How much power do I need?

[jhammer569]

Here are the components for my new PC with wattage requirements:
MB: Asus P5Q-E
---WATTS: 500-600w recommended per documentation if using 2 pcie cards

CPU: Intel Q9550
---WATTS: 95w at max

GPU: 2 x Sapphire ATI 3650's (I use 3 monitors for trading)
---WATTS: 550w or higher recommended per ATI docs for 2 cards
---Separate power connector not required for these cards

Mem: 2x2gb Corsair XMS2 DHX DDR2 800 (the ones w/ the large heatsinks on them)
---WATTS: Unknown, i'm guessing 5-10w max each, but I have no clue really

Hd: 2 x WD640gb
---WATTS: 10w at peak each, total of 20w

Fans: Probably 1 120mm intake + 1 120mm exhaust + CPU fan (not counting psu fan + ati fans)
---WATTS: Probably around 3-5w each, so around 15w total

Case: TBD (after picking all components, will pick case to fit them all)

Usage:
-No overclocking
-No gaming
-Mostly trading (for a living) across 3 monitors + home video editing + basic web/email/etc.

Question:
-So should I go with a 650w supply? 750 to be safe? Any brand recommendations?

Tnx!

 

[HOOfan 1]

for that 550W would be more than enough, probably even 500W would be more than enough. Certainly no need for 750W.

 

[MarcVenice]

A decent 500w unit will easily do. Do the 3650's actually take pci-e 6pin connectors? Don't think they do. If they don't, I bet a antec earthwatts 430w will suffice. Anyways, a quality 400-500w PSU should be just fine. 600w is total overkill.

 

[sgrinavi]

How about a Corsair HX520 ? Reliable, Modular, 2 pci-e's and can be had for under $100.

I know it's off topic, but I have to ask; why do you need that processor? wouldn't a Q6600 or a low end Yorkie do the trick?

 

[jhammer569]

I'll probably end up with the CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W, it's $65 after rebate and is top-rated and will give me all I need for now & if I decide to add on in the future.

I'm getting the Q9550 because I will use this computer for the next 5 years and would rather pay a little extra for future proofing it, plus it runs cooler & more efficiently which I like. It'll give me peace of mind too, but I'm sure the Q6600 would do the trick for now if I felt like it, but the extra $135 I can do for the 9550. Tnx.

 

[jhammer569]

Actually, Corsair 520HX vs. Corsair 550VX...

I don't mind the extra $$, but given that both the above will probably meet my needs as everyone here is indicating, should I go w/ the modular version? Is it that big a deal to be modular or is it just for hardcore folks who like everything neat & tidy w/ amazing airflow due to removed cables, etc..., in which case I'd go w/ the slightly higher wattage 550...

Tnx

 

[HOOfan 1]

If you don't care anything about modular cables then go with the VX550...it is a tiny bit better than the HX520 and cheaper.

 

[Raduque]

You could also go with cheaper, less power-hungry 3450s and probably get by with a 400-450w PSU.

 

[Geraldo8022]

I think Newegg emailer has the VX 450 for something like $50 after rebate. Has a five year warranty. I bought a 520HX and have now found that the modular cables aren't that important to me. I just use an extra drive bay to store the cables on non-modular PS. The long modular cables on the 520HX make this a somewhat needed practice in the Solo, too.
And to add to Raduque's take on this, I would choose a cheap CPU that I could throw away after 12-18 months than buy an expensive one I don't need right now. But that's just me.
And 3450s for $24 each would be enough.

 

[Raduque]

Originally posted by: Geraldo8022
And to add to Raduque's take on this, I would choose a cheap CPU that I could throw away after 12-18 months than buy an expensive one I don't need right now. But that's just me.
And 3450s for $24 each would be enough.

A cheaper CPU would be well and good, but he wants to do video editing. While you can do it on a lower-end CPU, a quad will handle it much better and farther into the future, too.

 

[Ichigo]

You could have gone with AMD and with hybrid Xfire you could've had up to 4 monitors after buying a single 3450.