How large of a power supply do I need?

crust45833

Member
Jun 20, 2005
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My power supply that came wiht my case exploded (cheifmax 450W) seemed very cheap anyways as i got it with the case for 36 dollars shipped. But what size would i need to power all this:
Gigabyte K8nsPro Mobo 754
3400+ 64
1 gb pc3200
2 seagate 120 GB Hdds
4 case fans
ATI X850XT
 

Arcanedeath

Platinum Member
Jan 29, 2000
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I'd suggest a Seasonic S12 430 watt PSU, should power everything just fine and have room to spare, plus its dead silent and 80+ % efficent.
 

mindless1

Diamond Member
Aug 11, 2001
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The size you need is about $80.

I know that seems odd, but labeled wattage isn't so useful these days on higher-end rigs, as even name-brands like Enermax have peak load ratings instead of sustained. I could've said "20A of 12V rail power" but then you'd have to weed through each supply to figure out if that was sustained or peak power.

If you want a lot of eyecandy in your PSU too, frills like detachable cables and sleeving, etc, then tack on more $$ to that $80. You could get by with less, lower margin and less upgradability, but since you already asked about that issue it would seem you want it covered.

Just don't buy based on "low noise". If you need that many watts your power supply is producing over 100W internally and will benefit from ample airflow. If you have extraodinarily good positive case pressurization you can more easily shop for a low noise unit as it's being assisted by the case in exhausting.
 

mindless1

Diamond Member
Aug 11, 2001
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Originally posted by: AndrewZorn
Tagan, OCZ, Ultra

in that order

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Tagans have been frying out, Ultra is a $30 POS with some eyecandy plastered on, and OCZ is decent but WAY overpriced.
 

biostud

Lifer
Feb 27, 2003
19,766
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Originally posted by: Arcanedeath
I'd suggest a Seasonic S12 430 watt PSU, should power everything just fine and have room to spare, plus its dead silent and 80+ % efficent.

me2
 

AndrewZorn

Senior member
Jul 22, 2005
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Originally posted by: wafflesandsyrup
Originally posted by: mindless1
Tagans have been frying out

is there a source to this accusation?

of course not

ultra x-connect is awesome, would be my 3rd choice

tagans are the best, ocz powerstream very good, x-connect 500w has a rebate going on it right now too.

go check out reviews

and power rating means nothing, check to see that the +12v rail is at least 25amps.
 

t3h l337 n3wb

Platinum Member
Apr 22, 2005
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From what I've heard, most of the X-Connects suck... You might get lucky with a few, but be safe and go with a decent, reputable manufacturer.
 

shoRunner

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Nov 8, 2004
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