Power supply capacity.

[Scullypuss]

Hi Guys.

I s there any rule of thumb that I can use to determine if I've got an adequate PC power supply? I mean like, can I say, "so many watts for each hard drive, so many for each CDR, so much for a F/D..." and so on?

[tim_n]

I live by the 'buy the biggest and best you can afford and pray'.

[Timmy!!!]

There are web sites that you can use to calculate how much your peak wattage will be. Very innacurate though, but it is good just to know in case. Just input all detalis of your system and it will calculate everything for you.

http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/

[Scullypuss]

Thanks a lot Timmy - that's pretty fearsome. It was JUST what I was looking for! Many thanks.

[Timmy!!!]

No problem. Glad I could help

[oralpain]

Overall wattage is possibly the most worthless statistic about a PSU.

[StormPC]

I use only modular supplies because they allow you to have the cleanest wiring.

Get an OCZ Modstream 520 or Antec Neopower 480. Both are exceptional and reasonable ($130 and $95 US).

[arthurleung]

Get the maximum wattage one. Usually the most expensive one is the best one A very high power one will last a few upgrades so it is a good investment.

[Nox]

Some cases do not like modular PSU's, the lian-li V1000 as an example, but nothing a hacksaw or dremel won't fix (apparently) Other than that, they are a pretty good idea

The main thing is to not get a cheap non-branded PSU - that rating of 500w to some manufacturers is the point where they catch on fire... Also the hotter a PSU gets, the less effective it is, so good cooling in your case can have an impact.

Nox