New Power Supply Needed?

[Blinxer]

I have just recently bought a new graphics card (agp sapphire hd 3850) to upgrade my older medion system. After going through hell to install it, turns out it requires a 450W or greater power supply with 30 Amps on 12 volt rail.

My power supply only does 350W so I'm considering getting a new one. My old psu is a single vent and has molex connectors (for the agp unit).

Does anyone know if I need to obtain the specific dimensions of my old psu? I have a fairly standard computer I bought about 6 years ago. I keep hearing about atx standards but I don't know how to tell whether my motherboard supports atx.

Furthermore, can anyone reccomend the best psu for the price? I need a 500W with a 12 volt rail.

 

[masterasia]

If it's a standard size then this PSU should do you right
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

 

[shovenose]

single vent? you mean like it has one fan? that doesnt really indicate toomuch...
the psu masterasia linked to is great but unneccesarily so. this one would be cheaper. you will notice its the same brand, just 100w less!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

 

[masterasia]

single vent? you mean like it has one fan? that doesnt really indicate toomuch...
the psu masterasia linked to is great but unneccesarily so. this one would be cheaper. you will notice its the same brand, just 100w less!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

I saw that one, but better safe than sorry. I always buy PSU 100Watts or so more than what I really need because you'll never know what upgrades you do in the future.

 

[jsc]

I like Corsair PSU's - own three of them - a 400 , a 550, and a 750.

Summary of specs:
Corsair 400CX (30 amp 12 volt rail)
Corsair 450VX (33 amp 12 volt rail)
Corsair 550VX (41 amp 12 volt rail)

I think that the 450 is not a particularly good value because it has so little more usable power than the 400.

 

[Onus]

I usually buy Antec or Seasonic, but wouldn't hesitate to buy Corsair either. In general, if it has full range active PFC (no little voltage switch) and is 80+ certified, it is probably decent. I haven't seen competent technical reviews of the new Antec Earthwatts, but they are 80+ bronze. The 380W model would be sufficient for you.

 

[shovenose]

yes but i put a 3850 1gb agp card in a friends computer, and 1) it said 300w min. on the box and 2)his lousy old pc had a 350w psu...