how much PSU should I get?

[Red96TA]

I've got the cheap 300w that came with my cheap arse case and I'm looking to upgrade...how many watts do you think I'll need?

[budz]

I would suggest getting a ANTEC TRUE POWER SUPPLY, 350- 430 would be fine with the amount of components you're running.

Here's a link for the 430 watt ANTEC TRUE POWER SUPPLY
http://www.antec-inc.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=20430

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[Craig Tucker]

Are you upgrading because your current supply is giving you problems.

[IAIHMB]

I would suggest getting a ANTEC TRUE POWER SUPPLY, 350- 430 would be fine with the amount of components you're running.

Here's a link for the 430 watt ANTEC TRUE POWER SUPPLY
http://www.antec-inc.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=20430

__________________________________________________ ___________

I second that, I just bought one and everything is going well.

[DVD_Ripper]

300 should be sufficient for most systems. I've got a 300W that is running a ATX, P4, 2 CD/DVD's and 2 IDE Hard Drives... No problems so far. So unless you are running into problems I wouldn't replace it.

Edit... oh, and three fans

[Jester700]

If you aren't having problems, leave alone for now. But if there are issues (even ones that you don't think are PSU related), replace it. And I'll third the suggestion for Antec's PSUs - very solid. And buy more than you think you need. PSUs last a LONG time, and you don't upgrade them every year, so an extra $50 on one is not wasted money.

[gitreel]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[IAIHMB]

If it is a cheep power supply all could be broke sooner or later. :P

[gitreel]

Wit until it breaks down to replace it.

[Red96TA]

The reason I'm replacing it is because I've run into problems running 3d applications. think I've narrowed the problem down to a bad cpu fan (which was replaced), but the sheer fact that the PSU is a cheap junker, thought I would replace it anyway for general purpose.

[gitreel]

You could go with a 420 watt psu and it would be fine.

[rallynavvie]

If you have a cheap PSU then you should fix it before it's "broke". When it goes it has the unique opportunity to take your entire system with it. I've been there...

Antec are great, so are PC Power and Cooling. You'd need to give us more info on your system more to the point of any plans to add to it in the future with this PSU. I'd recommend upgrading that video card sometime because I think I know what brand it is. In that case look at the NeoPower line of Antec PSUs, they're pretty neat. Otherwise their True series are as low as I'd go.

[gitreel]

I never had one take out my entire system. I guess I was fortunate. I swapped out when the psu started to go out.

[sacajaweeda]

You should check to make sure the rails are at or above the following...

+3.3V - 28A
+5V - 35A
+12V - 18A

Common problem for these MSI boards are PSUs with a wimpy 12v rail output. You want at least 18A on that one.

Regardless of the overall wattage, check the outputs, 400w PSU don't mean much if you're only putting out 16A on the 12v.

[Red96TA]

Thanks for the help there...I didn't know that it was the rails that were the most important...just thought it was a good brand and wattage that mattered most.

here's one that exceeds the recommendations, no?
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=17-101-502&DEPA=1

BTW...the video card is a BFG card...it's been pretty good so far.

[Craig Tucker]

Big Friendly Giant ?

[Red96TA]

Bad Fu**ing Gamer?

[freestyler]

[zleepy]

This will help you:
http://www.firingsquad.com/print_article.asp?current_section=Guides&fs_article_id=1162

Here's a list of psu's:
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/adunlap/psudatasheet.html

I bought the Themaltake and Vantec because of the Active PFC in both.
The Vantec is for the 4xHD raid system running P4HT for editing.
The Tt is on my P4 HT for the web & DShrink-encoding.


*** EDITED ***
I'll post the url of an automated, "you fill in what you have in your system and it will tell you the POWER needed", soon as I find it.

[zleepy]

Here's the calculator:
http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/