UPDATE - 300watts enough? (Obviously not)

[Whitedog]

Probably the wrong forum for this post, but none the less...

I just ordered some gear to build 2 new systems. Mainly some A7N8X-E 'lux mobo's and XP-M 2600+ CPU's and PowerCooloer 9800SE's.

I plan on OC'un the CPU's to (11-12)x200 and "Trying" to soft mod the vid cards to unlock to 8 pipes...

Anyway, the cases I ordered are these InWins with 300w PS..

I'm going to have 3 systems when I am finished... all with 9800pros (if the SE's will do it) and overclocked XP's and A7N8X boards... The one system I have now has a 450w in it. I'll have to buy 2 new PS's if the 300w's won't cut it.

Anyone got .02 wirth on this?

-----------------------------------------

UPDATE: May 03

OK, I just got my Antec "SmartPower" 450's in. (Yes, I know it's not a true power, but the specs looked plenty good enough and hey, well, it's an Antec )

Check below. I posted the details below (or above depending on your config)

 

[Zebo]

I would'nt do it. Maybe a 350W Enermax/forton/antec/sparkle but I've fried enough PSU not to go cheap or low powered. Today I only Enermax 465 or above with active PFC.

 

[Whitedog]

That's the problem... just about every retail case you buy comes with a power supply. I don't get it. Why do they do that. That's like selling every motherboard with 128MB dimms on it... they know you're probably going to replace them, but it's just a way to get more money out of you.

You can bet if I replace them (which I probably will) I will put hefty ones on there. (at least 450).

*Sigh* I just didn't think about that last night when I was placing the order. I might just stop by compUSA or something and see what they have. I'm tired of placing orders at NewEgg. (I had to go back and order the black floppy drives I forgot to order last night).

When does it end?


Maybe I can over-clock the Powersupplies too??

 

[Zebo]

If you can warm up tp thermaltake cases they come with a nice 480. Another is Antec cases, all thier PS are decent but some even come with "true power" ones. Really antec cases accross the board is a steal considering you get a decent PSU and a very good case.

For example this for only $60 with a good smart power 350W. http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=11-129-122&DEPA=0

Another option is I really like is Evercase also because it has a single 120mm quiet fan for $56 and 350W. Looks very similar to the ones you picked. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-127-035&depa=0

It comes w/o PSU in about eight colors for $30.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-127-032&depa=0

Then you could add whatever.

 

[Algere]

Cases of higher quality or costlier usually don't come with PSUs or if they do they're usually of higher quality i.e. Antec, Thermaltake, etc. with the the power to match it and some sub $80 cases have alternate models w/ or without PSU's. All in all it, it depends on who makes the case.

The cases that have PSUs around the 300-350 watt range IMO are cases aimed towards someone whose on a budget which usually aren't building a system that needs that much juice anyways.

 

[Nucleus111]

Inwin cases usually come supplied with Powerman units which are the same as Sparkle. I'm running their 300W units and have no problems running AMD XP, 3 HDs, 2 CDs, plus PCI cards.

 

[Cashmoney995]

ANTEC on newegg is like $70 for a 120mm fan in the case and a 350 watt power supply.

 

[Whitedog]

ANTEC on newegg is like $70 for a 120mm fan in the case and a 350 watt power supply.

This thread isn't about cases... and what power supplies come with them. If I wanted an Antec case, I'd have bought one.

Originally posted by: Algere
Cases of higher quality or costlier usually don't come with PSUs or if they do they're usually of higher quality i.e. Antec, Thermaltake, etc. with the the power to match it and some sub $80 cases have alternate models w/ or without PSU's. All in all it, it depends on who makes the case.

The cases that have PSUs around the 300-350 watt range IMO are cases aimed towards someone whose on a budget which usually aren't building a system that needs that much juice anyways.

wHaTevEr DoOd? no, I'm not in the market to build a computer with NeOn LiGhTz and GlAsS panels so I can drool over metal braided drive cables and LiGhT shows? *shrug*

There's nothing substandard about Inwins quality. True they are not aimed at the "oVeRcLocKerz" crowd? but more towards those who just want a normal case.

Again, this thread isn't about cases Anyway? It's about how much can a 300w PS power? And BTW, Inwin's come with very good quality PS's as mentioned by Nucleus111, just not ones with LoTza Watts :Q

LOL.

 

[myocardia]

Here's a link to the best psu you can buy, without taking out a second mortgage (like you'd have to do to get a couple of PC Power & Cooling psu's): Enermax 460 watt psu with 35A 3.3v, 35A 5v, and 33A 12v.

 

[Algere]

Originally posted by: Whitedog


wHaTevEr DoOd? no, I'm not in the market to build a computer with NeOn LiGhTz and GlAsS panels so I can drool over metal braided drive cables and LiGhT shows? *shrug*

There's nothing substandard about Inwins quality. True they are not aimed at the "oVeRcLocKerz" crowd? but more towards those who just want a normal case.

Again, this thread isn't about cases Anyway? It's about how much can a 300w PS power? And BTW, Inwin's come with very good quality PS's as mentioned by Nucleus111, just not ones with LoTza Watts :Q

LOL.

Was replying to this "dood"

That's the problem... just about every retail case you buy comes with a power supply. I don't get it. Why do they do that. That's like selling every motherboard with 128MB dimms on it... they know you're probably going to replace them, but it's just a way to get more money out of you.

You can bet if I replace them (which I probably will) I will put hefty ones on there. (at least 450).

*Sigh* I just didn't think about that last night when I was placing the order. I might just stop by compUSA or something and see what they have. I'm tired of placing orders at NewEgg. (I had to go back and order the black floppy drives I forgot to order last night).

When does it end?


Maybe I can over-clock the Powersupplies too??

Didn't think I needed to quote it. Guess I was wrong

 

[Budman]

The power supply will be more than enought,Powerman are good quality power supplies.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Budman
The power supply will be more than enought,Powerman are good quality power supplies.

No, higher clockspeed equals higher power consumption. If a 300 watt Antec psu or a 300 watt Enermax can't run a mobile Barton at 2.4-2.5ghz, there's no way in hell any no-name 300 watt psu can do it.

edit: That's with a high-end (or close) video card. If he'd put GF2 MX's in them, he might be able to do it.

 

[Whitedog]

Originally posted by: myocardia
Here's a link to the best psu you can buy, without taking out a second mortgage (like you'd have to do to get a couple of PC Power & Cooling psu's): Enermax 460 watt psu with 35A 3.3v, 35A 5v, and 33A 12v.

Isn't that a bit overkill on the +12v?

 

[Big Lar]

I have an Antec case here, with a 350 watt supply, that happily ran a 3.0E (prescott), @ 3600, and that was with D2OL running. I think it is more of the quality of the supply, and not the # rating. For the better supply's, try Nspire, and if you have coin, pcpowerandcooling.

 

[Budman]

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: Budman
The power supply will be more than enought,Powerman are good quality power supplies.

No, higher clockspeed equals higher power consumption. If a 300 watt Antec psu or a 300 watt Enermax can't run a mobile Barton at 2.4-2.5ghz, there's no way in hell any no-name 300 watt psu can do it.

edit: That's with a high-end (or close) video card. If he'd put GF2 MX's in them, he might be able to do it.

I think you're mistaken buddy, I ran a Fortron fsp-300atv on my P4 box for a while & it was fine.

specs in sig.

2.4@3.2
1 gig ram
2 x hd's
1 x dvdrw
1 x 9800
2 x 120mm fans

and all that on a 300 watts psu.

 

[myocardia]

And your +12v rail was running what? 11.95v? I thought not. Well, we'll see which of us is right in a few days when he gets them delivered, won't we?

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Whitedog

Originally posted by: myocardia
Here's a link to the best psu you can buy, without taking out a second mortgage (like you'd have to do to get a couple of PC Power & Cooling psu's): Enermax 460 watt psu with 35A 3.3v, 35A 5v, and 33A 12v.

Isn't that a bit overkill on the +12v?

There's no such thing as "overkill" with a psu. If you are only needing 22A of 12v power, then you only get 22A of 12v power. BTW, most of the newer boards with an nForce2 chipset use 12v to power the cpu. The Asus A7N8X is the exception.

 

[oldfart]

Quality 300W should be be fine. I run

P4 @ 3.3 GHz
1 Gig ram
9800P
74 Gig Raptor
120 Gig WD SE
DVD
DVD-RW
USB devices
Firewire
Sound
10/100
etc

with an Antec True330 watt.

 

[Nucleus111]

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: Budman
The power supply will be more than enought,Powerman are good quality power supplies.

No, higher clockspeed equals higher power consumption. If a 300 watt Antec psu or a 300 watt Enermax can't run a mobile Barton at 2.4-2.5ghz, there's no way in hell any no-name 300 watt psu can do it.

edit: That's with a high-end (or close) video card. If he'd put GF2 MX's in them, he might be able to do it.

Umm...if power consumption is getting lower (ex: stock XP-M@1.45v) then why would you need more power? Isn't power consumption more important than overall Ghz? Care to explain. I mean cars are faster now, as a whole, then they were 20yrs. ago, but that doesn't mean they guzzle more gas.

 

[Whitedog]

True, if you run it at stock speed. But I plan to OC the living dung out of it!!!!

So the voltage will not be 1.45

 

[Big Lar]

"But I plan to OC the living dung out of it!!!!"
Good Man If I were to buy a new supply, I'd buy the best I could afford to a certain extent, ie; a good 350 to 400 watt from a known good manufacturer. I would take a real hard look at the Nspire supplies. I think www.markonecomputers.com is still selling them. My choice up the ladder would be a Pcpower/ and a bit lower would be the antec. Just IMHO.

 

[caz67]

Go with an Antec 480W True Power

 

[howdyduty]

OC'ing and a 9800... Thats risky with a 300w PS. Can always try it but it is on the edge.

 

[Whitedog]

Update to thread - May 03

OK, I just got some Antec "SmartPower" 450's. Yea, I know, they're not "TruePower"'s, but hey, they got good specs and are Antec's, so they should suffice. I had to buy 2, so gimme a break!

Anyway, before I could not get it to run 200 bus... at ANY multX and/or Voltage. Put new PS in and set it to 200x12 @ 1.7 volts and Windows is running just fine. (No, I don't do the Prime thing, if it runs, it runs. )

So go figure. I was even UNDERCLOCKING the 9800SE just as a precautious with the 300watter.

Seems to be running good now.

Though I have a few questions regarding my settings and temps.

Is 1.7 volts about right to run it at 2.4? I'm not really interested in running it any faster. That's plenty fast enough for me

Also, my TEMPS are, well, questionable. I have ThermalrightSLK-947U with 2700rpm 92mm fan. You'd think I'd have cool temps, but I idle at 47c and game at 50-51c. That seems a bit high for this setup? What are your Temps?

One last question regarding the 9800SE. When I installed the Omega drivers, I took the option about "enabling the pipes" or something for 9800SE cards only. (it was something like that)
Anyway, is that all there is to "enabling" all 8 pipes? I can't find ANYWHERE in the control panels to do this, so I don't know if they are "on" or not. Seems to be fast though, and NO artifacts... looks GREAT!

Cheers!

 

[myocardia]

As far as I know, that's all that is required to enable the other pipes. If you want to make sure that they are enabled, you have quite a few options. You could run AIDA32, it will tell you. Also, if I'm not mistaken, Sandra 2004 does also (don't have it installed anymore). If AIDA32 isn't still available for download, Everest is alot like it; almost identical, in fact. Oh, and if you want your temps lower, you're going to have to get yourself a higher-speed fan for your SLK-947. Mine runs over 10° cooler, at 100mhz faster, but that's with a 92mm Tornado (119 cfm!).