Power Supply Advice

[ScottyK]

Christmas comes early, and I'm putting together a new system. I've discovered that my current power supply is inadequate for what I will be running.

The Newegg Power Supply Calculator recommends at least 399W for the parts that I'm putting together.

I'm asking everybody what you look for in a PSU? I remember reading that you're supposed to have certain voltage on certain rails?

Here's a quick listings of the hardware that the system will have...

CPU - AMD A8-3870K 3.0 GHz Quad-Core
MB - ASUS F1A55-M/CSM
RAM -G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3
Video - Nvidia GeForce 8600
Hard Drives - 4 (All SATA)
Optical Drives - 2 (DVD Burners)
Sound - Soundblaster Audigy

What brands have you have good/bad experience with?

Price range that I can afford is $50-$60

Thanks!

[whatthefunk]

I use an Antec Earthwatts 650w.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371015

Its a little over your price range, but it gets good reviews and Ive had no problems with mine. Also, lower power usage is always a good thing.

[Snowhog]

Take a look at these: 600w power supplies

[oshunluvr]

400 watts sounds like too little for that system. I would get no less than 600 watts. I had to repace my PSU last year because as the room got warmer, my PSU became less efficient and would cause random reboots! I had a 700 watt PSU, 4 hard drives, 2 video cards, waterpump, 8GB RAM, overclocked quad core Intel CPU. Now with a 1000 watter - no reboots. It was adding the second video card that did it - Newegg calc said I needed 713 watts.

My PSU's of late have all been OCZ and I've had no issues. Unfortunately, your low budget will preclude most of the really nice featured PSU's.

"Modular" cables can be removed if you don't need then all and "Green" ones use less power when it's not needed and often run cooler.

This one is rebated down to $50 from $75 and if you get it now, you'll have the rebate back in time to buy the rest of it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341017



Also, I have a 700 watt OCZ I'm not using that I'll send you in exchange for the postage. I modded it slightly (reversed the direction of airflow by flipping the fan and added a fan speed control) but if you want it - I'll return the fan to it's original set up, verify it still works, and let you know what the shipping cost would be (send me your zip in a PM). I used it for a couple years (see above story ) but it's been sitting in a box as a backup since then. I won't guarentee it - but it was working when I put it away and I'll boot a computer with it before sending it.

[ScottyK]

oshunluvr - I was looking at that same power supply last night pondering it. I see there is a promo code for an addition $10 off now through the 19th..

Check you PM!

[dibl]

@Scotty, you cannot buy a PSU too high in wattage, only too low. I have had good luck with OCZ and Antek, in recent years. Get 650 or 700 watts, so you don't have to think about it again.