Do [I] need a new power supply[?]

morten · Post by **morten** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:35 am

Hi all.
I am building a new pc, and i am using antec power supply Calculator to find out what power supply i should use. I am getting the result 448w, but when i set the Capacitor Aging to 25% i get 560w. So my question is can i use my current power supply corsair hx 520w, or do i need a new one.
Hope you can help me.
Morten.

burebista · Post by **burebista** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:40 am

Can you post your future components?

edh · Post by **edh** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:41 am

Can you list the components in this system? There is almost certainly no need for you to get a bigger PSU. I wouldn't say that 25% capacitor ageing is either correct or relevant to the age of the unit.

Using a power supply calculator from a manufacturer is a very bad idea. They wouldn't give you the correct figure would they? They want you to buy a new PSU and as big and expensive one as possible.

ACook · Post by **ACook** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:02 am

I predict whatever your components are, you won't need a new PSU, cause you're barely using half of your current, despite what that calculator says.

so, give us your components to prove me wrong

morten · Post by **morten** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:30 am

My future components are these:
Motherboard = Gigabyte EP45-UD3P.
Cpu = Core 2 Duo E8500 6 MB.
Ram = OCZ DDR2 PC9200 4096MB KIT, Reaper HPC CL5-6-6-18.
6-8 hardisk.
1 dvd-rw.
5 AC Ryan Blackfire4 UV LEDFan - 120mm UVgreen.
1 250mm led fan.
1-2 AC Ryan TWIN CCFL Kit uv.
1 grafikcard ATI Radeon HD 4870.

edh · Post by **edh** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:41 am

That would use 300W absolute max. Better still, drop the lighting and save a whole load of power. Yes, it's going to cost you money. You could also instead buy some decent fans.

morten · Post by **morten** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 2:02 am

Thanks for fast reply.
I do need uv green led fans and the lights for a modding job. A lot of AC Ryan uv green acrylpanel, and uv sleeving. I am gonna run the fanÂ´s at its lowest speed. Noisy bastards they are othervice.

Eyedolon · Post by **Eyedolon** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 7:45 pm

If you haven't used UV CCFLs before, you might be surprised at how dim they are. We put 4 12" sticks in my old Aspire case when I set it up for my buddy, and even with 4 it's not terrifically bright.

morten · Post by **morten** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:08 am

I was not aware of that Eyedolon. Will try to find better lights then.

ACook · Post by **ACook** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:27 am

I think what made the big impact on that calculator are the hd's, see how much they add for each, usually they use very big old numbers for them, much too high for new disks.

morten · Post by **morten** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:43 pm

Thanks for the tip ACook.