Need PSU Recommendation

1105 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Ipswitch, Feb 17, 2005

dr.dino

Discussion Starter · Feb 16, 2005

At current, my eventual plan is to build a gaming pc with the following specs:

+ AMD 64-Bit 3400+ Processor & Motherboard
+ nVidia 6800 Series Graphics Card
+ Creative Labs SoundBlaster Audigy (24-Bit + ADV HD) Audio Card
+ 1GB Memory
+ 4-Port Internal USB Hub
+ DVD-RW Drive
+ Iomega Zip Drive
+ Seagate Brand Hard-Drive
+ TV Tuner Card

This is basically the PC setup I'm working towards, I might plan on adding more to the PC.

Anyways, the purpose of this thread is so I can get a recommendation on the power supply unit that I should get to accomodate these specs. You know, the amount of voltage or whatever that I should I get in a power supply unit and well as a backup UPS.

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Toshiro

· #2 · Feb 16, 2005

Rules of thumb: DO NOT GO CHEAP ON PSU, you will regret it later on. Your system can live with a 450W or 520W OCZ Modstream, those have pretty good ratings and should be sufficient for your setup. Other recommendations:

Antec Neo Power 480W
Enermax Noisetaker 485W
OCZ Powerstrem 420W/520W

These are what I recommend as being decent PSU. As for the UPS, you can have that if you know there is a lot of power outages in your area.

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dr.dino

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 16, 2005

Thanks for the reply. But I was kinda hoping for a more finite voltage number given the specs in question. Because as you may or may not know, typically the more advanced high-end pc components you put in your pc, the more voltage your going to need from your PSU. Based on your input, I could guess that perhaps 500VA is sufficient right? And I agree that you should not go cheap on a PSU because if the PSU doesn't have enough voltage to power to whole system, it could render your whole system inoperable eventually. And I assume naturaly that it's best to get a UPS which is equal to or greater in voltage to your PSU. Let me know ASAP. Thanks.

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nahteecirp

· #4 · Feb 16, 2005

Its not a matter of if the UPS can supply the voltage, its how long does this thing keep your pc powered. Remember the traditional job of the UPS is to keep the system on long enough to save all your files that you are working on in case of a power outage/brown-out. Any UPS will power, but bigger ones will keep your pc powered for longer. And the voltage for your power supply is irrelevant, except in reference to your plug at home is (aka its 110v in america, different in europe, etc...) Its watts you need to be worried about for your PSU, not voltage. (If I miss read your post my apologies, im not for sure what your asking)

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nahteecirp

· #5 · Feb 16, 2005

And to awnser your question directly, the ones Toshiro recommends are exactly what I would say.

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dr.dino

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 16, 2005

I apologize, I guess I meant wattage. What would be the recommended wattage I should get in a PSU or UPS given the pc specs in question?

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industrian

· #7 · Feb 16, 2005

Does anyone here actually use a UPS?

I'm going for a OCZ PowerStream. The general rule of PSUs are: the heavier the better. NEVER cheap out on PSUs, as if you get a crap one you can kiss everything connected goodbye.

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eternal11

· #8 · Feb 17, 2005

i used to use a UPS when my old mobo was giving me wacky voltages, and it seemed to help calm my voltage spikes down. that was when i was running my old mobo and this cheap 480 watt psu.

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Ipswitch

· #9 · Feb 17, 2005

I have a UPS attached to my computer. But as for the PSU, the wattage rating is less important than the number of amps on the +12 rail. I got a Thermaltake that has 18, which is considered the minimum, and it has trouble powering my 6800gt in 3d to the point where I have to underclock it. The Antec has like 22 though which is probably a better choice. I'm saving up for a 550W PSU with 24 on the +12 rail and I'm hoping that will solve my problems. Learn from my mistake, especially since you have a similar system to mine.

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nahteecirp

· #10 · Feb 17, 2005

Umm the wattage rating IS more important than the number off amps on the 12 V rail. I've never encountered a PC that didnt work because it lacked power in the 12V rail, but 100's that lacked the wattage. So you probably dont have a power supply that is supplying enough wattage to your 6800gt. REMEMBER: Just becuase a company says a PSU is rated at 550 (or whatever number) watts DOESNT MEAN ITS TRUE. Cheap power supply companies often use "optimal" test conditions (which are very far from real world conditions) to get thier power rating, where as high quality companies (like those listed above) use much more realistic test condtions and usually dont lie.

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Ipswitch

· #11 · Feb 17, 2005

I'm just saying that a 480W PSU with 18A on the +12V rail will not be able to deliver as well as a 480W PSU with 22A. I speak from experience here

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