Will my PSU cope with upgrade?

[rich_jtg]

Hi folks,

I'm planning to upgrade my PC shortly, and wondered if someone could give me some advice relating to my PSU...

The new setup will be:

Q6600 processor
Asus P5Q Pro
4GB RAM
HD 3450 graphics card
2 X SATA drives
2 x DVD drives
2/3 fans

Will my trusty Antec Truepower 380W be enough for the system?

I'll be running the CPU at stock, and looking on an online calculator, the estimated figure of around 290W was given... but I'm not convinced!

My advice appreciated...

[moogle]

It will cope, my Q6600 system was using way more fans and peripherals and only reached 400W when overclocked to the max (CPU and GPU) and that 400W was under load not idle. You'll be using alot less power.

[staffsMike]

It will certainly cope. Obviously replacing the PSU is good practice sooner rather than later but that system will pull very little really, and no where near 300W.

[rich_jtg]

Many thanks for your super quick replies - really appreciated. I was off researching the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 cooler that seems to be popular!

I'll probably keep the Antec PSU for now then as I'll be skint after the new CPU/Mobo/RAM/GPU

I'll keep an eye out for a PSU bargain though as I realise it's a very important part of a system.

Thanks again.

[moogle]

I'll keep an eye out for a PSU bargain though as I realise it's a very important part of a system.

If you don't mind non modular PSU's watch Scan's Today Only page after 1pm~ each day for the FSP 700W PSU at like £30 or £20 iirc. Most users will bump it in the bargain thread (there's been many as it's been at that price lots of times) so if you browse the forums too you'll see it. It's a good make of PSU and lots of other PSU makers use FSP as an OEM for theirs.

HTH and good luck with your new build.

[rich_jtg]

Thanks for the heads up on the PSU moogle... I'll definately go check it out on the forums - and Scan of course!

[SuicidaL]

though as I realise it's a very important part of a system.

that it is rich, so along the lines of corsair/enemax and ocz and you'll be fine

I'll keep an eye out for a PSU bargain

aslong as it's not something like an ezcool, i've had a nasty experience with one in a pc given to me and never will again. i was in scan's store yesterday and there was one on the counter waiting to be picked up........i did have a giggle and was goin to wait and ask the person why they had chosen it. there are bargains which are quality for a good price and then there are bargains that cost more when they wipe components out.

[Pob255]

Your antec true power 380w will be fine as others have said (the antec true power and neo are made by seasonic btw)
PS just don't get the Antec basiq psu's they are not that good.

if you upgrade you're graphics card for something meatier or overclocking your q6600 or both, then you'd want to consider upgradeing the psu as well.

Umm I've never seen the FSP 700w that low on scan even on today only (it's £70 normally) that said the basic FSP is a good unit, much like the Antec True power, a basic, no frills, but quality psu.

Also look at the Sliverpower psu's (it's a sybdevision of enermax) they are good basic psu's for work stations (ie no power hungery graphics card or overclock)

[rich_jtg]

Thanks again for all the advice - it is really appreciated and helpful.

I've been quite apprehensive about upgrading, as things have moved on some what since I built my current Athlon 3000+ machine... just trying to work out the latest processors and chipsets has taken quite a bit of homework!

I'll be putting my order in at the weekend, so I guess I've got a bit more time to get some extra research done... the older posts on the forum have certainly helped cement my choices.

...oh, and shortly I'll have enough posts to come back and dish out some proper thanks!

- Rich

[rich_jtg]

Apologises in advance for asking another newbie-type question... but if I'm not planning to overclock this new setup, should I be looking at getting a replacement heatsink to replace the stock one that comes with the Q6600?

Fitting a cooler onto the CPU is my least favourite part of a new build, so I was thinking of getting an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro as reviews I've read state they are easy to fit.

However, others made by Xigmatek and Akasa also seem popular though I'm not sure whether this is because of plans to OC.

I'm confused!

- Rich

[moogle]

If you aren't ever going to overclock then stick with the stock hsf. Although it is louder because the fan is smaller than most of those other heatsinks using 120mm fans. Also buying aftermarket heatsinks voids your CPU warranty, just remember that. It's silly that because the aftermarket ones keep them cooler than the stock hsf

I hated putting my AF7 on. It was the worst one for me. I preferred the Thermalright Ultra where you screw it into the backplate, much easier.

[rich_jtg]

Thanks for that moogle - retail cooler it is then!

I hated putting my AF7 on. It was the worst one for me. I preferred the Thermalright Ultra where you screw it into the backplate, much easier.

Indeed! It's that feeling that something is going to give at some point.

[rich_jtg]

Eeek!

It would turn out that my old Antec PSU has a 20 pin power cable instead of the newer 24 pin affair.

I've been reading on past posts that there it is possible to use a 20-24 pin adaptor to rectify the problem, though I'm sure I also read that this isn't recommended if using a PCI-e graphics card without external power.

Is this the case?

Also, reading through the motherboard manual, there is a supplementary 8-pin power cable that is also required to be connected...

My PSU has only a 4 pin connector - am I right in thinking this is ok, as half of the motherboard's 8-pin connector is capped off?

I never realised how confusing the power aspect of a PC could be!

[staffsMike]

You need to pull the cap out, you will need or at least should use all 8 especially for a quad.

I'd get a new PSU. Corsair 450W VX is £43 on scan today only

[rich_jtg]

Many thanks for your reply Mike - you've confirmed what I was thinking/kind of dreading!

Thanks also for the heads up on the Corsair PSU - will go check that out now.

[staffsMike]

It will work I think but with the 20 - 24 adapter, the molex to 4 pin adapter you will need etc.. I don't think it's going to be worth it.

The new one will be nice and quiet, efficent etc..