Your opinions on my power requirements

[Korky]

Im upgrading my system, should have everything by the end of the week. It will consist roughly of the following...

CPU - e5200
MB - Abit IP35 Pro
RAM - 2 x 2gb pc6400 800mhz
GFX - 8800GTX 768MB
DRIVES - 1 x DVDRW, 3 x HDD
FANS - 4 or 5

NOTE: I will be overclocking.

What im asking is if my current power supply is up to the job. Its an Enermax 550W supply with the following spec.

Enermax EG651P-VE

36A @ +3.3v, +5v, +12v. 550w Total Power, 535w MAX, 650w PEAK

Iv had this PSU for a number of years but as far as im aware its a good quality supply. Is it enough power for my new system???

[Webby]

Just had a quick look at a review which states that it has the following specs,

3.3v -> 40A
5v -> 46A
12v -> 20A

If that is correct then no it will not be able to power your new system, well it might but I wouldn't trust it. In the years between you buying that PSU and now components have moved away for 3.3v and 5v power and instead most components draw 12v.

Anyway I would get a new power supply it will not need to be any more powerful total wattage just distributed differently, look at the Corsair HX520 or VX550, Enermax Mod82+ and Pro82+, Seasonic S12 and M12 prices will vary from £50 up

[Korky]

It states on the PSU its 36A @ all three voltages. I thought most components always did draw from 12V?

[Webby]

how can it be 36A from all three voltages? They use different transformers, not saying that is doesn't say it on the side but that is a useless statistic. The Thing with 12v is since the intorduction of the 12v aux ports on motherboards and subsiquently the introduction of PCI-E graphics card which require additional 12v power the demand for 12v has rocketed.

Unless you can be absolutely sure that the 12v rail can handle 30A I wouldn't be plugging in a 8800 GTX.

EDIT: Do you mean it says 36A on 3.3v, 36A on 5v and 36A on 12v? If so then I think you may have the EG651P-VE FM 24P which is a newer revision to what I found last night and since it supports 36A on the 12v rail you should be fine Link to product page you will need to click specifications (in small grey writing above the table)

[itdoesntmatter]

I would say not really, it might be okay as I have seen old PSUs work well with new components but I feel you would be doing a disservice to your parts by not accompanying them with a PSU that will definitely not underpower them.

Plus, you will be certain to not cause any complications, future or present.
Be safe, the PSU is a vastly important component.

I have a 620 Corsair and it is brilliant, expensive but worth it.
All their range is good though and will definitely give you stability.
Webby posted some good ones, you could dig out some bargains on them.

[Korky]

Hmm I see, got me thinking. Its not the 24P one. I dont understand why it would say 36A under all 3 voltages if it didnt :/ O well I guess ill need to shop around for a PSU.

[Webby]

Hmm the 24P may just refer to 24Pin motherboard connector if the PSU says 36A on each voltage then you are probably all right although I would be tempted to get a new one anyway just to be on the safe side.

[Korky]

If I took the option of a HD4850 instead... I believe power requirements are lower. Would this card perhaps be ok??

[Webby]

Yeah I would think so maximum power draw on a 4850 is 110W which is less than 10A so you should be fine

[Korky]

£97.51 on Scan Today Only right now, seems sensible. the 8800GTX was costing me £90 and the possibility of a £50+ PSU.

Thanks, dillema over.