• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

24A +12v PSU enough for X2 and 1950 Pro?

G

GFBeach

Member
I'm thinking about swapping my single core Athlon 64 for a Dual Core. More specifically, an X2 4200+, as well as adding two more sticks of RAM bringing my total to 2 gigabytes. The only thing I'm stuck on is a power supply. I'm currently using an Antec True380 with 24 amps on the +12v rail that came with my Sonata 1 case. My current config is as follows:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (Winchester)
RAM: 1gb Kingston ValueRam (2x512mb)
Video: Radeon x1950 Pro
Hard drive: WD 200gb SATA
Two DVD drives
SB Audigy

I've read a couple of guides for power supplies and used a couple of calculators and I'm getting mixed signals. Some say my 380 watt will easily power it all, some say I'd be cutting things close, and some say I should already be having power issues. Should I need to buy a new power supply, I'm trying to choose between this Antec (I'm worried by the reviews stating it tends to die in less than a year), this Apevia (can't say I've heard of the brand name before), and this Fortron(despite it's beefy +12v rails, the generally low wattage concerns me). I won't be overclocking, and the only further expansion I plan on doing with this computer is possibly adding another SATA hard drive, though that won't be for a while.

Do I need a new power supply? If so, do any of the above three look good or should I get something else ($80 is my limit)? Or, should my current power supply be okay?
 
Stick with the True380 until there is system instability, hardware is killed or it's fan seizes.
We have several threads where the Antec fanboys state there has never been an issue with any Antec PSU ever.
 
The amps are fine, the wattage is a LITTLE low. However you're not going to kill any hardware. The worst you'll run into is random reboots when the PSU gets overstressed. Feel free to use it, and if you find your computer spontaneously rebooting, THEN spend the money on a new one.
 
The combined power-draw total from the extra stick of RAM and new processor (67W --> 89W) probably isn't enough to warrant an upgrade.
 
So if my power supply doesn't have enough juice, there's no risk of it frying any of my components? That was my main worry; I have a secondary system I can use for a few days should my current PSU not have enough power, I just didn't want to risk damaging any of my other parts.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top