Do i really need a 500w PSU?

[SilverPenguin]

OK, im not new to computers but i still have quite a lot to learn. this is my second build, and a week ago my old x800xl died on me.

I bought a x1800xt from newegg this weekend but now im wondering if i need to upgrade my PSU. (ATI suggests 450+)

I currently have an enermax 420w dual rail psu. (specs posted below). Now my understanding of PSU's is limited, but as far as i understand it, the watt's dont matter as much as the amps you are getting in your cables.(output)
I did some reasurch and even though my psu is lower on watts it pumps out as much amps as the other 500w psu's i was going to get.


so my question is, is upgrading my PSU to 500w+ worth the ~$100. or is my psu fine.

my computer set up is

2hardrives
2dvd/cd drives
soundcard
tvtuner
x1800xt
AMD 3200+ 64
6 fans ( iknow i know i like a cool system)
epox 9npa ultra MOBO

PSU specs
ENERMAX EG425P-VE SFMA 2.0 ATX12V 420W Power Supply 95~135V or 180V~265V(Adjusted Automatically) UL (Level 3), cUL (Level 3), VDE, CB, NEMKO, SEMKO, DEMKO, FIMKO - Retail

Type ATX12V
Maximum Power 420W
Fans 2
PFC No
Main Connector 20+4-Pin
Dual +12V Yes
SLI Support No
Modular Cabling Support No
Over Voltage Protection +5V: 5.5V~7.0V +3.3V: 3.76V~4.3V +12V1 & +12V2: 13.4V~15.6V
Overload Protection 110~160% of max load
Input Voltage 95~135V or 180V~265V(Adjusted Automatically)
Input Frequency Range 47 - 63Hz
Input Current 6.7A~3A
Output +3.3V@30A, +5V@30A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@2.5A
MTBF greater than 100k hours at 70% of full rated load; 230 VAC / 50Hz input; 25? ambient
Approvals UL (Level 3), cUL (Level 3), VDE, CB, NEMKO, SEMKO, DEMKO, FIMKO

 

[Varun]

That PSU will be fine.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Yeah, it should work. Rated wattage isn't a very accurate measure of PSU strength.

 

[alimoalem]

it should work...if you have the spare funds, getting a 450w fortron wouldn't be a bad idea though

 

[JEDIYoda]

you should be fine with the Enermax... 18 amps on both 12v rails should be sufficient!!

 

[Varun]

Don't get a 450w Fortron. Keep your Enermax.

 

[SilverPenguin]

THANKS a lot guys, you were a big help!!!

 

[Gbaby1008]

i gota similer question, i just got a x1800xt 512 also and i have a generic 400 watt psu, i notice it freezes after a couple hours when its on
i no its either the psu or video card

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: Varun
Don't get a 450w Fortron. Keep your Enermax.

Why's that? Fortron PSUs are supposed to be high quality.

 

[0roo0roo]

the ratings not for watts in. its watts of output. based on % efficiency the draw from the wall will always be higher than the watts rating. as for ratings in general, the cheap ones can be shady. you just have to add up what your needs are and what your psu can raelly supply for each rail or whatever..if you trust its numbers. enermax isn't bad though. lower efficiency psu's will get quite hot near their limit so make sure its got ventilation

 

[w00t]

as long as it's a good psu it will be fine also do you have warranty on that X800XL?

 

[LOUISSSSS]

the 420 watt enermax should be fine. try it for a while as long as you dont get lock ups or random restarts when gaming etc it should be fine... as for the user with the 400watt generic psu with random lock ups.. thats the difference between no name or bad rep companies and enermax, fsp, seasonic and pcpc. consider getting a new psu

 

[Varun]

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Originally posted by: Varun
Don't get a 450w Fortron. Keep your Enermax.

Why's that? Fortron PSUs are supposed to be high quality.

He already has the Enermax, and getting the Fortron would gain him nothing. They are even identical outputs on the 12V rails.

Enermax is a good brand too.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: Varun

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Originally posted by: Varun
Don't get a 450w Fortron. Keep your Enermax.

Why's that? Fortron PSUs are supposed to be high quality.

He already has the Enermax, and getting the Fortron would gain him nothing. They are even identical outputs on the 12V rails.

Enermax is a good brand too.

Oh, misunderstood you.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Originally posted by: Gbaby1008
i gota similer question, i just got a x1800xt 512 also and i have a generic 400 watt psu, i notice it freezes after a couple hours when its on
i no its either the psu or video card

Your PSU is crap. Replace it with a good brand name PSU like Fortron/Sparkle, Enermax, Seasonic, etc. Then your lockups will stop.

 

[VanTheMan]

I've got that same Enermax and it kicks butt.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb

Originally posted by: Gbaby1008
i gota similer question, i just got a x1800xt 512 also and i have a generic 400 watt psu, i notice it freezes after a couple hours when its on
i no its either the psu or video card

Your PSU is crap. Replace it with a good brand name PSU like Fortron/Sparkle, Enermax, Seasonic, etc. Then your lockups will stop.

qft

 

[SparkyJJO]

You should be fine. My PSU has 19A x 2 rails on 12v, only 2 total amps more than you have and I'm running my X1900XT with power left over. They give you that wattage recommendation to help cover for those cheaper ones with fewer amps on the 12v rail.