E2180 + Abit IP35-E + ?? video card with 300 watt PSU, is this ok?

[OhMan]

Hi dear all just a quick question, I am thinking about upgrading my current system and currently I still have 2 Enermax 300 PSU laying around. I'm thinking of getting a Abit IP35-E with Intel E2180 CPU (plan to oc to 3ghz), but haven't decided on which video card to get. From what I have been reading, seems like the new video card really need a lot of juice. I'm not a hard-core gamer, only do casual gaming (especially for flight simulator), so for this kind of configuration, would a 300 Watt PSU good enough for my setting, or do I really have to get another new 400-500 watt PSU? If so which one should I be getting (or people would recommend)? Thanks!

 

[imported_Scoop]

300W is enough if it's on the right rails, so we'd need to see those. Many will say that it's crazy and say that you need a 500W PSU. So will I if the rails aren't good enough. You didn't say which GPU in particular, there are huge differences. 8800 GT and that CPU and rest of it need around 210W on the +12V rail.

 

[John]

OhMan, a member on a psu-related forum has the following hardware powered by a 380W psu.

E6850 @ 4.32ghz | Swiftech H20 Apex Ultra Plus w/ Bowed Apogee GTX | 2GB OCZ Reaper HPC 1066mhz | 512MB 8800GT | 380W Antec NeoHE

Since you aren't a hardcore gamer there is no doubt that your rig will be less powerful. A quality Antec EarthWatts 380W psu for $30 AR is similar to the NeoHE in all aspects except for the lack of modular cables. The Seasonic built Antec EarthWatts features a single 12V rail, quiet fan, 3 yr. warranty, full power output rated @ 50C, and 80+ efficiency. Please keep in mind it's more about the build quality and amps vs. overall wattage.

EarthWatts reviews:

http://www.jonnyguru.com/review_details.php?id=51
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article684-page1.html
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com...wer-supply-review.html

 

[SerpentRoyal]

The old 300 should work okay but you don't know for sure until you hook up the rig. My overclocked IP35-E/7300GPU/E4300 @ 3.49GHz has an actual load of 130-140 watts under Orthos large mode. A more powerful GPU may raise the load up to 210 watts.

I would like to see about 240 watts available at the +12VDC rails.