Determining power supply?

[mikehende]

How do you determine which power supply you will need when building a new pc since power supplies come in ranges between 200-600 watts?

[tonyd]

I remember seeing a calculator on the web that figures it out for you. Can't find it tonight.

But basically, each component that you install in your PC requires power. Check the tech specs for the power requirements of each component. Add them up and put some buffer on the final calculation.
-td

[PeteF]

I remember seeing a calculator on the web that figures it out for you. Can't find it tonight.



Search this forum on... psu configurator

---pete---

[athomsfere]

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp
http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/

Just two of the many.

I rarely use these too much however. I might use on for the "ballpark"
If it says I need 430w, I will usually go higher for future upgrades.
Also, wattage means squat anymore, you have to remember to check your rails, the actually Pin count (and pin out for Dells HPs, etc).

To me, the easy ways out when choosing components usually leaves alot to be desired.

[dbarrow]

http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=255

SilverStone Zeus ST75ZF 750 Watt Power Supply Review

*Now this is what you call a PSU!


...So why then you might ask, would we need a 750W power supply? For one thing a power supply should ideally be rated for approximately twice the expected maximum load. If your PC will use between 150~200 watts of DC power then the PSU should be rated for at least 350~400 watts. This will allow the power supply to operate at around 50% of its rated capacity.



But if you are a gamer with one or more high-end video cards, then you will definitely need a high-quality, larger capacity power supply! For example: BFG Tech recommends using a power supply that can deliver a minimum 26A +12V with their GeForce 7800/7900 video cards. If you have two GeForce 7800/7900’s in SLI mode, then a minimum rating of 34A +12V is recommended. That’s over 400 watts for just the two video cards.



In the past, the majority of PC enthusiast didn’t worry too much about their power supply – generic was frequently good enough. For the most part those days are gone. To operate a modern gaming rig or workstation today requires more thought and a greater investment to insure reliable operation. ...