enough juice?

[rage]

I'm rebuilding my system, and I've recently run into the roadblock of deciding whether or not to upgrade the PSU as well.

First, I'll give you my upcoming PC spec:
Intel C2D E8400
HIS 4870 1GB
4GB (2x2GB) PC8500 DDR1033
Gigabyte EP45-UD3R
Vista x64 Ultimate

Anyways, the PSU I actually have is 500W. It powered my old rig stable for 2 years, but I'm unsure as to if this will give me reliable power for my new machine. I'm going to be overclocking as well, but I'm told that does not matter much in regards to power consumption, as you aren't adjusting the voltage.

So I ask you, what would you do? I'm on a tight budget, but if it's going to be the difference between fried parts or a working rig, I'm going to shell out the cash for a PSU upgrade.

[Pob255]

What Make and model of psu? amps per rail and UL number if it has it
You should be able to find these on the sticker on the side of the psu

the total wattage on it's own is meaningless, to many factors and fudged numbers from psu manufactors to make it relevent.

EDIT: as is the fact that it runs your current system, without knowing what your current system is. eg As dodgy as Qtec psu's where an old low end pc would be happly powered by a 500w qtec, stick thoes proposed components with it and all you will be garrantied to do is start a small fire.

[rage]

It's a Norwood Micro PSF500P.

AC Input: 115V/230V, 10/5A, 60/50Hz

DC Output: +33V/30.0A,+5v/29.0A,+12V/14.0A,+12V/15A,+5Vsb/2.0A,-12V/.3A (+3.3V & +5V = 140W Max)

[Biscuit]

I wudnt take the risk... get a corsair!

[Thorsson]

Looks a bit light on the 12V rail. Plus I could only find two places selling them (both in US) and WOT warned me away from one.

They may not fry (though it must be a risk), but I reckon you could be definitely be looking at an unstable system.

[Webby]

Yeah I would get a new PSU, you may be alright but why risk £400 of equipment for the sake of spending £50 now.

So look at Corsair, Enermax and Seasonic you will be looking for a unit with a power rating of 400w+ (yes less than your current one but modern PSUs are more dedicated to the 12v rails where the power is really needed) I would probably go for something in the 500W range. Enermax are the best out there, Corsair and Seasonic not a step behind (the Corsairs are expensive atm though)

Edit: saying that Enermax PSU's on Scan have rocketed in price

[i4000]

Your existing PSU is borderline IMO, how many hard disks are you running? What make and model?

The best online PSU calcultaor I have seen is Antec's (http://www.antec.outervision.com) just plonk in all your equipment and it will give you an overall assessment of your power requirements. Unfortunately it doesn't break it down by rail.

Does your graphics card have 2 x 6 pin pci-e connectors on it (I think it must)? If so then this may be the deciding factor.

[Pob255]

With 14amps and 15amps on the two 12volt rails you be cutting it very close and you can forget about overclocking.

depending one your screen size and resolution you can probably go for a cheaper graphics card and put the money towards something else, like the psu.

I'm guessing rage is from the US that opens up some more makes that we just don't get over here in the EU

[rage]

suggestions then?

edit: how about this one

newegg dot com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001

[Thorsson]

I bought that same PSU from Newegg and it's still working fine 18 months later running a dual core with an 8800GTS.

[Pob255]

It would be fine. and you get the very good corsair RMA service if it goes wrong.

other sugestions
Lower cost, good make, non-modular
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703015
PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS500 $49.99 after rebate

Same cost, higher wattage (shouldn't be needed just the only modular silverstone they have)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817163109
(there are some bad reviews there but mainly good ones)

Seasoic M12 500w, (basically the same insides as the corsair) after rabate cheaper
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151056

FSP Group FSP500-60GLN(80)
Low cost, basic OEM unit, nothing fancy but good performance
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104053

Basically any "good" make, 500w+, 80%+ efficiency (don't go over 650w unless you are thinking of going for crossfire with two high end cards or a "double" card (eg 4870x2 or gtx285) then you should be looking at 650-750ish watts)

[rage]

is thermaltake a good name? I think it is but I just wanted to be sure.

[Thorsson]

Not in PSUs. They have some good models and some bad. The good tend to be expensive, The cheap tend to be bad.

[Biscuit]

Iv heard some real good things about PCP&C PSUs

[Webby]

PC P&C is owned by either OCZ or Antec now can't remember which

So don't base their current PSU's on reviews of the older models as they may not be anything at all alike.

Not that OCZ or Antec make bad PSU's either mind