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Power Supply...
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Posted by: bellisimo
I read some threads here recently about power supplies and I never knew that they come in different strengths (for want of a better word). I downloaded Everest to see what kind of ps I have in my machine but I didn't recognize anything saying power supply.
Will someone please tell me what I should be looking for? I think my ps is just a cheap one and is probably not very good. Can a better ps improve computer speed and performance?
Thanks,
Posted by: P0nix
Well, I'm a tech, so I just bust open the case and look at the side of the PSU it will tell you the wattage. Think I;m running a 500 thermaltake with huge gorgeous fans myself. A crappy PSU will rate at like 200-300. Anything over 300 should be decent for your peripherals.
Posted by: FadedMaster
Of course that all depends on what you're running in your machine and with it. Obviously if you're playing video games with high-end equipment, you want a better PSU to supply said hardware. But if it's just an old office machine and all you do is surfing the net and document formatting, then you don't need high-end hardware, and thus, you don't need a huge PSU to supply the hardware.
It's all relative.
Posted by: gam3r
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16817148008
Cheap and works like a charm. I'm running on one right now and it's been great.
Posted by: goranpaa
Also have in mind, That the Amperes on the +12V rail(s) are important. Especially if getting a high end videocard. Either a psu that can munster minimum 30A on a single + 12V rail to be on the safe side.
Or minimum 20A on dual +12v rails. You will find your psu specs on the label of the ps.
Examples. Radeon X1900 cards = minimum 30A ( Minimum Wattage 450W for X1950Pro)
Geforce 8800 cards = minimum 28A ( Minimum Wattage 400W for 8800GTS)
And those demands, probably wont be less in future.
Too weak +12V rails, can lead to system crashes (BSODs etc) or burning out the psu.
So always check the minimum recommended psu requirements when buying a new videocard.
Here are a couple of examples of good psu's:
Decently priced one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16817194010
The best psu brand:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16817703005
P.s Just make sure that the main ATX power connector from the psu is compatible with the one on your mobo. 20 + 4 pin or 24 pin connector?
Othervice you may have to buy a converter cable like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16812145002
Remember, that the psu is the heart in your rig. Maybe not as much appeal as a new, fast cpu or videocard.
But your rig is'nt better than your psu actually.
And even if a really good psu seems expensive when you buy it. It will be cheap in the long run. A good ps, with enough wattage and amperes, can last for years.
Posted by: bellisimo
Thank you all very much for your replies. I'll open up the tower and look inside to see what ps I actually have and go from there.
Posted by: redwench
heh, as mentioned above, there is a sticker on the side of the power supply inside the case. on most units, there are also such markings on the back, although not as clear. if youre not a geek that keeps your case permanently open, check the back first.
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