Should I pick up a new PSU?

[Ryland]

This is for the system in my sig line which breaks down to:

Q6600
(2) 2GB sticks of PC8500 memory (potentially going to 4 sticks)
(1) 320 gig SATA drive
(1) 80 gig SATA drive
(1) 300 gig IDE drive
(2) SATA burners
(1) evga 260GTX
(1) Intel NIC
(1) Avermedia M780
Various USB peripherals

I currently have an Antec True Power II 550Watt PSU which may be the cause of my video occasionally blanking out since the bios shows this PSU as reporting 12.429 volts on the +12 volt rail which is within spec (this may be inaccurate due to being a software reading).

The first question is, is this PSU big enough fo rwhat I have running off of it (I think it is from what I have read on this forum).

Second is should I pick up the PC Power and Cooling 750Watt PSU that Amazon has for $65AR?

 

[Ryland]

One thing I just found is that my TP II is rated at 38Amps combined on the +12 volt rails and the 260TX requires 36Amps on the 12 volt rail.

 

[theAnimal]

Yes and yes.

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: Ryland
One thing I just found is that my TP II is rated at 38Amps combined on the +12 volt rails and the 260TX requires 36Amps on the 12 volt rail.

No, NVIDIA recommends that you have that rating on the power supply to run the entire system, based on a number of assumptions they have made.

If you're concerned about voltages, spend the $10 to buy a multimeter.

 

[Ryland]

Originally posted by: Aluvus

Originally posted by: Ryland
One thing I just found is that my TP II is rated at 38Amps combined on the +12 volt rails and the 260TX requires 36Amps on the 12 volt rail.

No, NVIDIA recommends that you have that rating on the power supply to run the entire system, based on a number of assumptions they have made.

If you're concerned about voltages, spend the $10 to buy a multimeter.

Oh, I thought that was for the video card only. Interesting then.

 

[dangman4ever]

While the Truepower II 550W has enough power for that system, the Truepower II series were well known for their above average failure rate due to a poor choice of caps and the cooling method. I recommend getting a new PSU like the BFG LS-550 or Corsair 650TX which can be had for $80 and $100 from newegg respectively.

Though if you hear a sort of squeal or whine coming from the PSU, even when the system is off, that's grounds for a RMA.

 

[Ryland]

I don't hear a sound from the PSU. I ordered the PC&C 750 that is on sale. Its probably overkill but will give me headroom.