Recommendations for new power supply

[mikenchi]

Hi all:

I'm looking for some recommendations for a replacement power supply. I have a computer that I'm setting up to use exclusively as Windows Vista Media Center.

It will need to power the following components:

Intel D845PEBT2 mobo
Single core Intel 2.4Ghz proc
(2) 512MB Ram chips (might upgrade later if needed)
(1) IDE Seagate hard disk
(1) Memorex DVD drive
ATI TV Wonder 650 PCI
ATI Radeon 512MB X1300 AGP card (it has it's own power supply connection)
2 Case fans of course

I want to replace the power supply because when I hit the PC Power button on my media center remote, the PC goes to sleep properly but the fan keeps running. (It's the cheapo PSU that came with the case, 400W I believe) Plus, the current power supply fan is very noisy, and I want it to be as quiet as possible. My last requirement is that I want to size it appropriately for this box, so it is using the least amount of power as possible.

Also any tips on quiet case fans appreciated. I hate fan noise...

Thanks!

 

[disports]

The Corsair 450VX perhaps.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Get this

Use this code: EMCAKCDAC to make it $38 shipped.

 

[mikenchi]

Thanks for the tips... both look like very good units.

One question, and please forgive what may be a dumb one. I do want to reduce electricity use as much as possible. On the same computer with all the same hardware, will a 600W PSU use more power than a 400W? I'd think that they would use the same, it's just the max capacity that differs. Am I right?

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

You're correct. What uses the electricty is the load from your computer. They're both 80 plus efficiency.

 

[mikenchi]

Thanks again for the info. I've decided to get the Corsair. Read a bunch of reviews and everyone raves about the quality and near-silent operation of the Corsair. This is for the bedroom so the quiet operation is my biggest selling factor.

 

[JaBro999]

I can vouch for the Corsair 520HX being very quiet - $89.99 after MIR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...E16817139001&Tpk=520hx

Don't forget to check out this AT article:

Debunking Power Supply Myths
http://www.anandtech.com/casec...us/showdoc.aspx?i=3413

 

[schneiderguy]

I don't know why people are reccomending 600 watt power supplies to you. Something like this Seasonic 300 watt would be more than enough power, cheaper, AND more efficient. PSUs are typically the most efficient around 50% load. Your system probably draws around 100 watts or less. If you are using a 600 watt psu, that is only a 16% load and it probably will dip below the 80% efficiency it is rated for. With a 300 watt PSU you'll be putting a 33% load on it, and efficiency will be at or above the 80% it is rated for.