Which power supply

[WannabeSQ]

I have an antec Sonata case, with the 380watt power supply that is just barely cutting it. I have a grand total of 9 hard drives in this system, 5 WD 200GB 3 maxtor 300GB and a 40GB boot drive. This is a file server for video files, so it needs to be on 24/7. I saw an Antec 550w at ecost for $130, is this gonna cut it? or do I need something more? There is no room inside the case to add a second power supply, and I need to keep all the drives inside the computer (there are 4 maxtor 250GB drives in a firewire case already.

As a stop gap measure I have used a firewire case's power supply to power a couple of the drives, and it seems to be working, so I would assume that I don't need much more than the 380watt I have?

Also, the power supply I have is a quiet one, with special fan plugs that keep the case fans quiet. I would like to keep it quiet, so is the Antec gonna cut it?

 

[montag451]

I think you are lucky to get the system running with anything like 380w.

I would go for the biggest bestest 700w MINIMUM - to be on the safe side -

 

[Leros]

I think people always overpower their computers. You would probally be fine at 480-500.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: JToxic
I think people always overpower their computers. You would probally be fine at 480-500.

Agreed.
I've got a system here, with a 430W Antec Truepower PSU, running an optical drive, and 5 7200rpm hard drives. The voltage lines all read within 0.05v of what they're supposed to be, according to a voltmeter. I'd imagine that the 550W Antec should have no problem with it.

 

[imported_waldo]

Originally posted by: Jeff7

Originally posted by: JToxic
I think people always overpower their computers. You would probally be fine at 480-500.

Agreed.
I've got a system here, with a 430W Antec Truepower PSU, running an optical drive, and 5 7200rpm hard drives. The voltage lines all read within 0.05v of what they're supposed to be, according to a voltmeter. I'd imagine that the 550W Antec should have no problem with it.

I concur, I've got a 560 Thermal Take, and with my 5 and dual processors, and Workstation Graphics card, I have no issues. No way you need to go up to 7. If your board can handle it though, get an EPS powersupply...very stable, and dependable. Make sure you get a good brand too...more power isn't as important as a quality PSU

 

[WannabeSQ]

Thanks. I plan on getting an Antec 550w True Power. Antec is a reliable brand correct? I have an Antec currently.

 

[Zepper]

Any good brand with 20 or more Amps available on the 12V rail should work fine. There are several recently designed 350W PSUs that have 20 or so amps on the 12V rail. Take a look at the Silverstone 460 or the Coolmax Taurus series. They will serve you equally as well as the Antec and will cost less.
.bh.