Case-Power Supply Combos

[efliv]

Hey Everybody,

I'm building my first machine and am doing some research before I start ordering.

I found a Case-Power Supply combo on Newegg and I was wondering if the 350 watt power supply would be enough for what I'm trying to run.

Here's the item on NewEgg:
http://www.newegg.com/app/view...tion=11-119-057&DEPA=1

I plan to get an Athlon 64 3200 or 3400 and pair it with a PCIe ATI X800 XL, most likely the PowerColor card when it comes out, which does need a hook-up to the PS unlike other X800s. I'll be running two IDE hard drives, a DVD Drive and a CD-R drive, and most likely use the sound from the montherboard, or perhaps my old SB live! value PCI card. Beyond that I think the only other power draw would be charging my ipod via firewire.

Down the road, I plan to eliminate the optical drives and go with a single DVD-R/W drive and give my old DVD drive to my roommate who does most of the burning in the apartment. Also, I may also get an All-IN-Wonder video capture card if I think the VIVO on the X800 isn't cutting it.

So, is the 350 Watt PS good enough for my needs or will I need something bigger, say 420W? And how does one go about determining that?

Thanks

 

[akira34]

I have a feeling that the low Amp rating of the 12V rail on that 350W is going to kill you... Especially with planning on having a pair of video cards inside... I'd get a PSU that's at least 450W if not 480W. You'll want the most Amps on the 12V rail you can afford... My Neo Power has two 12V rails giving out 33Amps total. I've got four hard drives, three opticals, a 6800GT (AGP), tv tuner card, floppy and such all running off of that PSU without a single hitch.

Look at the PSU as a critical component of your system. Don't go cheap on it, or underpowered. Figure it's am item you won't need to replace for 2+ years and buy accordingly. Getting a small one now figuring that you'll get a larger one later means you'll spend more in the long run AND increase your risk of system stability issues.

 

[efliv]

How does this sucker look:

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...tion=17-101-513&depa=0

 

[BluePhoenix4k]

now the second one rocks in terms of amp rating ^^ .

how about this one: http://www.newegg.com/app/View...tion=17-103-456&depa=0 ? or this: http://www.newegg.com/app/View...tion=17-103-446&depa=0 ?

Now don't blame me for being an enermax fan....i am

 

[akira34]

28A on the 12V rail is good/healthy... Personally, I have this PSU which has done very well for me. It's quiet and is giving my rig stable power...

 

[Mucker]

If I were you I would look at buying the case and PSU seperately. You are leaning toward high power draw, so get a good quality PSU. That should be your main concern, somewhere in the neighborhood of 480+ watts with adequate connectors. Then work on a case with good cooling. Personally, I won't touch a case with 80mm fans ever again. 120mm moves alot of air and your ears will love you for it.......

If you are not afraid to buy used, go to the FS/FT forum and look for PSU's. I bought an Antec 550 True Control for $80 shipped. It's like new. And I purchased a Super Lanboy at CompUSA for $40. I've got a couple of really great items for $120, very happy!

m

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: Mucker
If I were you I would look at buying the case and PSU seperately. You are leaning toward high power draw, so get a good quality PSU. That should be your main concern, somewhere in the neighborhood of 480+ watts with adequate connectors. Then work on a case with good cooling. Personally, I won't touch a case with 80mm fans ever again. 120mm moves alot of air and your ears will love you for it.......
m

Amen to that. I went from 5 80mm's to a case with 2 120mm's. The difference is amazing... I never plan to look back!

 

[efliv]

Ok, thanks everybody. Another questions, what's the benefit of having two "rails" of 12V power instead of one? and I, well, what's a "rail"?

 

[Deskstar]

If you have ever seen an electrically driven subway train which travels on two rails and has an electrified third rail, then that is analogous to a power supply's "rail". Through it power travels. That power needs to be kept in a tight range and regulated to supply your needs. And, just like the subway, if you ever jump onto that third rail while you are grounded (similar to sticking your finger into your power supply), you get fried.

Deskstar