Will I need a new PSU?

[Gotaro]

Hi! Sorry if this forum gets flooded with this question and I was supposed to do research on my own and magically find the answer.. ;P When I plugged my intended specs into eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5, with some options checked that I don't even currently have (room for improvement), it came out with a recommendation of 373W. I currently have a 430W Thermaltake with these specs:
+3.3V | +5V | +12V | -5V | -12V | +5VSB
20A | 30A | 18A | 0.5A | 0.8A | 2A
This is the intended system:
A64 3800+ (single-core)
HD 4870
4GB DDR

So do I really need a new PSU, like ATI recommends (500+W)?
Thanks!

[rainless]

Hi! Sorry if this forum gets flooded with this question and I was supposed to do research on my own and magically find the answer.. ;P When I plugged my intended specs into eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5, with some options checked that I don't even currently have (room for improvement), it came out with a recommendation of 373W. I currently have a 430W Thermaltake with these specs:
+3.3V | +5V | +12V | -5V | -12V | +5VSB
20A | 30A | 18A | 0.5A | 0.8A | 2A
This is the intended system:
A64 3800+ (single-core)
HD 4870
4GB DDR

So do I really need a new PSU, like ATI recommends (500+W)?
Thanks!

Eventually I'm going to put this is my sig but NEVER EVER USE A POWER SUPPLY CALCULATOR.

...they're just a marketing scheme created by Stalin during the Blitz.

Now... YES...

...you will need a new power supply. A single 18A is just a sad... sad thing.

Three 18a... even TWO would be sufficient.

I would recommend a Corsair 550HX 650TX or better.

[Gotaro]

Haha.. Funny! I went to the calculator because the sticky said to! :P Okay, so let me make sure I got this.. I'm looking for a PSU with at least 2x +12V rails, right? Basically, I want to get away with spending as little as possible (if any at all) on this PSU, and invest in a better one when I upgrade the whole system. You say you recommend the Corsairs or better, but that's a $100+ PSU.. Is it really going to take that just to enable me to add a 4870 to my current setup?
>>This one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153052)<< caught my attention.. It's the right price!

[RollingThunder]

Haha.. Funny! I went to the calculator because the sticky said to! :P Okay, so let me make sure I got this.. I'm looking for a PSU with at least 2x +12V rails, right? Basically, I want to get away with spending as little as possible (if any at all) on this PSU, and invest in a better one when I upgrade the whole system. You say you recommend the Corsairs or better, but that's a $100+ PSU.. Is it really going to take that just to enable me to add a 4870 to my current setup?
>>This one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153052)<< caught my attention.. It's the right price!

Gotaro,

You're gonna need a power supply with 2 6-pin connectors. That TT isn't gonna cut. You're spending $200 plus for a nice vid card, don't run it with a clunker power supply.

Check this list here and pick something from it with 2 6-pin connectors:

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=589708

[Gotaro]

You're spending $200 plus for a nice vid card, don't run it with a clunker power supply.
I know, right? Only spending $200 on the card, then looking at $100 PSU's!! That makes it more like a $300 card in my eyes.. ;) But I found one on the list for $45. I put that sucker on auto-notify.. >:] Thanks for being honest!

[rainless]

Haha.. Funny! I went to the calculator because the sticky said to! :P Okay, so let me make sure I got this.. I'm looking for a PSU with at least 2x +12V rails, right? Basically, I want to get away with spending as little as possible (if any at all) on this PSU, and invest in a better one when I upgrade the whole system. You say you recommend the Corsairs or better, but that's a $100+ PSU.. Is it really going to take that just to enable me to add a 4870 to my current setup?
>>This one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153052)<< caught my attention.. It's the right price!

No... You don't need 2x 12v rails. You need at least 36a. Be that on two 12v at 18a or just a single 12v @ 36a (And the 4870 may require even more than that... not sure... but I do KNOW that 18a isn't gonna cut it.)

You can get a 750tx right now for $76 after rebate... a sound investment if you ask me. (You'd probably never need another power supply.)

[RollingThunder]

No... You don't need 2x 12v rails. You need at least 36a. Be that on two 12v at 18a or just a single 12v @ 36a (And the 4870 may require even more than that... not sure... but I do KNOW that 18a isn't gonna cut it.)

You can get a 750tx right now for $76 after rebate... a sound investment if you ask me. (You'd probably never need another power supply.)

Can't beat that!

That makes it more like a $300 card in my eyes.. ;) But I found one on the list for $45.

On the other hand, when a poor quality power supply with no internal protection takes out your $200+ 4870, then it becomes a $400+ video card.

[RSDXzec]

you can usually get away with a little less than whats recommended by companies, they just have to put the recommendations a bit higher than whats really needed because of all the $#!T PSU's out there.

[Gotaro]

No... You don't need 2x 12v rails. You need at least 36a. Be that on two 12v at 18a or just a single 12v @ 36a (And the 4870 may require even more than that... not sure... but I do KNOW that 18a isn't gonna cut it.)

You can get a 750tx right now for $76 after rebate... a sound investment if you ask me. (You'd probably never need another power supply.)
Where was that 750TX from? And I don't quite understand the whole "rails" system. Is the rail not the connector? Like.. The HD 4870 needs 2 +12v rails, aka 6-pin connectors, 2x3s, PCI-E connectors. Are they not all the same thing? So if I get a PSU with a single, powerful +12v rail (like I confusingly read was recommended for all modern PSUs), will it split into two connectors for the card or something?
Also, how do you know it needs 36A? AMD's requirement just says this: "500 Watt or greater power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended (600 Watt and four 6-pin connectors for ATI CrossFireX™ technology in dual mode)"

On the other hand, when a poor quality power supply with no internal protection takes out your $200+ 4870, then it becomes a $400+ video card.
Haha.. True, I suppose! ;P I wish I could go back in time and save the $40 I spent on my current PSU to add to the new one.. x_x;

you can usually get away with a little less than whats recommended by companies, they just have to put the recommendations a bit higher than whats really needed because of all the $#!T PSU's out there.
Yeah, but my problem is that they only recommend a particular wattage, which means nothing. My life would be a lot easier if Newegg would just let me sort PSUs by which ones were AMD-certified.. It's a painstakingly long process to copy+paste the name of each PSU one-by-one into Newegg and try to find a low-priced one..

[RollingThunder]

Where was that 750TX from? And I don't quite understand the whole "rails" system. Is the rail not the connector? Like.. The HD 4870 needs 2 +12v rails, aka 6-pin connectors, 2x3s, PCI-E connectors. Are they not all the same thing? So if I get a PSU with a single, powerful +12v rail (like I confusingly read was recommended for all modern PSUs), will it split into two connectors for the card or something?


Haha.. True, I suppose! ;P I wish I could go back in time and save the $40 I spent on my current PSU to add to the new one.. x_x;


Yeah, but my problem is that they only recommend a particular wattage, which means nothing. My life would be a lot easier if Newegg would just let me sort PSUs by which ones were AMD-certified.. It's a painstakingly long process to copy+paste the name of each PSU one-by-one into Newegg and try to find a low-priced one..

Gotaro,

"Rail" explanation here:

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=548862

Don't be too concerned about the internal build of the top units unless you're really interested. Most people aren't.

That Corsair 750w is usually on a great sale off and on at Newegg, sometimes Zip Zoom Fly.com too. And I would rather not mention all the things "I should have done" either. We have all wasted money from time to time on this stuff through judement errors and I am as guilty as anyone here. ;)

Sometimes the Corsair 650TX is on a good sale too, you just have to catch them with free shipping too.

[burebista]

So if I get a PSU with a single, powerful +12v rail (like I confusingly read was recommended for all modern PSUs), will it split into two connectors for the card or something?
Readme (http://www.ocforums.com/showpost.php?p=5492844&postcount=2).

I strongly suggest to change your current PSU. From specs it looks like an ATX12V v1.3 PSU (30A for +5V rail tell me that) cosmetized for ATX12V v2.x
A Corsair VX550 should be more than enough for your setup. In fact it's enough a Corsair VX450 but it has only one PCI-E connector.

But I see that nobody tells you that you'll cripple your HD4870 performance with your single core AMD 3800+. It's like you'll have a Ferrari with an FIAT engine.

[rainless]

Readme (http://www.ocforums.com/showpost.php?p=5492844&postcount=2).

I strongly suggest to change your current PSU. From specs it looks like an ATX12V v1.3 PSU (30A for +5V rail tell me that) cosmetized for ATX12V v2.x
A Corsair VX550 should be more than enough for your setup. In fact it's enough a Corsair VX450 but it has only one PCI-E connector.

But I see that nobody tells you that you'll cripple your HD4870 performance with your single core AMD 3800+. It's like you'll have a Ferrari with an FIAT engine.

3800 WHAT?!?!?!

hahahahahahahahahahaha! :)

How the hell did I miss that?

Alright: Once you understand what "rail" means you need to work out what "bottleneck" means.

Basically imagine trying to pour out a ten gallon jug of antifreeze capped off by a salt shaker cover... that's it.

Your CPU will NEVER be able to keep up with a 4870. So before you even venture into the neck of the woods of one, you need to upgrade the rest of your setup. And... as is... your current power supply can't run a 4870 anyway. So you might as well upgrade your whole setup.

[danbroke]

I have that corsair 650tx and love it! I think its worth the money. With 5 year warrenty and build quality and will help maybe down the road.:beer:

corsair 650tx
m3a79-t deluxe
5000+be
arctic freezer 64
his hd3870
2gb corsair xms2 6400
2 sata hd
2 dvd burners
smilodon case

[Gotaro]

Don't be too concerned about the internal build of the top units unless you're really interested.
Lol, good advice. I think I got the gist of it after reading a little into the post you and burebista pointed me to.

I strongly suggest to change your current PSU. From specs it looks like an ATX12V v1.3 PSU (30A for +5V rail tell me that) cosmetized for ATX12V v2.x
A Corsair VX550 should be more than enough for your setup. In fact it's enough a Corsair VX450 but it has only one PCI-E connector.

But I see that nobody tells you that you'll cripple your HD4870 performance with your single core AMD 3800+. It's like you'll have a Ferrari with an FIAT engine.
Oh, the CPU bottleneck conversation is in a different thread.. :p I'll buy up AM2+ stuff when AM3 hits the shelves.

Okay.. After looking at the Corsairs and their prices+wattages.. How does this PSU look? PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005) I know it's no 750TX, but it seems to be about the same as the 550VX, just a little cheaper, higher wattage, and it's OCZ (I think).

And by the way, thanks to everyone who has been helping (and putting up with) me! I'd be so lost without you guys! X_X;

About the bottleneck.. this is the thread I asked about it in: http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=590510
If you have anything to add or refute, etc, please do. I get so many contradicting answers all the time on this forum (and others).. But I try to keep my head up :)

I have that corsair 650tx and love it! I think its worth the money. With 5 year warrenty and build quality and will help maybe down the road.:beer:
Thanks for the endorsement! :p

[danbroke]

also the tx650 650watt is not all this puts out. that what it can put out at 80% constant load. other "cheaper" ones will peak at there watts for secs. before the POP HISS! and your out a lotta money

[burebista]

Yep, That PC P&C is a good Seasonic unit inside.

[Gotaro]

Well, as of right now, I'm hoping to hear back from anyone where I can find an article or anything that suggests a particular amperage for the 4870? rainless said 36A, but I've seen forum posts from google ranging from low 20s to 40A (and no articles or official statements), and this 500W PC P&C (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703015) is only $50, with 35A on the +12V. >_>; :)

[burebista]

It's OK.

[Gotaro]

:P Lol okay. I've bothered everyone enough. Thanks again, guys.

This is what I found (for future reference):
The Seasonic SS-430GM Active PFC F3 (430W) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151057&Tpk=Seasonic%20SS-430GM) is AMD-certified (http://ati.amd.com/products/certified/powersupplies.html#pstop) for a single 4870/4850, etc. This may or may not be the lowest wattage/amperage PSU on the list, just the first one I saw under 35A on the +12V. It only has 430W and 2x +12V@17A (total 34A, right?). It is pretty expensive IMO for what you get, so I could be missing something.
This article (http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-4850-and--4870-crossfirex-performance/2) recommends 32A on the +12V.

If anyone has any major complaints or heeds of warning, I'll wait a little bit before buying the 500W PC P&C (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703015). ;)

[burebista]

Man, a HD4870 needs ~11A in full-load. Long way until 35A.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/video/sapphire-toxic-hd4850/toxic_power.gif

[RollingThunder]

:P Lol okay. I've bothered everyone enough. Thanks again, guys.

This is what I found (for future reference):
The Seasonic SS-430GM Active PFC F3 (430W) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151057&Tpk=Seasonic%20SS-430GM) is AMD-certified (http://ati.amd.com/products/certified/powersupplies.html#pstop) for a single 4870/4850, etc. This may or may not be the lowest wattage/amperage PSU on the list, just the first one I saw under 35A on the +12V. It only has 430W and 2x +12V@17A (total 34A, right?). It is pretty expensive IMO for what you get, so I could be missing something.
This article (http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-4850-and--4870-crossfirex-performance/2) recommends 32A on the +12V.

If anyone has any major complaints or heeds of warning, I'll wait a little bit before buying the 500W PC P&C (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703015). ;)

Gotaro,

I agree with Burebista on that PCP&C unit. We realize you are on a budget but with a little research and a few questions, decent, inexpensive units can be found just like you did. Don't worry whether it's one rail or multiple rails or the whether total amps on the 12v rails is 32, 33, 35, etc.. With a good unit and like that PCP&C, and with the proper connectors, the rail systems will take care of themselves for that vid card. You're all set!

[tachi1247]

the PC Power & cooling CPUs will be fine for what you are running. I actually just bought the 610 watt unit last month and it is performing flawlessly.

If you were not going to upgrade from the 3800 i would stick with the 500w unit, but honestly putting a HD4870 into a 3800 machine kind of baffles me. I would buy the 610w unit as it is a small price to pay for nearly 50% more amps on the 12v rail.

not sure if you gathered this from the other posts or not (hard for me to tell), but like they said it doesn't matter whether you get a psu with (4) 12v rails or one....the only thing that matters is the amperage supported. the amps is a measure of the current that can be drawn by everything that is hooked up to it (this is the same as the circuit breaker in your house....too many amps and things won't work right....try plugging in 2 hair dryers to the same outlet...you'll throw the breaker every time).

when you look at what is running off of the 12v line on the computer you definitely don't want it undersized. i believe this correct that the main ATX connector, the 4/8 pin cpu connector, all pci express connectors, all sata & ide connectors, and any floppy connectors you may have floating around all draw power from the 12v line. not having enough amps to power everything can cause stability issues and other problems you don't want to deal with.

[tachi1247]

if you are going to upgrade to a new system it would be worth a few extra dollars to get the 610w unit...at this price it isn't worth saving a few bucks now if it means you're going to have to buy another psu again in 2 years. buy it now and forget about it.

BTW, if you aren't in a hurry newegg seems to run PSU sales every 2 or 3 weeks....i got the 610w unit for $55 after rebates but that was before christmas. don't buy into the pricing on newegg though....the manufacturer sells this unit on their website for $100 so the $105 price before rebate isn't that good even though they show it as being discounted from $200. obviously the rebate helps, but you'll probably be able to find this unit or something similar with a better deal (during the next sale) on the base price and then the rebate will make it a steal.

[ZL1]

Readme (http://www.ocforums.com/showpost.php?p=5492844&postcount=2).

I strongly suggest to change your current PSU. From specs it looks like an ATX12V v1.3 PSU (30A for +5V rail tell me that) cosmetized for ATX12V v2.x
A Corsair VX550 should be more than enough for your setup. In fact it's enough a Corsair VX450 but it has only one PCI-E connector.

But I see that nobody tells you that you'll cripple your HD4870 performance with your single core AMD 3800+. It's like you'll have a Ferrari with an FIAT engine.

I second, vx550 is a great choice, not too expensive and will def handle the setup and some possible future upgrades too
a good psu is like good food, eat good food, live longer

D

[Gotaro]

when you look at what is running off of the 12v line on the computer you definitely don't want it undersized. i believe this correct that the main ATX connector, the 4/8 pin cpu connector, all pci express connectors, all sata & ide connectors, and any floppy connectors you may have floating around all draw power from the 12v line. not having enough amps to power everything can cause stability issues and other problems you don't want to deal with.
if you are going to upgrade to a new system it would be worth a few extra dollars to get the 610w unit...

BTW, if you aren't in a hurry newegg seems to run PSU sales every 2 or 3 weeks....i got the 610w unit for $55 after rebates but that was before christmas.
Thanks for the tips about the sales. I'll definitely wait if I can get the 610W for $55! So are you saying that a 500W PSU with +12V@35A won't be enough to power something like.. a Phenom 9950 + 8GB (4x 2GB) DDR2 + HD 4870? That is what my system will most-likely turn out to be, so definitely I won't waste my money on a PSU that won't power that.

a good psu is like good food, eat good food, live longer
Does that mean it's going to extend the life of my PC?

[ZL1]

Thanks for the tips about the sales. I'll definitely wait if I can get the 610W for $55! So are you saying that a 500W PSU with +12V@35A won't be enough to power something like.. a Phenom 9950 + 8GB (4x 2GB) DDR2 + HD 4870? That is what my system will most-likely turn out to be, so definitely I won't waste my money on a PSU that won't power that.


Does that mean it's going to extend the life of my PC?

A good quality 500W+ PSU should support it just fine

It may, at the very least it will protect against an unfortunate accident, a cheap PSU may blow and take some components with it, a quality PSU has fail safes against that

D

[MARCI]

That PcP&C Psu will likely outlive the rig you're building, and possibly outlast the NEXT rig you build.

[Gotaro]

Well, now the score is 2-1. tachi1247, unless you have a rebuttal, I'm just going to assume 500W is more than enough. I wish there was a way to actually add the power consumptions of different components and get a meaningful number.. I'm sure it can easily be done (manufacturers posting stats, like actually stating how many amps a video card will need), but I guess it's more popular for people to have a subjective opinion and assume the "I'll just buy the 750/1000W and know I have enough" mindset.

I'm not flaming anyone here or anything.. But it's hard being new in communities where over half of my questions are answered with contradicting answers :(. Okay, I've vented enough.. :p And in any case, I definitely do really appreciate that each one of you is willing to help and be patient with me!

[ZL1]

Well, now the score is 2-1. tachi1247, unless you have a rebuttal, I'm just going to assume 500W is more than enough. I wish there was a way to actually add the power consumptions of different components and get a meaningful number.. I'm sure it can easily be done (manufacturers posting stats, like actually stating how many amps a video card will need), but I guess it's more popular for people to have a subjective opinion and assume the "I'll just buy the 750/1000W and know I have enough" mindset.

I'm not flaming anyone here or anything.. But it's hard being new in communities where over half of my questions are answered with contradicting answers :(. Okay, I've vented enough.. :p And in any case, I definitely do really appreciate that each one of you is willing to help and be patient with me!

well his advise is good, a good quality psu will be about $100 one way or another, so you may as well get the 610
but at this point its more about brand preference vs wattage, 550w vs 610w wont make much of a difference

[MARCI]

Part of the reason for contradicting answers is differing opinions.. which is healthy. And will show you different viewpoints on the same subject.

Noone will disagree that PcP&C are good units.

The differences of opinion come about when it comes to different sizes, capacities, connectors, and other options.

I Assume you looked at the specs on the PSU you choose, and know that it has the connectors you need.

I also assume that at some point you will upgrade.

When the time comes to upgrade you'll probably want a new case, mobo, cpu, drives, etc. If you can power all that with the PSU you chose, GREAT. If not, then suddenly you have 2 pcs, one of which you can use for a fileserver, media center, backup., childs pc, etc..

[Gotaro]

well his advise is good, a good quality psu will be about $100 one way or another, so you may as well get the 610
but at this point its more about brand preference vs wattage, 550w vs 610w wont make much of a difference
Hm? Okay, when we say what the price is, do we go with the (for instance) Newegg-listed "Original Price"? The 500W PC P&C is "originally" $90, so is that what you mean by ~$100? And I definitely didn't mean to knock his advice.. at all (I wouldn't disrespect you like that, tachi!).. just questioning the judgement about an upgraded system needing more than the 500W could give me.
Part of the reason for contradicting answers is differing opinions.. which is healthy. And will show you different viewpoints on the same subject.

When the time comes to upgrade you'll probably want a new case, mobo, cpu, drives, etc. If you can power all that with the PSU you chose, GREAT. If not, then suddenly you have 2 pcs, one of which you can use for a fileserver, media center, backup., childs pc, etc..
Well, I already have a PSU for that PC (the one I'm using now) ;). So I want to make sure I chose a good one. I'm a little confused by your response.. Are you saying now that the 500W may not be enough? @.@; Lol, I liked this thought better:
That PcP&C Psu will likely outlive the rig you're building, and possibly outlast the NEXT rig you build.
I just don't think there should be differing opinions about whether or not a PSU will have enough power for a setup.. I know where you're coming from, though.

[MARCI]

I said it will OUTLIVE the system.

Without knowing your future plans (who can know what the future holds) it will most likely power anything you're likely to throw at it, unless/until you start going with multiple gfx cards.

[ZL1]

Hm? Okay, when we say what the price is, do we go with the (for instance) Newegg-listed "Original Price"? The 500W PC P&C is "originally" $90, so is that what you mean by ~$100? And I definitely didn't mean to knock his advice.. at all (I wouldn't disrespect you like that, tachi!).. just questioning the judgement about an upgraded system needing more than the 500W could give me.

Well, I already have a PSU for that PC (the one I'm using now) ;). So I want to make sure I chose a good one. I'm a little confused by your response.. Are you saying now that the 500W may not be enough? @.@; Lol, I liked this thought better:

I just don't think there should be differing opinions about whether or not a PSU will have enough power for a setup.. I know where you're coming from, though.

I know I didnt imply otherwise, just saying his advise and mine are actually about the same, 550w or 610w with good brand psu = just about the same

give or take 100 yes, that 610w for ex is 105 but has a good rebate if you want to deal with rebates and Id def recommend it, I doubt anyone will disagree it will be enough for your setup

D

[RollingThunder]

I just don't think there should be differing opinions about whether or not a PSU will have enough power for a setup.. I know where you're coming from, though.

Gotaro,

There are no differing opinions whether a good 500w will run your system. It depends on what one you choose and whether it has the connectors your need. They are not all created equal, it's as simple as that. This is not that complicated.

If "yes" isn't clear, look here:

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=511180

The 4870 and 8800GTX are about the same power requirements.

[Gotaro]

Gotaro,

There are no differing opinions whether a good 500w will run your system. It depends on what one you choose and whether it has the connectors your need. They are not all created equal, it's as simple as that. This is not that complicated.

If "yes" isn't clear, look here:

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=511180

The 4870 and 8800GTX are about the same power requirements.
That was the most informative thread I've read! Thank you! And I see you even participated. :P
I think the overcompensation on PSU wattage stems from people's experience with the mostly shoddy PSU manufacturers who greatly overstated the PSU's capacity.
I think that sums it up, too. If the opinions this whole time have been solely about PSU quality, then I've been misunderstanding everyone all long, sorry! I definitely feel comfortable now. The beast is tamed.. :)

[ZL1]

That was the most informative thread I've read! Thank you! And I see you even participated. :P

I think that sums it up, too. If the opinions this whole time have been solely about PSU quality, then I've been misunderstanding everyone all long, sorry! I definitely feel comfortable now. The beast is tamed.. :)

:beer:
what did you settle on ? now curious :)

[tachi1247]

i think you will probably be fine with the 500 watt unit....i'm running a 350 watt antec unit in a system that the calculators say should have over 450w and its going strong on year #5. i just pointed to the 610 because if you can get a good deal on it its worth the extra few dollars for the extra headroom it provides. when i built the rig with the 350w psu i never thought i'd end up with 5 hdd, 2 120mm fans, 2 dvd burners, 1 floppy, and at the time a power hungry video card (lol compared to cards now).

i'm curious to know what psu you picked as well....if you haven't picked yet then this is also a good deal. OCZ is the parent company for PP&C although I believe they use different internals since OCZ uses 4 rails vs. the single rail design of the PP&C model.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341002

my opinion is if you're comparing quality PSUs then you can never have too many amps when the price is the same. you never know when that 4870 you're considering might change to a gtx 260 216 because of some great deal and you don't want to come up short later on.

not trying to influence you here because the 500w unit will be fine for what you're planning and you can always keep creeping up in performance for just $20 more. that is how i ended up with this 9800gtx card....i started looking at bargain basement cards and then followed the just $20 itch until i ended up at $140. You know yourself the best so if you know you won't be buying anything that will need more power then don't waste your money.

[Gotaro]

Well, of course I chose the cheaper 500W PC P&C @ $50! I trust OCZ, and expect that the PSU will be of at least decent quality. I also know that 500W and +12V@35 with 82% efficiency will just barely meet my requirements, but mcoleg has proven that there's nothing to be afraid of if your PSU is just exactly what you need. Also, this was said:
Get a quality PSU like a PC Power & Cooling. Their 750W PSU actually has a peak of 825W. They rate their equipment the right way. Most rate theirs the "lets lie to the consumer" way. You will rarely see that peak wattage, and so 380W on just a run of the mill PSU will NEVER hit 380W. Sad, but true.

Granted their might be others that do it like PCP&C, but the vast majority do not.
As unfounded as the claim is, it's a cool thought to have, because paranoia is contagious :p.

tachi1247, you're very right about the "just $20 more" attitude.. That PSU does look a lot nicer.. and I do kinda want it.. BUT I don't need it. I'm sticking to that until I'm wrong >_<;

[tachi1247]

glad we could help....good to hear you're happy with your decision.