How much power supply do I really need??

[Nickand5]

My old power supply died and I am looking to get a temp. while the old one is repaired? What is the smallest power supply I can safely use if I am running an AMD Opteron 165, 1.8 GHz, GeForce 7600GT, DVD burner, 2 Gigs RAM, WD Raptor 74 gig HD? Any help would really be appreciated!!

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Dahak]

I would forget about getting the older PSU repaired and just buy a good quality 500-650 watt PSU.This will enable you to purchase a faster,more power hungry GPU as well as upgrade your CPU.Not to mention adding another HD if you want.Repairing old PSU is a waste of time unless it is some odd ball thing that is required for the system itself.Even then,I would just replace it.Goodluck.

Dahak

M2N32-SLI DELUXE WE
X2 5600+ (3.2)
4X1GIG DDR2 800 IN DC MODE
TOUGHPOWER 850WATT PSU
EVGA GTX 260
SMILIDON RAIDMAX GAMING CASE
ACER 22IN WS LCD 1680X1050
250GIG HD/500GIG HD
G5 GAMING MOUSE
LOGITECH Z-5500 5.1 SURROUND SYSTEM
500WATS CONTINUOUS,1000 PEAK
WIN XP MCE SP2

 

[zodiacfml]

300 watts

 

[Newf]

I agree that a 300 watt power supply is all that's needed.
However, getting a decent quality power supply is going to cost you at least $50. Anything less will be prone to early failure and jeopardizes other parts.
Now, you may ask, what can I get for $50? Looking at Newegg.com:
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 500 PPCS500D (After rebate and free shipping)
Antec Earthwatts EA500
FSP AX500-PN
Seasonic S12 II SS-330.
All the above cost about the same in the end and any will work just fine for your system.

 

[Nickand5]

Great, thanks for all the help. The original is under warranty and I was just wanting something to keep my system going while I wait for it to come back.

 

[angry_ducky]

Antec Earthwatts:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=antec+earthwatts

Newegg has the 500W model for $50 and the 380W model for $40.