PSU question

[Dark_Smoke]

Im thinkin of building like a 1 gig or so mid tower and i have no clue when it comes to power supplies. What wattage would be good for a 1 gig+ system?

[haxxorpoop]

1 gig ram I hope you mean.

Well, it depends on other parts, like CPU, Videocard, Soundcard etc. etc.

The rest of the computer specs would help.

[Dark_Smoke]

processor: 1.5g or better
soundblaster live
not sure what vid card yet, for now a TNT 2
Ram: less then a gig
Umm ot sure what else

[stroyal]

If that is all you are building, a good 300w could handle it, if you dont have a lot of drives. A 400w would give you room for a good vid card and a bigger CPU.

[Dark_Smoke]

Ok cool, i wasnt sure what to look for but 400 should be good and still have room for upgrades if i so desire?

[jerrygarcia]

If your video card will be a GeForce4 series, you will need at least a 350w ps. I don't know where the line is on the FX series that needs its own 4pin connector, but more power. Minimum 350w.

[haxxorpoop]

Probably should go get a 400W so you have a bit of upgrading room.

[fourthbean]

I run

xp2500 @ 3200
512mb ram
radeon 9800np
40gb hd
cdrw
and three fans on a sparkle 300 watt.

Sparkle, Antec, Fortron, Enermax have quality power supplys that can handle more than a generic.

[AnakiMana]

Yeah, the amount of watts doesn't matter. It's the number of amps per line. For example, I have a 400w Future Power PSU that gave me motherboard problems. I upgraded to a 350w Enermax PSU and all problems went away.

Future Power 400w PSU
12 amps on +3.3V line
25 amps on +5V line
10 amps on +12V line
0.3 amps on -5V line
0.9 amps on -12V line
1 amp on +5Vsb line

Enermax 350w PSU
32 amps on +3.3V line
32 amps on +5V line
26 amps on +12V line
1 amp on -5V line
1 amp on -12V line
2.2 amps on +5Vsb line

I suggest narrowing your potential PSUs according to these ratings, and NEVER buy according to how many watts it is... although if it's a good name brand (like the ones fourthbean listed) you'll probably be okay.

[woodbutcher]

As has been said, a 350 or 400 watt power supply should be fine.
The only thing I would add is to make make sure that you buy a known quality brand.
Personally, I buy and use Antec true series and Enermax power supplies, never had a problem.
If your looking for something inexpensive try this one. A review was done here at TIMO on this PS and can be found here .

WB