[ninthebin]

I am planning on upgrading my system with new mobo cpu ram, and I was wondering what psu would I be best going with...a 350w or 400w? or more if yuo believe thats still inadequate...

here is what the system will contain: (I dont have specifics on hsf mobo etc, as the actual choice of them will probably change)

xp1900+
(atm) cbk58 hsf
(atm) epox ep-8k3a
1x 256MB DDR SDRAM PC2100

and the stuff that will be with it from my current system:

Gf4 Ti4200 128MB
40GB HDD ata100 pc2100
dvd 12x
cd-rw 8x8x32 (probably will upgrade this as well)

so will a 350w cover this?

and if you have any info on how you came to your conclusion on what psu to use - so next time I will have an idea of how to rate it myself

[rogerdugans]

Not sure about how much juice the gf4s eat up, but a good strong 350w would probably be ok.

I'd say get a quality 400w (Antec Tru-power, Enermax, etc), but if you feel daring....I use compusa 300s in a bunch of rigs, and they are pretty solid.

But if it is to be your main rig, why cut a corner? I think that a good mobo is the most important thing, and a good psu is next.

With good performance out of those two parts, you can make a bad chip look good. A bad psu will make a great stepping a lousy overclocker.

There is a thread about psus around here....but If I remember right, the +5v and 3.3v lines (?) should have a combined total rating that is close to the capacity of the psu.
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong here, please!

[ninthebin]

lo> normally loads preach about "a 350w wont work" yada yada - but is this cos im actually asking you to explain yourself that your not answering?

thanks btw rogerdugans

[rogerdugans]

One reason may be that you are also asking for an explanation- which I gave in part (what I know..)
Many people don't like to post things they are unsure of, because someone may correct them- and then they "look bad" perhaps.

I have learned a LOT here from people correcting me though, so I have no problem with anyone correcting me!! In fact I appreciate it because it furthers my knowledge.

Another may be the simple fact that with newer cpus and mobos being power hungry, going with a lower power psu IS more chancy- if you get a 400w or better unit, you are pretty much guaranteed success.

But I would rather have a GOOD 300w than some budget unit that says 450w, but only cost $30- and can't run a TBird 1000.

I need to reread that thread myself..............