Should I change my PSU?
Hi, I have a comp with specs like this
Core 2 Duo e8400
2x1GB Corsair Dominator PC8500
MB ASUS P5KPLCM
VGA HIS ATI HD 4650 512 MB
HDD SATA II 7200 RPM 500GB
4 USB Devices
Might add 1-2 more 1TB SATA II HDD and an optic drive in the near future.
Oh and not to mention a 2nd monitor for trading purposes. (the Graphic card has 2 DVI outputs)
Main uses is for online trading, office software, browsing, multimedia, and mid level gaming, not overclocked, but almost always on (20hrs/day) because I’m actively downloading movies (hence the HDDs in the future)
I’m using a cheap casing stock PSU which is a 380W Simbadda I don’t even know the true power output. I’ve found a website to count my power usage and it shows at least 255 Watts.
Asus PCProbe Shows CPU voltage as follows at idle times
V Core 1.15V
+3.3 : 3.28v
+5 : 5.07V
+12 : 11.77V
But sometimes the +12 might reach 11.63 when at heavy load, is this normal? what is the good value for the above voltages?
Should I change my PSU to stabilize the voltage output? I haven’t got any problems like BSOD or crashes or resets yet, I’m looking at a corsair 400W PSU, will this be sufficient?
Thanks.
Comments
i would have chosen this one myself http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
as it manages the balancing itself and is plenty powerful for your needs and future upgrades.
That power output is normal for the +12v rail. It really sounds like 400 watts might not be enough if you add 2 more hard drives. I usually say 400 watts is the minimum. Your’s isn’t shy of that. If you want to be on the safe side, you could get a 500 watt power supply, but if it is working now, I don’t see the point. If it stops working, perhaps then you can change it : P.
With all you are running, and with the fact that you want to add more drives.
550 watts or more…no less than 550….600-700 would be a little better.
Asus recommends a minimum 400 watt power supply for that motherboard. The ATI 4600 series video cards also have a 400 watt recommended power supply requirement.
11.63 volts under load is not normal. This can be expected since your current power supply doesn’t meet the minimum requirements. A good value for +12 volts is +12 volts.
You’re really pushing it with a cheap 380W Simbadda PSU, which is very likely to be poor quality and deliver less than rated power.
You’d probably want a 550W Corsair, which can be had for around $90.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004&Tpk=Corsair%20550W
I like your computer. The power is just fine ; I wouldn’t do anything but a pair of HP 22" monitors in white and stay fashionable. Your desire for the corsair 400w PSU fits in your budget, go for it. It is your internet connection that matters. The power thing is for the gaming cards out their. Like the GTX 295 uses 155watts. So you over power for no real reason. Though a proper power supply for a single 600" stadium television is 1100watts. Good luck !
September 7th, 2010 at 12:05 am
Ouch, you definitely need a new PSU. I would go with a 500w 80 plus certified to be on the safe side.
If it’s not 80 plus certified, you only end up being able to use 30-40% of the power capability. So, using a regular 400w will be underpowering your system pretty severely.
With the 500w, you’re ready to go for future upgrades. Even a 600w may be preferable. I’m getting ready to buy a new one, and have chosen a 630w. I have a similar system to yours.