How much Power do I need?

[adamlevy]

How much power do I need from a PSU for the following setup?

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 (125W)
MOBO: 790GX Motherboard with Sideport RAM (haven't decided which one)
RAM: 4GB RAM
VIDEO: (integrated 790gx)
HDD: 2 WD Caviar Black 750GB HDDs

I'd like enough headroom to drop in a decent discrete graphics card down the road if the IGP is insufficient for my (non-gaming) needs.

Thanks!

 

[enzo matrix]

The CPU and graphics card on the pci-e bus draw the most power. For your current setup I doubt you'll need more than a good quality 400W like the OCZ series or the antec earthwatts or a corsair.

Personally I would put in a 600W to give me decent headroom. However, everyone's opinion of "decent" is different.

 

[adamlevy]

everyone's opinion of "decent" is different

^ Too true...

For grins, let's say I threw in a single Radeon HD 5850. Would your 600W recommendation cover that as well?

 

[Lutfij]

you can run a ati 5870 over-clocked edition and yet have enough headroom to run in crossfire - according to the power specs of the card. SO go by enzo matrix.

 

[Lutfij]

get the 600W

 

[adamlevy]

Best answer selected by adamlevy.