Dont know what PSU to buy.

teutoniswolf · 07-14-2009, 05:44 AM

I need help finding a PSU that will "future proof" my system but do not have a lot of money to spend. I need a new mobo and CPU sometime nezt year but for now im looking to getta new PSU so when i throw together my new build i can take my PSU, HD, optical drives etc. with it. Im looking to run a mid-high end video card (maybe SLI depending on how much ill make by next year when i build). My current PSU is listed and is only a 375 Watt from Dell that came stock with system.

Im also looking to upgrade my RAM in this machine and dont know which RAM would get the best performance. I know i need 800Mhz. Dual Channel DDR-2 but dont know if i should go E.C.C. RAM or not.

Also, I currently had to jump down to an 8400 GS Nvidia from an 8600 GT and know i need 400+ Watt to run any of the new cards. Could i get by using a low end 9 series on what i have now with current PSU?
I know its long. Thank you very much you guys rock!

Thank you in advance!

Tumbleweed36 · 07-14-2009, 06:02 AM

First of all, want to remind you that "future proofing" a computer is almost impossible, because they age about ten times faster than the closest dog you can find.

That being said, if you are thinking of sli or crossfire, then you should think of at least a 750 watt power supply even for mid range cards like the 4770. The rig you have won't pull much without replacing the power supply.

teutoniswolf · 07-14-2009, 06:16 AM

Do u have any suggestions on what PSU i could get now that would do the trick of at least supporting one mid to high end card? I know nothing of PSU's and the more i read the more i get confused it boggles my brain.

Thank you in advance!

Tumbleweed36 · 07-14-2009, 06:44 AM

For example a 9800gts would work great with a 650 watt power supply:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=corsair%20650

Note: With a proprietary system like Dell, always make sure a stardard power supply will work in that case and the video card you select will fit in the case also because of space limitations.

Thoughts: You talk about upgrading the video card, upgrading the power supply, and upgrading the ram, why not consider just building a new rig and get newer technology? Then, you could sell what you have and not have a great deal difference in money for something that is nice. Just a thought.

**Tyree** · 07-14-2009, 10:55 AM

Another quality 650WPSU to consider;
SeaSonic 650W $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151036

Tumbleweed36 · 07-14-2009, 11:04 AM

Note: That Seasonic that my team mate Tyree mentioned is as good as it gets and at a fantastic price for that one. If I presently needed a 650 watt power supply, that is the one I would purchase for my personal use.

teutoniswolf · 07-14-2009, 12:07 PM

would that be able to handle two cards in SLI?

Tumbleweed36 · 07-14-2009, 01:12 PM

Depends upon which two cards.

07-14-2009, 05:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
teutoniswolf Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 278 OS: Windows Vista Home Premium My System	Dont know what PSU to buy. I need help finding a PSU that will "future proof" my system but do not have a lot of money to spend. I need a new mobo and CPU sometime nezt year but for now im looking to getta new PSU so when i throw together my new build i can take my PSU, HD, optical drives etc. with it. Im looking to run a mid-high end video card (maybe SLI depending on how much ill make by next year when i build). My current PSU is listed and is only a 375 Watt from Dell that came stock with system. Im also looking to upgrade my RAM in this machine and dont know which RAM would get the best performance. I know i need 800Mhz. Dual Channel DDR-2 but dont know if i should go E.C.C. RAM or not. Also, I currently had to jump down to an 8400 GS Nvidia from an 8600 GT and know i need 400+ Watt to run any of the new cards. Could i get by using a low end 9 series on what i have now with current PSU? I know its long. Thank you very much you guys rock! Thank you in advance!

07-14-2009, 06:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,642 OS: XP Professional	Re: Dont know what PSU to buy. First of all, want to remind you that "future proofing" a computer is almost impossible, because they age about ten times faster than the closest dog you can find. That being said, if you are thinking of sli or crossfire, then you should think of at least a 750 watt power supply even for mid range cards like the 4770. The rig you have won't pull much without replacing the power supply. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

07-14-2009, 06:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
teutoniswolf Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 278 OS: Windows Vista Home Premium My System	Re: Dont know what PSU to buy. Do u have any suggestions on what PSU i could get now that would do the trick of at least supporting one mid to high end card? I know nothing of PSU's and the more i read the more i get confused it boggles my brain. Thank you in advance!

07-14-2009, 06:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,642 OS: XP Professional	Re: Dont know what PSU to buy. For example a 9800gts would work great with a 650 watt power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=corsair%20650 Note: With a proprietary system like Dell, always make sure a stardard power supply will work in that case and the video card you select will fit in the case also because of space limitations. Thoughts: You talk about upgrading the video card, upgrading the power supply, and upgrading the ram, why not consider just building a new rig and get newer technology? Then, you could sell what you have and not have a great deal difference in money for something that is nice. Just a thought. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread. Last edited by Tumbleweed36; 07-14-2009 at 06:47 AM.

07-14-2009, 10:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,502 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Dont know what PSU to buy. Another quality 650WPSU to consider; SeaSonic 650W $85 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151036 __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

07-14-2009, 11:04 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,642 OS: XP Professional	Re: Dont know what PSU to buy. Note: That Seasonic that my team mate *Tyree* mentioned is as good as it gets and at a fantastic price for that one. If I presently needed a 650 watt power supply, that is the one I would purchase for my personal use. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

07-14-2009, 12:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
teutoniswolf Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 278 OS: Windows Vista Home Premium My System	Re: Dont know what PSU to buy. would that be able to handle two cards in SLI?

07-14-2009, 01:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,642 OS: XP Professional	Re: Dont know what PSU to buy. Depends upon which two cards. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.