i7 power reqs. - When is enough, enough?

[Niku]

I have a quality PSU i paid $200 bucks for 2 years ago. It was a 550 w, and i would like to keep it. That said, i am throwing new parts in my computer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813188039
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814143168
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115202
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145224

I am not ready for SLI, and i KNOW ill need more power for that. Now, im asking you to just assume that the PSU is a quality PSU. That said, is 550 enough for this set up if im running just one card and the other generally always given basics? (rom, hdd, what ever.) Can i put off the really nice 750 watt im looking at for another half year or so? When im ready to go and get the SLI set up running?

 

[Niku]

Oh, and for people who dont want or need to click links, heres what they are. Meant to post these up top.

EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
BFG Tech BFGEGTX2851024OCE GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

 

[HOOfan 1]

You should be OK, but what PSU is it?

 

[Niku]

Thanks for responding. Ill chalk it up to one "yay" for my PSU.

My PSU lable is mounted in my case in a way that i cannot see the brand. I am fairly sure it came with either a high end raidmax case, or i bought a PC power and cooling. I simlpy cannot remember which PSU i have by name brand, except that it was pretty well rated at the time. im guess it was the latter, but in either case, it should be alright.

 

[HOOfan 1]

Raidmax and high end do not belong in the same sentence.....certainly not where a PSU is concerned.

If it is some POS Raidmax...it might not work

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Niku
Now, im asking you to just assume that the PSU is a quality PSU. That said, is 550 enough for this set up if im running just one card and the other generally always given basics?

As already mentioned, Raidmax is not "quality" for most of us here.

Technically 550W is "enough." Other things to take into consideration is how many amps on the +12v rail(s) because older PSUs tend to put more power onto the 3.3v and 5v rails while modern systems (and power supplies) tend to be more +12v heavy. Thus, a top notch 550W power supply may be insufficient not because 550W isn't enough, but if the 550W isn't going mostly into the +12v rail(s).

Knowing which brand and model of PSU you have will really help us in helping you.

 

[HOOfan 1]

IMO a decent PSU shouldn't have less than 80% of its power available for 12V

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Niku
Thanks for responding. Ill chalk it up to one "yay" for my PSU.

My PSU lable is mounted in my case in a way that i cannot see the brand. I am fairly sure it came with either a high end raidmax case, or i bought a PC power and cooling. I simlpy cannot remember which PSU i have by name brand, except that it was pretty well rated at the time. im guess it was the latter, but in either case, it should be alright.

Trust me had you bought a PC Power & Cooling you would know.
Also I am not aware of PC Power & Cooling ever having a 550 watts PSU....
I am aware of a Silencer 510 watt and a Turbo Cool 510...but no 550watt.

According to a quick search of the internet Raidmax did not have a case that came with a 550 watt PSU.....they have 480 and a 500 watt.....

 

[Niku]

Jedi is probably correct on this point. im sure its a raidmax if this is the case, because i am 100% sure its a 550 watt. I suppose ill plan on a new PSU for my purchase. Thank you every one.

 

[rarebear]

I just bought a Corsair 850 for $100 after rebates and codes..
I think they are still about $125 after rebates

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139009

Just checked $109 after $20 rebate

With all the money you are spending on new stuff I think its the best $100 you might spend..