PSUs highly overrated?

[Mem]

definitely agree that the need for high power ratings is overblown. The need for good quality is not

I always buy a bigger quality PSU then I need,since I always add new hardware to my PC and also having a bigger PSU then you need makes it more future proof before you need to upgrade it again.

 

[glugglug]

Originally posted by: Pariah
"There is a real need for 350W power supplies on newer systems."

Not true. Take a look at this link:

Extreme Tech

Scroll down a bit to the second chart containing the Gateway and Compaq systems. Both of those systems are running on 200W PS's and are more loaded than even the average system on these boards.

I use an Evo 510 with a 170W PSU at work (this is actually the largest Compaq offers in a desktop system, comes with the mini-tower form factor).

Motherboard monitor shows 2.1V on the 3.3V input and around 4.7V on the 5V input. Yes, the system actually runs like this but....

 

[blstriker]

My roommate had a ecs ks5a with a xp 1500+ and it would crash with a 235 watt power supply. I slapped in a generic 300 watt ps and now it's stable as a rock. Then again, I hear that the ks5a is picky about power supplies. Go figure.

 

[Tbirdkid]

HEHE. I kinda overkilled my psu for my rig but I love it.

Amd Athlon 1600 @ 2100
Epox 8k3a
256 Kingmax DDR 3200
40 Gig Maxtor
24x10x40 Acer CDRW
56x Acer CD
Radeon LE 8500 (3.3ns @ 185/315)
Dlink Nic
4 80 mm deltas

LEADMAN 500W PSU!!!! (50 BUCKS!!!)
I CANT GET HER OFF HER RAILS