PSU advice for 1U i7 system

[LordMorpheus]

We're putting a couple of 1U machines together and I have some PSU questions. Before we get started, here are the components in the build:
MB: Supermicro X8STI-3F
CPU: i7-950
Ram: 6GB (3x2GB) PC10600
HDD: 250gb 3.5" magnetic

I would like to re-use the current enclosures, but as far as I can tell I can only put a flex-ATX power supply into them. The highest rated flex-ATX supply I can find is running at 320W. I am thinking that *maybe* this is fine for the system I described, but it's definitely on the low end.

So, can I get away with a 320W supply for this system? What if I add a graphics card a later date?

Thanks!

 

[Joseph F]

I don't think that a 320W PSU will cut it for that system.
IMO, You'd need at least 450W for it.
(Not a cheap 450W unit, a good one like a PCP&C, SeaSonic, etc)

 

[heymrdj]

I recommend starting to search for 1u's on google/bing shopping and go through all the sizes and see if something fits. Seasonic, Sparkle, Tyan, and Supermicro all make good server PSU's. Typically you buy an enclosure with the right type of PSU(s). If you truly need flex-atx I'm guessing your enclosures are older and won't have the proper thermals too cool I7's anyway. I bet there's a 1u PSU that will fit, but I imagine you're still going to be stuck replacing the enclosures.

http://www.bing.com/shopping/search?q=1u+power+supplies&qpvt=1u+power+supplies&FORM=HURE#x0y1682

 

[Golgatha]

Probably cheaper in the long run to replace the enclosures. 2U cases (if you need rack mounting) offer much cheaper PSU solutions. A 500w Silencer PSU works well in those cases, as the air is channeled through the PSU rather than having a top or bottom mounted fan that doesn't help cool the case.