Power Supply reccommendation for older computer

[Thump553]

I'm out of the loop on power supplies (to show you how far, the last time I was buying them Antec was one of the top brands). My video card is complaining about inadequate power from the Enermax in my box (probably five years old or older, so I got my money's worth).

The computer (don't laugh)
Athlon 2400+ 2.0 GHz
1 gig RAM
2 hard drives, 200 gig each
Nvidia 6600GT video
M-Audio sound card
a pair of external(USB) hard drives
CD burner, DVD burner
floppy drive (used regularly, once every couple of years)

The computer is on 24/7/365.

I want quiet, reliable power, not too pricey. It's quite possible that I will gut this box in the next year and replace MB, CPU, etc.

BTW, how do you test power supplies? Do you need special tools or does Windows (XP) give you any info?

 

[mervin338]

How much money are you willing to spend and what's the output of the power supply you've got now? I'm guessing the psu you've got now is around 300-350 watts?

For your needs I'd say you've got a lot of options, 3 of which I'll give you links to below.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817104935
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817103027

If you want to test a power supply you might want to buy this little tool from pc power and cooling. http://www.pcpower.com/product...ewproduct.php?show=VBT
The only other way to test a power supply is with a voltage meter. You can't use computer software provided by windows xp to do it.

I'm listing power supplies that will run the system you're currently using. If you really think you're going to be buying something bigger and better then you might want to consider buying a more robust power supply that you can use on your future computer.

 

[Thump553]

Sorry for the slow response, couldn't find the literature for my Enermax and label not visible from the outside. I'll have to open the box this weekend. My guess is the current power supply is 400-450 watts.

I actually do have a voltage meter (inherited it) but absolutely no idea how to use it to test the power supply. Any guides I can look up?

 

[Lunyone]

Originally posted by: mervin338
How much money are you willing to spend and what's the output of the power supply you've got now? I'm guessing the psu you've got now is around 300-350 watts?

For your needs I'd say you've got a lot of options, 3 of which I'll give you links to below.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817104935
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817103027

If you want to test a power supply you might want to buy this little tool from pc power and cooling. http://www.pcpower.com/product...ewproduct.php?show=VBT
The only other way to test a power supply is with a voltage meter. You can't use computer software provided by windows xp to do it.

I'm listing power supplies that will run the system you're currently using. If you really think you're going to be buying something bigger and better then you might want to consider buying a more robust power supply that you can use on your future computer.

The 450w Corsair would be the best upgrade PSU for your situation right now. You can get a 380W Antec that would power a e6600 OC'd and a 8800gtx, but that would be pushing things. The 450w Corsair linked above (2nd link I believe) can be had for cheper here:
$75 - $20 MIR (if can wait for it) = $55
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...p?ProductCode=10006428
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W Active Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping***

 

[Lunyone]

Just found the deal from another post! $50 for Antec 500w! Can't beat this if you have a Fry's nearby.
http://www.netaffilia.com/ad/e.../2007/10/10/27348.html

 

[SparkyJJO]

Originally posted by: Lunyone
Just found the deal from another post! $50 for Antec 500w! Can't beat this if you have a Fry's nearby.
http://www.netaffilia.com/ad/e.../2007/10/10/27348.html

What he said. DO IT :thumbsup: