Power Supply power

[Hans L]

I wonder how to determin how much output power is needed for a no-overclocking/not-so-graphics-intensive computer and how to calculated it?

I have

- Intel Core 2 Dual E6600 CPU
- ASUS P5B Deluxe WiFi-AP motherboard
- Case with two 90 mm IN fans, one 120 mm OUT fan
- One hard drive
- Two DVD-ROMs
- One graphics card (pretty fast)
- One separate sound card

Just some tips would be appreciated.

[oralpain]

Most every component has a power requirement listed somewhere. If you can find these, you can add up what is required on each rail and come up with a figure.

There are also various power consumption calculators on-line. I've found this one (http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp) to be serviceable, though it tends to overestimate CPU power draw (then again PSU manufactures often overestimate the output of their garbage).

A quality 400 watt or higher PSU would probably power the system you mention just fine. Just make sure the +12v rail, or rails are high, as they are by far the most heavily loaded in modern systems. 24 amps or more is what you should shoot for.

Once again quality is important. A good 350w PSU will easily put out more usable power than a generic 15 pound 550w.

[Robbie G]

Something like the Akasa PaxPower 460W would be perfect.

[Hans L]

Thanks, guys. I'll start to add up and take a look at Akasa PaxPower 460W. However, I also have my eyes set on Zalmon's PSUs, since I want to "silence" my computer. And I have started to look at the Zalmon Fatal1ty case, which I am not sure is released in the US yet (it is going to be expensive, but it also looks very impressinve).

[dave87]

Personally I would go for something like the Seasonic 430W - or maybe the 500w if you are planning to upgrade in the not too distant future. Both come with a 12cm fan (latest revisions anyhow) and is pretty much inaudable

Dave

[Hans L]

Only one fan in Seasonic? "Outflow", no doubt!? No need for an "inflow" fan? (Fatal1ty has two 90 mm invlow fans, and one 120 mm outflow one.)

[dave87]

Yup, only one fan in the Seasonics - and yes, it is an outflow fan so it doesnt dump heat into your case

It also spins quite slowly, so having 2x120mm fans at the back and 2x92mm fans at the front shouldn't be too much of a problem

[Hans L]

Dave, you must think I am a serious overclocker :-)

[dave87]

Aren't we all at heart?

Nah, I've always been of the philosophy get the best you can afford - hence my advice here. The other thing is if you get decent components, then unless one is faulty, you shouldn't run into too many problems

Dave

[Hans L]

Only one fan in Seasonic? "Outflow", no doubt!? No need for an "inflow" fan? (Fatal1ty has two 90 mm invlow fans, and one 120 mm outflow one.)

Sorry, I realized that I was mixing cases and PSUs with my statement above. But you realized that ,Dave, as your response indicates.

Phu, I feel a little overwhelmed -- first-time builder (the first and last thing I built was a Heathkit ham radio tranceiver in the 1960s). I will not take some time to look at what you all have suggested, digest, and start to design.

[amjedm]

Another vote for the Seasonic here. Good prices in the States as well.