Power supply recommendations

[HeavyB]

I will be setting up a C2D E6400 or E6600 rig with an ATI X1900GT vid card, 2 SATA HDs, 1-DVD burner +2G of RAM in a Lian-Li PC-7B plus II and can't decide on a PS to get. Its been awhile since I've built a rig from scratch and the number of manufacturers/models of PS is a little overwhelming. At the top of my list for 500W PS is

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104934

I'm not a big gamer and won't be going SLI ever, but do need to power at least 2 HD and will be overclocking. Any other models I should be looking at for under $100?

Cheers,
HeavyB

 

[Operandi]

That FSP is good but since you don't need anywhere near 500 watts, and from the sound things probably never will I would suggest this 380Seasonic. Quality > over quantity when it comes to power supplies.

 

[brikis98]

get the Enhance 5150gh. it got a great review from jonnyguru, should be plenty of power for your system and is an awesome value at the price.

 

[pkme2]

Fortron is AOK.
You can consider Enermax too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103462

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Operandi
since you don't need anywhere near 500 watts

Sure about that? X1900XT, dual core, 2GB, 2 HDs...

Maybe the real, actual power usage would be 400 or less, but you never want to buy the bare minimum power supply. Running them at their absolute limit is not good for the longevity of the unit.

 

[Blain]

I've got two Enermax Liberty power supplies (400W & 500W), and love them both! :thumbsup: :laugh:

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Atheus

Originally posted by: Operandi
since you don't need anywhere near 500 watts

Sure about that? X1900XT, dual core, 2GB, 2 HDs...

Maybe the real, actual power usage would be 400 or less, but you never want to buy the bare minimum power supply. Running them at their absolute limit is not good for the longevity of the unit.

He (HeavyB) is probably looking at most 200-250 watts. The 380 watt S12 is more then enough.

 

[Blain]

The Crucial X1900 GT...
"Connection to the system power supply (450-watt or greater power supply; 30 amps on 12-volt rail recommended, assuming fully loaded system)"

I wouldn't chance a sub-500W PS to do the job. :roll:

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: Atheus

Originally posted by: Operandi
since you don't need anywhere near 500 watts

Sure about that? X1900XT, dual core, 2GB, 2 HDs...

Maybe the real, actual power usage would be 400 or less, but you never want to buy the bare minimum power supply. Running them at their absolute limit is not good for the longevity of the unit.

He (HeavyB) is probably looking at most 200-250 watts. The 380 watt S12 is more then enough.

I have seen reviews stating the x1900 spikes up to 300W on its own and uses a constant 130W even at idle. Where are you getting your numbers?

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: Blain
The Crucial X1900 GT...
"Connection to the system power supply (450-watt or greater power supply; 30 amps on 12-volt rail recommended, assuming fully loaded system)"

I wouldn't chance a sub-500W PS to do the job. :roll:

those are typically gross over-estimates, usually targeted for users who have cheap PSU's that shouldn't be running anywhere near full load. besides, the current on the +12v rail(s) is much more important than the total wattage. i'm running a (more power hungry) x1900xtx on a 400w enhance 5140gh (rest of specs in link in sig) w/o the slightest issue and if you read jonnyguru's review, this (modest) PSU should be enough for just about any single GPU system. and the 500w version is even more powerful...

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Atheus
I have seen reviews stating the x1900 spikes up to 300W on its own and uses a constant 130W even at idle. Where are you getting your numbers?

You are either reading them wrong or reading very bad reviews. Look at this.

 

[Howard]

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-E5140GH&c=fr is all you need, guaranteed.

 

[Blain]

I still wouldn't build a high or mid range system with anything less than a quality 500W PS.
I just won't! :shocked: A quality PS is the backbone of a stable system... don't cut corners with power or quality.
A Quality 500W PS Minimum (for high or mid range system)... period. :laugh:

Build with a 180W cheapie if you want... I don't care.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: Atheus
I have seen reviews stating the x1900 spikes up to 300W on its own and uses a constant 130W even at idle. Where are you getting your numbers?

You are either reading them wrong or reading very bad reviews. Look at this.

Watts
Radeon X1950 XTX...GeForce 8800GTX
Idle
184................................229
Load
308................................321

Looks like about 300 to me, is that the whole system or something?

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Atheus


Watts
Radeon X1950 XTX....|....GeForce 8800GTX
Idle
184...............................229
Load
308...............................321

Looks like about 300 to me, is that the whole system or something?

Its the entire system before the conversion to DC. Take 25-15% off of those numbers to get the true DC power draw.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Blain
I still wouldn't build a high or mid range system with anything less than a quality 500W PS.
I just won't! :shocked: A quality PS is the backbone of a stable system... don't cut corners with power or quality.
A Quality 500W PS Minimum (for high or mid range system)... period. :laugh:

Build with a 180W cheapie if you want... I don't care.

I suppose the multitude of smileys are to make your imposing opinion seem more palatable, eh?

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: Atheus


Watts
Radeon X1950 XTX....|....GeForce 8800GTX
Idle
184...............................229
Load
308...............................321

Looks like about 300 to me, is that the whole system or something?

Its the entire system before the conversion to DC. Take 25-15% off of those numbers to get the true DC power draw.

Oh, I guess you're right.

So are they rated for true DC supply? Or the amount they can draw from the wall and convert?

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Howard
I suppose the multitude of smileys are to make your imposing opinion seem more palatable, eh?

Not more palatable, just reflective of my opinions.
I'm just stating MY opinion, like everyone else here. It can be heeded, ignored or taken with a grain of salt. I don't demand compliance.

Like I said... "Build with a 180W cheapie if you want... I don't care."

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Atheus


Oh, I guess you're right.

So are they rated for true DC supply? Or the amount they can draw from the wall and convert?

By "they" I assume you mean PSUs in general? If thats the case then they are rated for true DC power they output.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: Howard
I suppose the multitude of smileys are to make your imposing opinion seem more palatable, eh?

Not more palatable, just reflective of my opinions.
I'm just stating MY opinion, like everyone else here. It can be heeded, ignored or taken with a grain of salt. I don't demand compliance.

Like I said... "Build with a 180W cheapie if you want... I don't care."

Some of our opinions are based on fact.

Opinions without logic or reason are useless.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: Howard
I suppose the multitude of smileys are to make your imposing opinion seem more palatable, eh?

Not more palatable, just reflective of my opinions.
I'm just stating MY opinion, like everyone else here. It can be heeded, ignored or taken with a grain of salt. I don't demand compliance.

Like I said... "Build with a 180W cheapie if you want... I don't care."

You assume that all 180W PSUs are crap, and that all systems draw more than 180W at full load.

 

[Blain]

1. My opinions are my own.
2. Some are held by others and some aren't
3. My opinions are developed by my experience and understanding.
4. I do assume a "cheapie" 180W PS is crap... you are correct.
Please don't try and put words in my mouth.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Blain
3. My opinions are developed by my experience and understanding.

I pity you if your experience has led to you to believe that PSUs that supply than 500W are useless.

4. I do assume a "cheapie" 180W PS is crap... you are correct.

Of course. It's a cheapie 180W. But what about a good 180W? :disgust: And why aren't there any PSUs rated between 180W and 500W?

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Blain
3. My opinions are developed by my experience and understanding.

I pity you if your experience has led to you to believe that PSUs that supply than 500W are useless.

4. I do assume a "cheapie" 180W PS is crap... you are correct.

Of course. It's a cheapie 180W. But what about a good 180W? :disgust: And why aren't there any PSUs rated between 180W and 500W?

* Where did I say a sub-500W PS was useless?
* I would use a quality 180W PS for a low end system.
* This thread is getting weird.

 

[Duvie]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: Atheus

Originally posted by: Operandi
since you don't need anywhere near 500 watts

Sure about that? X1900XT, dual core, 2GB, 2 HDs...

Maybe the real, actual power usage would be 400 or less, but you never want to buy the bare minimum power supply. Running them at their absolute limit is not good for the longevity of the unit.

He (HeavyB) is probably looking at most 200-250 watts. The 380 watt S12 is more then enough.

You are wayyyyy wrong....First of buddy he says he will be ocing...Find the PSU calculator...An e6300-6400 with l;ike 1,.45v and 3.4ghz will be like 130watts by itself.....

My systems are comparable to his and according the charts I needed just at 400watts...No figure you wont get 100% efficiency you need more....

Wake up!!!