Which PSU and how much wattage?

[deveraux]

Hi all!

I just wanted your opinions on a power supply. I'm building a new system, here are the specs:

AMD Athlon64 3500
MSI K8N Neo2 Plat
2xSeagate 7200.7 200Gb
LiteON DVD-RW
LiteON DVD-ROM
Creative SB Audigy 2
GeForce 6800 Ultra 256MB
Corsair Value PC3200 (2x512)
3x80mm fans

Which power supply would you guys recommend? I was thinking of going with Antec's TruePower 550W. Is that an overkill or is it just sufficient? Also, I've never actually used anything but the CPU hsf before so am not entirely sure about the connectors for the separate 80mm fans. Do they have connections from the PSU or is it connected to the mobo? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

[caz67]

I am a firm believer in that you can never have to much juice..

That being said i would go for Antec 550W True Power or the new 480NEO..

 

[Geomagick]

The Antec would certainly be fine for this setup, it would give more than is required so will cover you for any additions later on.

You could get a 450W class PSU and be fine although you would run quite close to maxed out.

As for the fans:

Most aftermarket fans come with a 3pin connector as well as an adapter to plug into a molex.

I would recommend using the molex adapter as this helps with current drain on the mobo. Although most 80mm fans draw little current there are a few Delta's for instance which should not be connected to the mobo.

Hope this helps.

 

[Sonic587]

It's way overkill, but if you can afford it, go ahead.

 

[Zimdesign]

After some research, I bought an Antec TruePower 430W a few months ago for my planned Athlon 64 rig (buying this week!). For a setup like yours, a TP 550W is safe. I might even splurge on the new cutting-edge NeoPower 480W...

 

[Oyeve]

450 minimum, higher even better. Just make sure you get the best you can afford. Cheap costing PSU will be nothing but headaches in the end. I have seen some budget PSUs literally blow up in my day. If the price seems to good to be true then it most likely is.