Agreed that 600w is more than enough unless you're looking at a QC+high end Xfire/SLI setup. I haven't isolated my individual PC in a while, but my UPS reports just under 1000 watts pulled for the following:
* Overclocked Core i7 3.7GHz system with 23 drives and a 5770--running at full CPU load (BOINC) (this system has a 600w PSU BTW) * X2 3600 system with SSD * Overclocked C2Q 2.8GHz system with 8 drives, including 4 15k * Dual 24" LCDs * Water pump, switch, Logitech Z5500, cable modem, Dish power inserter, and Dish HD receiver Plus, a power supply is rated by output, not input, and we're measuring input. Therefore, you also have to subtract efficiency losses. While there are a lot of different types of components in that list, assuming a very good 85% efficient power supply for it all, that would only effectively mean 850 watts--and that's for 3 systems and 2 24" monitors +extras. Other than that, I completely agree with buying a good unit and checking the OEM. I even go so far as to verify the brand of capacitors on both the primary and secondary sides of the PSU. If they're not Rubycon or Nippon Chemi-Con, I'll pass. Now, all that being said, I usually do look at 750w units for most enthusiast-level builds. There are a number of quality 750w units available right now, including the SeaSonic X750 Gold that was linked earlier. Greg > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] [mailto:hardware- > [email protected]] On Behalf Of Anthony Q. Martin > Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 7:51 AM > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [H] My 2010 Gamer PC Build > > ARe you guys actually checking power draw using a Kill-o-Watt meter? > > On 4/20/2010 8:38 AM, Stan Zaske wrote: > > You're seriously mistaken my friend. 600 watts is more than adequate > > for most builds and overkill in many cases. > > > > > > On 4/20/2010 2:29 AM, maccrawj wrote: > >> Bullshit! 500-600 is just cutting it for MOST current cards combined > >> with the potential needs of up to 6 hdd's modern mobo's are capable > >> of never mind what other power hungry components are installed. > >> > >> * Don't skip on PSU brand or capacity, it saves no real money in the > >> end. > >> * Always lookup what ODM makes a given PSU > >> * Read real reviews that stress test. > >> > >> > >> On 4/19/2010 2:15 PM, Stan Zaske wrote: > >> <snip> > >> > You should be fine with 600 watts unless you plan on running 2 > >>> 5870's or nVidia 480's (not recommended). > >> <snip> > >> > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > Version: 9.0.801 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2821 - Release Date: > 04/19/10 14:31:00 > > > >
