Replacing the PSU on the Antec Sonata

[shahman]

I have an Antec Sonata case with the built in 380watt PSU.

I'm about to pop my 2nd 6600gt card into my system and while before I was slightly over the limit of what the PSU could provide, now I'll be way over. Anyone have experience with upgrading the PSU in the Sonata Case? I was hoping to avoid the possibility of buying a PSU that won't fit. I need a PSU in the 480watt range.

Thanks

 

[DaveSimmons]

I replaced mine with a cooler / quieter Zalman, works fine, but it's just a 400watt.

Note that the stock rear fan is loud when you run it at full speed (most PSU's don't have the variable-speed "fan" molex power connector).

You might want to get a temp-controlled fan (Antec makes one) or fanmate-controlled (be careful, some 120mm draw more power than a fanmate is rated for).

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: shahman
I have an Antec Sonata case with the built in 380watt PSU.

I'm about to pop my 2nd 6600gt card into my system and while before I was slightly over the limit of what the PSU could provide, now I'll be way over. Anyone have experience with upgrading the PSU in the Sonata Case? I was hoping to avoid the possibility of buying a PSU that won't fit. I need a PSU in the 480watt range.

Thanks

What's in your system that makes you think you're maxing out the Sonata's PSU?

 

[shahman]

Did you have to take the mobo out to complete the replacement?
The stock rear fan unplugs from the stock PSU?

Thanks

 

[shahman]

ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe
AMD Athlon 64 3500+
1GB PC3200 Memory
Leadtek 6600GT x 2 in SLI mode
Samsung 160Gb drives x 3 in RAID 0+1
WD Raptor 72gb
DVD Burner x 2

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: shahman
Did you have to take the mobo out to complete the replacement?
The stock rear fan unplugs from the stock PSU?

Thanks

No, I managed to swap PSUs without removing the mb. If you have a massive heatsink like a Zalman it might get in the way.

Yes, the rear fan normally attaches to the "Fan" 4pin connector on the Antec PSU, which then uses a built-in temp sensor to control the fan's speed.

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: shahman
ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe
AMD Athlon 64 3500+
1GB PC3200 Memory
Leadtek 6600GT x 2 in SLI mode
Samsung 160Gb drives x 3 in RAID 0+1
WD Raptor 72gb
DVD Burner x 2

I'm running this on my Sonata's PSU:

Athlon 64 3000+ @ 2.52GHz
Epox 9NDA3+
1GB PC3200 RAM
BFG GeForce 6800GT @ Ultra
Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS
2x 36GB WD Raptors (RAID 0)
1 250GB 7200RPM Maxtor
1 CD-RW, 1 DVD+\-RW

This is on the older version with the 18A 12V rail, what's happening that causes you to think the PSU is inadequate?

 

[Gamingphreek]

YOur PSU is fine. If you were SLIing 6800GT's/Ultra's then i would say go for more power but with 22A on the 12V rail you should be ok.

Install the new video card and see how it runs. Im sure it will do just fine.

-Kevin

 

[shahman]

So there is no danger from underpowering components?
I know the calculated specs for PSUs are conservative so when what I currently have for a system came in over by 10 or 20 watts it was not a concern. Adding another 6600gt though should add another 75watts at full load. You guys don't think there's any issue with being under the ratings by 75 to 90 watts?

 

[Gamingphreek]

Originally posted by: shahman
So there is no danger from underpowering components?
I know the calculated specs for PSUs are conservative so when what I currently have for a system came in over by 10 or 20 watts it was not a concern. Adding another 6600gt though should add another 75watts at full load. You guys don't think there's any issue with being under the ratings by 75 to 90 watts?

Where are you getting the info for the rest of the system.

Also a 6600GT does not consume 75Watts of power. Seeing as a 6800U only consumes like 100Watt under peak load.

-Kevin

 

[nick1985]

i would be willing to bet that your PSU in the sonata is fine

 

[shahman]

ASUS has a basic configuration for PSU requirements.

I also used this calculator http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/

They came out about even at 390watts

Now I know that this is at full load if everthing is being used to the max, but I'm unsure of the margin I have. Maybe another approach is to see what the PSU is outputing for various activites prior to popping in the new card. Is there anyway to monitor PSU output. The asus probe software that came with the mobo does not monitor this as far as I can remember. (can't check now, i'm at work)