Some PC questions...

[krr711]

Can you guys help me with these questions?

1.) I have a chance to buy a older server with an Intel xeon processor. Actually, it has dual processors. Can I load Microsoft Windows 7 on the HDD of this server and have myself another PC to surf the web with?

2.) How come manufacturers never site the power requirements of motherboards? Most components say the wattage required. Motherboards vary so much in the number of electronics, it seems they would need a lot of power when calculating total load.

3.) I am building a new system. I am waiting on the new (revised chipset) motherboard for the Sandy Bridge (as of 2/23/2011).

a.) Intel i5-2500k (93w)
b.) 2 HDD's
c.) 4 fans
d.) DVD-RW
e.) Blu-Ray player
f.) mobo (with Win 7)
g.) 8gb ram
h.) Corsair VX550W psu

I can't imagine all of this using more than 200 watts. Here is my question question. I may add a MSI ATI Radeon 5770 graphics card.

Do I have enough psu to handle this system? If I had it to do over I would have bought a 750 watt psu. The 550w is brand new. I did some research and the new HP hpe-450f with an i7-870, has a 5770 graphics card, and it has a 460 watt psu according to factory specs.

Thanks for help!

 

[omnisome]

Motherboards: Don't worry about power consumption, but if you're concerned then have a look here:
http://www.antec.outervision.com

Enter your full system-specification and it will tell you how much wattage you need on a PSU's +12V rail(s).

 

[WR2]

(1) Make and model of the server would be useful How much is the asking price?
A pre-2000 Xeon server system might be more trouble that it's worth.
And a $400 laptop might be a better web surfing option.

(2) It's a very small slice of the total power requirement when compared to what all the devices and components attached to the motherboard require.

3. With a Corsair 550VX you could easily go up to a HD 5870 with everything you have there and have a bit of room to expand.

 

[WR2]

 

[krr711]

I was really worried! Now I am not. I kept reading all these sites and everyone was talking 750-850 watts. Now I know for certain. Thank you very much.

 

[WR2]

Your welcome...
I'd say a Corsair 550VX is a better PSU than many generic/budget PSUs up to 650W.

 

[krr711]

Oh, I forgot to tell you the servers I would guess are about 2006, Xeon 5060 or 5160. They are $350-400. I guess it is just the idea of having an old server to get on the internet. Probably not to practical.

 

[aznshinobi]

That power consumption would be for CF 6950 for 800 watts. Which is way more than the 6870 CF or a 5870 CF.

As for any help. Check out my siggy!

Mobo - Asrock Extreme4 P67 : http://www.anandtech.com/show/4080/welcome-to-sandy-bridge-with-the-asrock-p67-extreme4/7

HDD - Samsung F3 1TB 60$ Best SATA II HDDs plus best price/gig. The WD Blacks may be good. But the SATA II Blacks are only on par with the F3. And the SATA III Blacks aren't even THAT much better than the F3 for the price. You might as well go with an SSD.

 

[WR2]

Thats not a terrible CPU. Price is a bit high unless it's for the whole system.
For surfing... CPU over kill when you think you can get a serviceable laptop or an ultra portable Netbook for the same amount.
http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/lenovo-g560-laptop/28866.aspx
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152208

 

[aznshinobi]

OH His new build isn't for gaming?

 

[krr711]

Best answer selected by krr711.