What kinda PSU for a 3.0GHz C2D build?

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
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My dad's P4 system (3.0 NW, 2 GB RAM, 875 PBZ board) is becoming laggy when he does heavy database or virtualization work, so he wanted me to build a C2D based system to replace the P4 one.

The parts I've got planned (some of the parts, like the 120GB HDDs and optical drives, come from the P4 system)

Core 2 Duo E4500 (Plan to OC to 2.6-3 GHz)
4GB DDR2-800 (exact brand not determined, perhaps Ballistix)
Abit IP35 Board
2x120GB Western Digital SATA HDDs in RAID-1
1x500GB Western Digital SATA HDD for storage
1xAsus 52xCD-RW
1xLite-on 20X DVD-RW
Low-Power PCIe graphics card (8500GT level since this computer isn't for gaming)
Sound Blaster Live 24 bit
4x80mm case fans (2x intake, 2x exhaust)
90 mm heatsink fan (CPU HSF suggestions welcome...currently looking at Freezer 7 Pro and Ultima-90...not sure if case can fit an Ultra-120 or Tuniq Tower)
Antec 1080B E-ATX Server case

What kind of PSU would be ideal for this setup? I have a 1-year old Fortron AX-400 (dual +12V at 16/18A, 25A max IIRC) that is no longer in use since I got my Antec Earthwatts 430...would that be enough for this setup or does it need something like a VX450?
 

MarcVenice

Moderator Emeritus <br>
Apr 2, 2007
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Antec EW 380/430 would be perfect I think. FSP isn't halfbad either, I just don't know that specific PSU. My guess is that it will work just fine though.
 

tomoyo

Senior member
Oct 5, 2005
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Any good quality 300W psu can do this system fine, especially with such a wimpy graphics card. Some suggestions, Any Earthwatts, Seasonic of any type, Corsair of any type, the high efficiency FSP's.