Media Center PC (File server?)

[GoStumpy]

Wondering what is recommended for an always-on (mostly) PC. Will be running a <65W AM3 dual-core, onboard video, a SSD boot drive, and 1 or 2 1TB HDD's (more once they're cheaper!)

I can't see a reason for anything over 250-300W necessary, so what are my options? Is a Gold-rated PSU really necessary?

Gold Certified:
SeaSonic X series SS-400FL $98 after MIR
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16817151097

Or for half the price:
SeaSonic SS-350ET 80+ Bronze 350W $47
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16817151077
Or
Antec EarthWatts Green EA-380D $45
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16817371033

 

[Lonyo]

I'd go with the Antec on the basis that it's over $10 cheaper shipped, but all of them are waaaay overkill for a file server with a low power CPU. Unfortunately you can't get low power PSUs that are decent quality for any cheaper than the ones you have listed.
Realistically you could use a 150w decent quality PSU, but they are probably more expensive than what you have listed.

 

[Zap]

No need for the Gold PSU. Just use anything cheap that isn't crap. When do you need it? If right now, go for the EA-380D. Otherwise, just keep searching for deals between now and the time you do need it. For instance, I've purchased an Antec Neo Eco 400C for $20 AR FS.

 

[GoStumpy]

I'll keep looking.. I actually have a ITX case with a 250W "Soltek" PSU, circa 2004.. May use that one for the time being until I find a great deal now that I think of it...

I suppose I'll leave PSU to nearly last, just in case I find a ITX case that comes with a PSU! Too bad, I was really excited for having a reason to get a Gold-certified PSU

 

[Zap]

You don't need a Gold PSU. However, if you want one really bad, as long as you aren't skimping on anything else go for it. However, if the extra $50 means you have to skimp elsewhere, then forget it.

EDIT: Super hot Black Friday deal... Seasonic SS-350ET $25 with free shipping, no rebates at NCIX US.

 

[GoStumpy]

Thinking about this again, I'm mainly concerned with efficiency of the PSU. This computer will be on more than any other, and it will be at an 'idle' state 90-95% of the time. Only when we are actively watching a movie would it be anything above just transferring files... So really it will be in sleep mode more often than not, and consuming almost nothing (<5w usually).

So I've done some calculations on how much running this computer would cost me, and I'm wondering if my math is correct...

Taken from: http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/computers.html

To find my monthly cost, I take the wattage it uses (100w example) x hours used/week (20) * 52 weeks / 1000 = kWh * 6.67cents/kWh energy rate / 12 months = 57 cents per month.

That seems really really cheap, but I suppose for an already lower power system to only be used ~3 hours/day average it really doesn't cost much?

Now, my 100w example was from the wall, so with an 80% efficient computer that is a total system power of 80w. That's a reasonable number, no?

With a GOLD certified PSU, that same system will cost 53.7cents/month. or ~4 cents/month cheaper...


All this makes me think that for a low-power system higher efficiency really doesn't save enough $$$ to make the expense worth it...even over the course of years.

 

[Zap]

All this makes me think that for a low-power system higher efficiency really doesn't save enough $$$ to make the expense worth it...even over the course of decades.

Fixed!

That's what we're trying to tell you. If you can pay a bit more for a bit more efficiency, sure. If it costs a LOT more for only a bit more efficiency, then forget it - you will never realize the savings on such a low power system. Never!

Now, if you were talking about running a dedicated machine for Folding and are drawing a constant 1200W from the wall, then you might have a business case for paying more for better efficiency. At the power draws you will be seeing, you're talking about the difference between leaving your bathroom night light on or not.

 

[GoStumpy]

Thanks for making me think about it

I suppose I'll stick with the Soltek 250w PSU that is in the case, and use that until it shows signs of dying... I've opened it up, cleaned out the dust, and I don't see any discoloration or bulging caps, appars like it will be good for a while to come!

Mobo should arrive tomorrow and then I should have everything I need!