Is 500W still enough?

[jgbishop]

I'm looking at building a new system, and I'm wondering if my current power supply is still sufficient for my new rig. Here's a quick look at what I'm considering upgrading to:

* Asus P5E Mobo
* Intel Core 2 Duo E6850
* 2GB (2 x 1GB) Crucial Ballistix DDR2 SDRAM
* EVGA GeForce 8800 GT Superclocked

My current power supply is an Antec SmartPower 2.0 500W unit. Is that still sufficient? In addition to the items above, it would also have to power:

* 2 SATA 7200 hard drives
* CD R/W
* DVD R/W
* Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS (PCI)
* Wireless networking PCI card

If 500W isn't enough, what do folks recommend? Your insight is appreciated!

 

[DJ-phYre]

I am wondering the same thing... I am going to be doing a new build...

 

[tynopik]

easily

 

[Zap]

Yes and maybe. 500W is enough, but as long as it is sufficient quality and sufficient amperes of +12v power. The SmartPower units... I'm not super familiar with them, but know that they were the low end Antec units back then.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Originally posted by: Zap
The SmartPower units... I'm not super familiar with them, but know that they were the low end Antec units back then.

Let me help jar your memory....

Those were the PSU's filled with Fuhjyyu capacitors that would buldge and pop at the most in-opportune times.

Replace!!

 

[jgbishop]

What should I replace it with? Are there other brands recommended over Antec?

 

[jonnyGURU]

Originally posted by: jgbishop
What should I replace it with? Are there other brands recommended over Antec?

Antec's still a good brand for cheap power supplies that won't necessarily blow up in your face. The Smart Power is an old model that Antec wisely discontinued. Every one I've ever put into service has now failed.

 

[jgbishop]

Is this OCZ GameXStream 600W model a decent replacement for the Antec I've got now? It seems to have decent reviews at NewEgg. This Corsair 620HX model also looks good, though it's a bit more money.

 

[HOOfan 1]

Originally posted by: jgbishop
Is this OCZ GameXStream 600W model a decent replacement for the Antec I've got now? It seems to have decent reviews at NewEgg. This Corsair 620HX model also looks good, though it's a bit more money.

OCZ are ok, but they are built on the FSP Epsilon platform which has out of ATX spec ripple when pushed past 400 watts. The HX620 is more expensive because it is modular, the GameXstreme isn't. you can find a Corsair TX650 for less money (especially at a vendor other than newegg). The Corsair VX550 would be enough for your PC also. Or the Antec Earthwatts, or most of Silverstone's PSUs, the XClio Greatpower..etc. etc.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Originally posted by: jgbishop
It seems to have decent reviews at NewEgg.

Ignore Newegg reviews. Billy Jim Bob installed himself a PSU. It worked! Yay! Right?