asked on
Power supply. Rule of thumb?
I am building a new computer, requiring a higher than standard Power Supply output. When should one use more than 400W for example?
Both noise and heat are to be minimized!!!!, but not in lieu of stability and performance.
Both noise and heat are to be minimized!!!!, but not in lieu of stability and performance.
HardwareComponents
Last Comment
shegge
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Log in or sign up to see answer
Become an EE member today7-DAY FREE TRIAL
Members can start a 7-Day Free trial then enjoy unlimited access to the platform
or
Learn why we charge membership fees
We get it - no one likes a content blocker. Take one extra minute and find out why we block content.
Not exactly the question you had in mind?
Sign up for an EE membership and get your own personalized solution. With an EE membership, you can ask unlimited troubleshooting, research, or opinion questions.
ask a question
It's a calculation of the number of mechanical devices in your system (drives,fans,etc...) your CPU specification, your GPU specification (if applicable)and what you intend on adding later on. Basically it all boils down to this, if you are going to be running a machine with multiple hard drives, a high end video card, and 2 or 3 case fans, multiple CPU's, etc... then you are going to need at least a 400w P.S. to keep things running smmothly.You also have to keep in mind that as the fans run , they get dirty, then they start pulling more current.So what may suffice now, may not 6 months down the line. Noise problems can be reduced by buying higher quality fans and for that matter a better quality power supply with a low noise emmision. My question for you would be, what do you consider a standard P.S. output to be and what exactly is it that you are installing that requires a higher wattage P.S.
ASKER
The ref to PC Power & Cooling was a real help. The address http://www.pcpowercooling.com/maxpc/index_cases.htm had a great table to break down the appx reqmts.
This is the best money I have ever spent. I cannot not tell you how many times these folks have saved my bacon. I learn so much from the contributors.
rwheeler23