Do i really need 300 watt PS?

[[H2O]Tman]

Can get a 250 watt for a few bucks less =).

[Dputiger]

This totally depends on your system. Intel CPU's can get by without a 300 watt power supply, assuming they aren't running lots of extras.

Truthfully, any system with a lower-end video card / CPU will likely get by just fine on 250 watts. If your building a Duron 600 with a GeForce MX, for example, without a CD burner or any other bells and whistles, sure, stay with a 250.

But if your building a 1 Ghz T-bird with a burner and high-end video card you may well need that extra wattage. Remember, a higher-end power supply gives you ease of mind when upgrading one day. While your Duron may run perfectly well on a 250 watt supply, that T-bird you buy in a year may require more, especially if you start adding fancy stuff.

If money is an absolute premium, go for the lower supply--but just be aware you may be limiting yourself down the road.

[Daemoniumm]

If you are planning to have a mid-tower or full-tower and to have some components like DVD, CD-RW, etc. at the same time, then you should have 300w PS. Leave room for improvement and upgrades in your computer. Don't get stuck!

[Ollie46]

Would you buy a 4 cylinder 4x4 Sport Utility vehicle? I had a 250 and my system was unstable, upgraded to a 300 and everything has been fine and stable. If you are still doubting it, subtract the price of the 250 watt case from the 300 watt case and see if you really want to save that little bit of money. It's really no that much more...

Ollie

[Win_98]

I think 300watt is the standard powersupply for K7 system. These thing seem to consume huge amount of power. Which is not so good if you're trying to save on electricity. couldn't they make something that consume even much less then a K6 system or Pentium. I guess the technology isn't all that great, more power for stronger CPU is horrible tradeoff not to mention more heat as well.

[Mntsnow]

Tman. You might want to read what I and several others have stated in other threads. In short it's NOT Watt's that you really need to be worried about..it's the total AMP's

[storm2k]

as far as i see it, better to spend the extra few bucks now then have to spend a lot later when your system bombs out due to insufficent power. but basically it depends if you're running a lot of stuff in your setup. if you want to run high end top of the line stuff, 300 is teh way to go. maybe even more.

[Mntsnow]

Well lets see if this turns out ok..if not I'll post it to my website and just link it.

Maxtor 7200rpm Diamond Max plus (ata100)
POWER REQUIREMENTS (Average)

Mode +12VDC+-10% +5VDC +-5% Power
---- ----------- ---------- -----
Spin-up (peak) 2500 mA 620 mA
Seek 800 mA 510 mA 12.9 W
Read/Write 525 mA 515 mA <9.0 W
Idle 350 mA 490 mA <6.6 W
Standby 30 mA 270 mA <1.75 W


Western Digital 7200rpm (ata100)
Current Requirments and Power Dissipation

Operating RMS Power
Mode Current Typical
12 VDC 5 VDC
Spinup 1.8 A max 560 mA 18.4 W
Read/Write/Idle 350 mA 630 mA 7.5 W
Seek 870 mA 660 mA 13.7 W
Idle (E1H) 340 mA 610 mA 7.1 W
Standby (E0H) 25 mA 190 mA 1.3 W

[Mntsnow]

As you can see Today's HD's dont require alot of power.

The reason most people will recommend a 300 or larger PS is due to the fact that the AMP's are usually higher in the higher wattage PS (even the cheaper one's)

What I'm saying is LOOK at the ratings of the PS not just the Wattage as I have a 200watt ps that IS MORE POWERFUL than a CHEAP 300 watt one. Just becuase the Watts are higher DOESNT mean that the power supply will ALWAYS have more "power"

[Ollie46]

Good Point MntSnow, I never would have thought of that, but it makes perfect sense. But since the power supply is smaller, wouldn't it require a larger compacitor which would in turn generate more heat. I'm trying to apply my Analog Electronics class to real life.

Ollie

[shady]

I have a cool Enermax, 350watt PS with dual fans (this thing is a whisper), and I love it

[This message has been edited by shady (edited 12-12-2000).]

[Mntsnow]

Ollie, Yes you are correct the "smaller" unit or the one with the higher AMP rating will generate more heat when used at it's max rating. This is also another reason to ADD up the power requirements that a given box will need and add in a %'age for growth and safety margin. Thus you are not working the PS at max and it will run cooler than the thermal spec's. (this is also a good reason to double check which direction that the PS fan directs the heat..)