Is the PSU i picked out powerful enough?

[gherric]

I'm in the process of finalizing my parts list and read about how important the power supply is. I wanted to run my build by you folks to check if my power supply is sufficient for my build. I used the psu calculator, which told me i needed 350w (which i felt was suspiciously low), and i opted for a 500w psu to be safe. Should i get one with higher wattage or am i good to go?

My budget is $600

Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 3.1GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H61ICAFE ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($77.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($80.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 6870 1GB Video Card ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 500W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-222AB DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Logitech K120 Wired Standard Keyboard ($10.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $573.46
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2012-01-08 21:08 EST-0500)

 

[opckieran]

500 Watts is PLENTY. Heck you would be fine with 400W if you weren't planning on doing any major upgrades and didn't mind using a molex to PCI-e power adapter... This is even more the case since you went with an i3 as opposed to an i5.

 

[mi1ez]

As stated 500W is plenty, and you've gone for a decent brand. 400W would power it, but probably not at the same level of efficiency.

 

[davcon]

The Antec 500-D is a quality unit = comes without a power cord.
Other quality units.Seasonic has a 5yr warranty.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%2050001550&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=58%7C17-341-016%5E17-341-016-S01%23%2C17-371-035%5E17-371-035-TS%2C17-151-096%5E17-151-096-TS%2C17-139-028%5E17-139-028-TS
OCZ ZS Series 550W
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62391&vpn=OCZ%2DZS550W&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology&promoid=1365
I'd buy this case instead = exceptional value
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

 

[Silvune]

350W isn't actually that low IMO. The only problem with 350W units is that they don't have enough PCIe connectors and most people have a mental barrier to cross when buying 'low' wattage PSUs.

This has the same 12V power rating as the EA500D but is more efficient:
Rosewill Capstone 450W 80Plus Gold $60 ($2 shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182066

Based on this unit:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=250

 

[delluser1]

As stated 500W is plenty, and you've gone for a decent brand. 400W would power it, but probably not at the same level of efficiency.

I've tested systems similar to the OP's, but with a GTX570 ( ~80w higher draw than a 6870 ), ~320w from the wall running Furmark / ~85% efficiency ( TPN550 ) / ~270w load on the psu
As far as efficiency, the OP would be closer to that magic 50% load figure with a 400w psu ( When running a power virus )