Do I really need a 430W PS?

[KEV1N]

My old PS died on me, and I'm looking at both the 330W and 430W Antec smartpowers. I'm running:
AMD 1900+
2 HDs
GF3Ti 200
My question is, do I really need the 430W? Should I save $20 and get the 330W, or is there a tangible benefit in getting the 430W?

 

[BlueWeasel]

The only drives you have are 2 HDs and no CD/CDRW drives?

Even with 2 optical drives, I'd think you would be fine with the Antec 330W PSU. If you were going w/ a generic PSU, then I would probably consider getting the 430W...

 

[KEV1N]

I'm sorry, I have 2 optical drives. I'm still pondering... $20 is not too much for security but I'm wondering if it's a waste of $20.

 

[cleverhandle]

Unless you're running lots of fans (like 6+) and lights, or those are super-juiced SCSI drives, the 330W Antec will do just fine. People overbuy ridiculously on PSU's.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: cleverhandle
Unless you're running lots of fans (like 6+) and lights, or those are super-juiced SCSI drives, the 330W Antec will do just fine. People overbuy ridiculously on PSU's.

I agree but in the future, you may need a 430W. Now, no-one is a mind reader but in my personal opinion, Id spend the extra $20 "just in case" I was going to need the extra juice later without having to buy a new PSU.

You never know when you need that 10k SATA HDD or that new fangled 70x speed CD Writer or whatever new power hungry device you want. If you get the 330W, you may find yourself limited enough in the near future that you need to purchase a larger PSU.

Bear in mind that this is theoretical and that I cannot predict the future nor can I predict what will happen to your PC over a period of time, I am only trying to portray my outlook on the situation.

 

[EdipisReks]

i like my channelwell tech 430 (channelwell tech is antec's oem supplier). i say spend the extra money. you never know what you might want to use in the future.

 

[BG4533]

I personally "fell for" the 430W PSU, but by the time I actually need that much power the ATX spec will probably be long gone anyway. I guess it is just nice to know it is there.

Brian

 

[godmare]

I'd say get a TruPower line with the extra cash you'd spen on the 430 Smartpower.

 

[BG4533]

Originally posted by: godmare
I'd say get a TruPower line with the extra cash you'd spen on the 430 Smartpower.

I figured he was talking about a Truepower as they are sold as 330W and 430W and the Smartpowers are sold as 350, 400, 450, etc.

Brian

 

[KEV1N]

I just ordered the 430 TruePower.

 

[Fallen Kell]

You won't be disapointed I myself just got a 480 TruePower, but don't have the rest of the system to hook it up to (Intel delayed their 3.0 GHz chips.... grrrrrrr....)

 

[blade]

Originally posted by: KEV1N
I just ordered the 430 TruePower.

Good choice.


With systems and components using more and more power, getting the largest psu you can afford is simple common sense. A year or so you will be glad you did get the larger psu.