Need Help at table #5

[Android Vageta]

First, dont ask about the title...

Well, I need a new PSU. I dont have alot of cash ($50, plus I would like to get a couple of IDE cables too, but somewhere in the $50 area) and I need a good reliable PSU capable of running 3 harddrives, 2 optical drives, video card, and possibly a few fans (technically alot of molex connectors).

Ive chosen this one, but dont know if itll cut it, I really dont know the whole watts/voltage thing:

PSU LINGAGE! (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-159-023&depa=1)

I know that this is 400watts which may not be enough and I can spend more, but I just like this one, looks solid.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks guys.

[FB]

i just compared that with an antec 400W and the specs on that one are higher. so it looks pretty good.

[Paragon]

One question: Are you planning to run an aftermarket video card that requires a secondary 12 volt connection? If the answer is yes you might want to consider a PSU with a higher amperage than 18 on the +12 volt leads; if not go for it :rock:

Realize too that all the items you stated you want to run on the rig will further tax your 12 volt leads so calculate their amperage requirements and if they add up to more than 3/4 of the 18 amps this PSU offers then you will proablably be over taxing it. The more reserve you have the cooler and quieter the PSU will run and the longer it will last.

[Android Vageta]

AMPERAGE?! :irk: lol...like I said, I know nothing of PSU's, so if any of you have any *cheap* recommendations I would like to see them.

[FB]

most quality PSU's are not cheap, and it isn't something were corners should be cut IMHO. that is why i have an antec 480W PSU

[Hawk]

The link above looks good, but if you have some extra $$$ to spend, go and look at www.pcpowerandcooling.com


:rock:

[Paragon]

As Flyboy -|-+ stated the PSU should be the absolute last place that you cut corners...Amperage in simple terms is the amount of current either used in the case of your HDs, Fans, Optical Drives, Video Card, and etc or available in the case of your power supply. Each product should have the amount of amperage or "amps" that it takes to run the product. I should be on a label somewhere either directly on the product or with the literature supplied with the product.

Example: (Guessing at actual)

2 HDs require say 2- 3 amps

2 optical drives say another 2-3 amps

Fans (4) say 1-1.5 amps or less

Video Card could be as much as 5 amps or more depending on the card

So you have about 12-13 amps needed by your components and again depending on who you read you should not tax your PSU more than about 2/3 or 3/4 of it's available amperage meaning about 12-14 amps for optimal perfomance....So at best it's tight and if your products vary from what I have suggested it could be more or less demand on your PSU.

You also have to realize that the current quality on the better PSUs is also superior, so if you can don't cut corners on this purchase, stick with Antec, OCZ, Enermax, or PC Power and Cooling and buy the biggest PSU your budget will allow, thus less stress, quieter operation, and a better life span.

Hope this helps :wave:

[Android Vageta]

I FOUND IT!

Well, I think Ive finally found a damn decent PSU. Its more than I have but it wont take long for me to get what I need.

Here she is:

PSU Link (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=32343&Tab=0&NoMapp=0)


Look good to you all?

[Android Vageta]

Sry to double post, but hey, its my thread...

About the higher end PSU's, I just dont have that kinda money and plus, this one's $80 and from a good company (Ultra). Plus, its 600watts and has 8 molex connectors. I still want input, but for now, this looks like a winner! :thumb:

[Snafu]

That definitely looks nice and has the specs on the +12v rail.
Nice touch with thr rounded cables and being modular.

[Android Vageta]

Sry to double post, but hey, its my thread...

About the higher end PSU's, I just dont have that kinda money and plus, this one's $80 and from a good company (Ultra). Plus, its 600watts and has 8 molex connectors. I still want input, but for now, this looks like a winner! :thumb:

[FB]

i think you have yourself a winner with those specs.

let us know how good it is :)