Not sure what kind of PSU I need for this rig I'm putting together...

[xboxist]

I'm a noob when it comes to several computer-building things, but I'm an ultra-noob when it comes to know what rating of PSU I need. Here's what will be used in this computer:

PCU

E6600 Core 2 Duo


HDs

WD Raptor 74GB
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Seagate Barracuda 16MB, 3.0 Gb/s
Text


RAM

OCZ Gold 2GB (1 GB x2) DDR2-667, 1.8V
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GPU

HIS X1900XT IceQ3 512MB PCIe
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Motherboard

Intel DP965LTCK
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Case

Cooler Master Centurion 5
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Optical

(2x random drives; haven't chosen yet)


Sound Card

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
Text




So there ya go. That's what I'm planning on using at this point. I'm most worried about the videocard, as it seems like it would eat a ton of power. I want to get something safe, and reliable. I don't need much overhead as I plan on never really overclocking anything.

Also, I might be using the stock HSF on the E6600. Not sure if it's worth it to use a Scythe or something like that if I'm never going to OC it.

OH, and I'm certain that I'm going to end up getting all of this stuff, and then when I go to assemble I'll realize that I don't have all the proper cables/connectors needed. If you could cite anything that I will have to buy separately, please say so. That would be a huge help to me!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[Geomagick]

A 450W supply will be more than enough, just don't skimp on quality too much though.

Stick with the retail HSF if you don't intend to overclock, just a waste of money otherwise.

 

[Operandi]

The only thing that really counts is the CPU and GPU. Hard drives do use a fair about of power but they are really insignificant unless you are running more then three.

When it comes to PSUs quality is always more important then quantity. The Seasonic S12 is top notch, and the 380 version would be plenty.

 

[Zepper]

I'd second the recommendation of a good quality 450 or even the one Operandi mentioned (but he's kind of a one-note-Charlie on PSUs ) I prefer to have active PFC in my PSUs, if nothing else, it pretty much assures that you are buying from the top tier of a company's offerings.

.bh.

 

[Cuhulainn]

Go here to get a very accurate recommendation of how much power your system will require.

I am setting up a very similar rig for my first build and my recommended wattage came out at about 480w, and I ended up going with the Forton group 500w PSU. It came very highly recommended both from reviews as well as some friends.

e6400 @ 3ghz (thats my plan, anyway)
gigabyte ds3
x1900xt
2x1gb ocz platinum
seagate barracuda 7200.10 320gb
antec p180
FSP AX500-A 500W

I was very conservative when I entered my specs, as I plan to add another HDD, run it 24/7, add more pci cards, etc. Try it out, it's very useful, and thorough.

Hope that helps! :beer:

 

[cmdrdredd]

I'd get a Seasonic S12-500 personally

It's probably the best PSU in that pricerange ($129 at newegg)

edit: it's a 500w PSU

 

[xboxist]

Originally posted by: Cuhulainn
Go here to get a very accurate recommendation of how much power your system will require.

I am setting up a very similar rig for my first build and my recommended wattage came out at about 480w, and I ended up going with the Forton group 500w PSU. It came very highly recommended both from reviews as well as some friends.

e6400 @ 3ghz (thats my plan, anyway)
gigabyte ds3
x1900xt
2x1gb ocz platinum
seagate barracuda 7200.10 320gb
antec p180
FSP AX500-A 500W

I was very conservative when I entered my specs, as I plan to add another HDD, run it 24/7, add more pci cards, etc. Try it out, it's very useful, and thorough.

Hope that helps! :beer:

Thank you! My estimated required wattage is 343. Not bad at all. I'll probably grab something around 400W. The Seasonics look nice.

 

[dBTelos]

Try an Enermax Noisetaker on ewiz, I think they have for 400W version or it is 430 or some odd amount. If you want modular cables, then the Enermax Liberty 400W.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

if i were in your situation i'd go for something in the 600watt range to be able to upgrade to crossfire ($300 upgrade) without having to get another new psu
-seasonic 600
-FSP epsilon 600
-enermax 620 liberty
-pcpc 510 (650 max)

 

[imported_Mongrel]

Originally posted by: Cuhulainn
Go here to get a very accurate recommendation of how much power your system will require.

Thanks for that link...

Pretty much gave me the answer I was hoping for. With a recommended wattage of 237W, my 'old' Enermax 350W PSU should be fine. I even included additional upgrades and still couldn't get it over 250W!

thanks again,

Mongrel

 

[cmdrdredd]

Does Conroe need a 24pin ATX cable? If the answer is yes be sure your old PSU has that, or get an adapter.

 

[imported_Mongrel]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Does Conroe need a 24pin ATX cable? If the answer is yes be sure your old PSU has that, or get an adapter.

I believe that depends on the motherboard...

The motherboard I'm starting out with (Asrock 775Dual-VSTA) has the old style 20 pin with the separate 4 pin P4 header. The Enermax has that additional 4pin connector.

 

[Kwint Sommer]

My OCZ PowerStream has been the best PSU I've ever had. It has adjustable voltages that can go 10% over the rated values with a turn of a nob which is a huge thing for overclocking. My only complaint is that I can't turn the LED on the fan off (it looks really cool but is hard to sleep with in a dorm) but I'm going to open it up and install a switch; otherwise it's perfect.

I would just shop around for a good OCZ 500W PowerStream, you can probably find one new on Ebay for $70 shipped.

Also, why not use the P5W DH Deluxe motherboard? Anandtech liked it so much they used it as the basis for testing RAM and it definitely had the best overclock.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Mongrel

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Does Conroe need a 24pin ATX cable? If the answer is yes be sure your old PSU has that, or get an adapter.

I believe that depends on the motherboard...

The motherboard I'm starting out with (Asrock 775Dual-VSTA) has the old style 20 pin with the separate 4 pin P4 header. The Enermax has that additional 4pin connector.

My DFI Lanparty SLi-D uses BOTH the 24pin connector and the extra 4 pin. As well as a standard moltex power cable and a floppy style power cable all plugged into the board for power.

This isn't a conroe setup but it gives you an idea of what may occur on some boards.