What PSU will I need?

[nathanson]

Basically, this is a new rig that my friend helped me build.

PC Specs:
Intel 2160 @1.8ghz stock cooling (I might OC to 3ghz)
Abit IP35-E
2x1GB DDR2 800 Team Elite
Powercolor ATI Radeon HD3850 256MB 256Bit GDDR3
Icute ZL08 (w/ 12cm front intake, 8cm rear exhaust, 25cm side) <came with a 500w psu
160gb IDE hard drive and a dvd burner (planning to add another hd later)

Originally, we planned on buying a cheap branded psu but the store didn't have it. Anyway, to my excitement, we took the pc home and figured maybe it will run. Turns out the psu can't handle the load.

My current choice is HEC Winpower 550. How much power does my setup need? Can anyone recommend another psu? My budget is around $100 (maybe I can push it a little). TYVM.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Never buy a cheap PSU. If you where lucky enough for that PSU to just barley handle your system then you would have more problems then you want. Eventually the PSU would die on you and possible damage other system parts. So you need to make sure you get a good quality PSU. I would recommend getting the VX450 from Corsair. Its a top quality PSU offering about 33A on the +12v rail and will suite your system nicely. It would be a good idea for you to stick with good name brand PSUs that can offer about 30A or better on the +12v rail(s).

 

[binarfuzion]

I am building a similar system, but with 3 Hard drives and maybe 1 or 2 DVD/CD RW drives.

The VX450 is really expensive, can I power my system with something cheaper like a Antec earthwatts 430? I hear thats pretty popular but I'm not sure if it will be enough power.

 

[teclis1023]

Perhaps you should consider a Seasonic PSU - I think you can pick them up in your price-range. OCZ is a reputable brand, but I think they're made by Seasonic as well.

 

[MarcVenice]

Antec earthwatts 430w is cutting it low, 450vx has enough amps on the 12v rail. Antec earthwatts 500w does too. And the 450vx is by no means expensive. It costs more money then your regular CHEAP ASS POS PSU, sure, but you get a qaulity PSU in return that will last several years, and won't go up in smoke if you're a little unlucky, taking your whole PC with it.

 

[binarfuzion]

Thanks, I will play it safe and get the 450vx.