PSU Advice

[ddasilva]

Hi Everyone,

Im building a new system with the following components:

E8500 CPU
Asus P5k Premium / WIFI
4GB OCZ Ram (Not sure which version of the ram ie, gold, platium, etc but all my retailer sells is 800Mhz)
320 WD Caviar Sata2
DVDRW SATA1 (dont believe they come in Sata2)
BFG 8800GT 512MB

What should be the recommended PSU amount? 300, 400, 450, 500?

Thank you,
D

 

[Mondoman]

Wattage doesn't really matter any more; for modern computers, the key is the PS's ability to supply +12V current. A second (perhaps more important) consideration is the quality of the design/construction of the PS -- with your fairly high-end components, you don't want issues due to poor voltage regulation and you certainly don't want your PS to fry your system while it fails. Stick with a Tier 1 or 2 (or at least 3) PS. There should be a forum sticky listing PS Tiers.

 

[ddasilva]

Im blown away by the fact that I will need to spend almost $200CAD for a PSU.

Could you please confirm if I could purchase the following case?
http://canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=016276&cid=CS

Thanks,
D

 

[Mondoman]

That's a decent case and the Earthwatts line are decent quality PSs. Just make sure the 500w Earthwatts supplies enough +12V1 for your graphics card.
See - no $200CAD needed!

 

[ddasilva]

Thank you for your help. How do I check to make sure the PSU is adequate for my Vidcard (and the entire system)?

 

[Zorg]

Im blown away by the fact that I will need to spend almost $200CAD for a PSU.

Could you please confirm if I could purchase the following case?
http://canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=016276&cid=CS

Thanks,
D

The PSU in that case will handle your setup easily with room to OC/upgrade. It is an EA-500, Seasonic built single rail PSU.

Antec.com - Sonata III
JonnyGURU.com - Review - Antec EarthWatts EA-500 500W

There were some concerns about static causing problems, in high static environments. Apparently these are few and can be resolved by a piece of small gauge wire run between the door and the main case, inside of course.

Customer Reviews Of Antec Sonata III 500 (Sixth Post Down)

I would still buy it at that price and ground the front of the case if the problem presents itself, assuming they haven't fixed it already. It really is a simple fix.

 

[ddasilva]

Zorg- Fantastic post! Thank you

 

[Zorg]

Enjoy.