How do i figure out how powerful of a psu i need?

[Inspector Jihad]

Is there an easy way to figure out...cause i dont have all my comp parts yet

 

[imported_Kensai]

Well, PC P&C have a guide which can help you calculate power usage, but it's not very accurate. According to them, I need a PSU rated for 4000W.

 

[Green Man]

Online PSU requirement calculator

 

[RussianSensation]

Who cares about power rating. Go with a PSU that has about 28+ A on the 12V rail. Either dual-rails (ie. 2x16, 2x18), or a strong single rail (ie. 28, 30, 33, etc.)

Thats is why often a 400watt psu is better than a 600 one.

Get Enermax 495, Powerstream 520, tagan 480, Antec 550 or seasonic S12 for insane power. Make sure you get a 24-pin compatible psu these days. With dual core processors and next generation videocards, all you should care for is a strong 12V rail(s).

 

[smthmlk]

the question is: do you plan on making an SLI system with 2 6800GTs or Ultra's? If yes: 500w and higher by a TOP NOTCH name brand (PCP&P, OCZ, Fortron/FSP, Seasonic, etc).

If no: get a quality 400-450w psu by a top notch brand (all of the above, including Enermax and Antec). That will do you right. The OCZ modstreams are great PSU's for the money in the 400w range, as are the Fortrons which have the 120mm fans in them. Have a look at Seasonic as well.

So as you can see, there's two groups: retardedly high power consumption in the form of 2 massive video cards in SLI, or not. The decision then boils down to finding the best PSU with the features you need at a price you're comfortable with. I would not recommend getting a "cheap brand/high wattage" psu or a "low wattage/good name brand" psu. 400w or higher will do you right and take the guess work out.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

that psu calculator is not very thorough.

ok thanks...can you guys recommend any cases with power supply. and no, i'm not gonna be goin sli

 

[Ike0069]

Here's a link to a nice, easy to use in-depth calculator. You need Excel to use it.
http://forum.msi.com.tw/index.php?topic=80186.0

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: Inspector Jihad
that psu calculator is not very thorough.

ok thanks...can you guys recommend any cases with power supply. and no, i'm not gonna be goin sli

Depends on your parts. The PSU that comes with the Sonata is good, but if you are ocing you may want something better since I think it is rated +12v@18A

 

[Inspector Jihad]

i was looking at the sonata...what antec case would you say is the next level up from that?

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Inspector Jihad
i was looking at the sonata...what antec case would you say is the next level up from that?

i always buy antec if i am going to put any $$$ in a case. the 1080amg is nice and big, with a nice p/s too or titan 550

 

[KoolDrew]

I like the P-160, but it doesn't come with a PSU AFAIK.

 

[Ike0069]

Sonata is a great deal because it comes with a good PSU. The PSU has 24A@+12V, so it is enough for most any system. It does have airflow limitations though. I'm going to have to mod mine because my system temp is getting too high due to the restricted air flow.
I also like the P160, but $130 without a PSU is too much for me.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: Green Man
Online PSU requirement calculator

That thing says I'll need about 388W to run my other PC. Granted, it's got a 430W PSU, but it only draws 190W when under load. So that calculator might be a bit off.

It would be nice if PC components came with maximum power ratings, just like most common household appliances have.

 

[KillerPotato]

IRT Jeff7

Sorry to go off topic, but how do you find out how much power your PC draws from the PSU under load?

 

[Inspector Jihad]

i'm so confused about that case. can you guys recommend me some good cases with psu for about $100 or less that would be good in terms enough wattage as well as good cooling...

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: KillerPotato
IRT Jeff7

Sorry to go off topic, but how do you find out how much power your PC draws from the PSU under load?

probably something like this

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Inspector Jihad
i'm so confused about that case. can you guys recommend me some good cases with psu for about $100 or less that would be good in terms enough wattage as well as good cooling...

here you go but pick it up at a local b&m store because of shipping

or this, i have the old version and love it.

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: Green Man
Online PSU requirement calculator

this thing doesnt have the latest hardware.

 

[NoSpeed]

Here, try this calculator located at www.extreme.outervision.com/index.jsp It has some recent hardware from which to select. The author recommends making an additional 20% selection, located as the last item in the calculator to allow for future expansion.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: NoSpeed
Here, try this calculator located at www.extreme.outervision.com/index.jsp It has some recent hardware from which to select. The author recommends making an additional 20% selection, located as the last item in the calculator to allow for future expansion.

Hmm, without the extra 20% thing, I need a 1050W PSU.

 

[rforum]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
I like the P-160, but it doesn't come with a PSU AFAIK.

Here is a P-160 with a PSU

http://www.provantage.com/buy-22094942-...ase-truepower-480w-supply-shopping.htm

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Inspector Jihad
Is there an easy way to figure out...cause i dont have all my comp parts yet

maybe instead just tell us what your sysem is