Need Advice Buying a Power Supply

[mgm1]

Hi, I own a ZTSystems PC:
ZT Sysytems 7391Mi
Intel i7 Processor 870 (2.93GHz)
8GB DDR3RAM
sataII 1.5TB HDD
ati 4350 video card
350watt (400watts peak) Delta PSU
Windows 7 64bit Home Edition.
foot print is a fulltower case with a ATX PSU

I need to upgrade the video adapter, eventually install blu ray player and maybe another HDD.
I checked out the power consumption tool and it revealed the PC is currently using 230-245watts.
I'm thinking maybe a good quality 620watt ATX PSU w/ two PCI video adapter connectors.
The new PSU needs to be quiet as possible
What type of connectors are desired?
All suggestions are welcome. let me know if I need to supply more information.
I don't know

Thanks

 

[theAnimal]

Which video card are you planning to buy?

 

[mgm1]

I'm going to start w/ the Sapphire ATI HD 5570 1GB HDMI w/ the current PSU.
Then after I upgrade the PSU may go to the Sapphire 5770 or 5670 1GB HDM.
According to two different reviews the Sapphire 5670 maxes out at 113watts.
Might do to a crossfire config if the Intel M/B is set up for it.

I like the SAPPHire ATI cards because they are power misers and quiet.

I neglected to ask - what is a modular PSU?

Thanks

**EDIT @11:40pm est**
reading another anandtec forum i discovered:
SeaSonic X650 Gold 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply.

Is this PSU missing anything?
NewEgg has it on sale for $139.00 which is more money than I want to pay but i'm game if others recommend it.

 

[theAnimal]

I neglected to ask - what is a modular PSU?

This is a PSU where some or all of the cables have connectors at the PSU end so that you only connect the (extra) cables you need.

How many amps does your PSU have on the 12V rail(s)? It may be OK even for a 5770, which should be well under 100W.

 

[mgm1]

You're right According to Tomshardware.com the card uses 108watts max.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-5770,2446-15.html
But I don't know what it means: Power Consumption -
load/idle at AC source, Furmark

Tomorrow, I'll open the case and check the amps om the 12V rail.

 

[mgm1]

specs from PSU
voltage current frequency
115/230 10a/5a 50-60mhz
+3.3 +5 12v1 12v2
18a 25a 16a 2.5
139 watts max 18a max

the power calculator at eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5 http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine
estimate's the PC is using about 239watts and recommends a PSU of 289watts. So it appears you're correct.

 

[TemjinGold]

You're right According to Tomshardware.com the card uses 108watts max.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-5770,2446-15.html
But I don't know what it means: Power Consumption -
load/idle at AC source, Furmark

Tomorrow, I'll open the case and check the amps om the 12V rail.

Furmark is a torture test benchmark that will punish your equipment harder than any game can. In other words, worse than worst case scenario. 108 watts = 9 amps, so you should be fine as one of your +12s has 16a.

 

[mgm1]

Great. I just replaced the ati 4350 512mb card w/ the sapphire ati radeon 5670 1gb ddr5 hdmi card and the results are impressive. 3D business graphics and gaming graphics score increased from 3.9 to 7.0.
I didn't install the software from the CDROM just installed the card and let Windows d/l the drivers. I still need to get Catalyst software.

At what point do I need to consider upgrading the PSU?

Thanks!!!

Right now I'm not gaming just running real flight g5 flight simulator which is running greaT.

 

[TemjinGold]

You won't need a stronger PSU unless you get something beefier than a 5770.