. It might say 300W but only carry 11A on the +12V rail, which may be inadequate.

It's always safer to have a power supply made from a reputable manufacturer because their PSU's blow MUCH less often--mostly because they underrate their capacity instead of overrating it. They also just use better parts all around. You get what you pay for (for the most part).

 

[Deverica Wolf]

I just wanted to say (everything Davcon said is correct) a little disclaimer. Your PC may blow up, but that's only if you have bad luck. Also, your PC may have been built with an inadequate power supply. It might say 300W but only carry 11A on the +12V rail, which may be inadequate.

It's always safer to have a power supply made from a reputable manufacturer because their PSU's blow MUCH less often--mostly because they underrate their capacity instead of overrating it. They also just use better parts all around. You get what you pay for (for the most part).

Thank you for your input. Yeah, this PC is average. I bought it with very limited internet access at the library. I just needed something to get me online and could play Half-Life 2. I'm getting a better one soon. Anyway, this is my power supply...
http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/300-watt-power-supply-fsp-atx-300-gu.php
http://www.ehow.com/list_7576651_bestec-atx0300d5wc-specs.html

EDIT: Numbers from website were wrong. Actual numbers:
(As it was written on MY PSU.)
Bestec
Model: ATX0300D5WC Rev:B
+12V / 19A. -12V / 0.8A
+5V / 25A. +5VSB / 2A
+3.3V / 18A.

I didn't actually order anything yet. A bit too busy. What do you think? Should I get a new one or keep it? I mean, I have a 1 year limited warranty from HP and a 2 year warranty from Walmart following that so if anything should go wrong I can send it to them for free. I am concerned about anything potentially hurting my new drive, though. What do you think?

 

[Uther39]

If i was you i would buy a new PSU from Antec,XFX or Corsair, to protect your PC.

 

[jsc]

Corsair 430CX:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139017

 

[dalauder]

The Antec Earthwatts 380W is $10 cheaper--probably a better choice for his needs: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033

It's an Antec and the Corsair System Builders are not exactly "Corsair" quality--although Johnny Guru recommended nonetheless. Mostly the price puts the Earthwatts in front.