Tenzium

I need a new power supply.

I'll give you the background on my situation, but I'll mark the unnecessary stuff if you want to skip all that and focus on the question.

*Begin Background*

I've recently done a lot of upgrading of my computer lately. The most signifigant change is upgrading a Radeon 9200 to a 9800 Pro. I've also added a nice CPU and several case fans. The end result, my poor little 350W power supply is providing horrible readings along the 3, 5.5, and 12V lines, but at least the vcore power is solid at 1.65. The supply came with my case, and I've so recently learned that not all power supplies are the same.

I want to do some overclocking of my system (shown in the sig). I want to upgrade the settings from 15 x 133 Mhz FSB (2.0 Ghz) to 14 x 166 Mhz FSB (2.33 Ghz). However, I'm pretty sure I can't do that with the supply I have now.

I would also like to have a supply I won't have to upgrade again for a very long time. In about a year or so, I would like to get an Athlon 64 processor, or if they have those dual core processors out by then, one of those. I don't want to have to upgrade my power supply again for this in another year.

I recently ordered this Thermaltake power supply from newegg: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...153-007&depa=0

I'll admit I was hasty in my decision. It was on sale, I like Thermaltake's products, and shipping was free. I know that some people here have a low opinion of Thermaltake, and I wish I did more homework regarding the supply, as even though it's got an extra 130W on my current supply (it's 480W), the 12V line is only 18A (and I found out even my little 350 has 17A on the 12V line).

*End Background*

So, basically, I'm wondering if this power supply above would be adequate to power my system and allow for a little overclocking that I mentioned above (2.0 Ghz to 2.33 Ghz), and even if it's possible to power an Athlon 64 later down the road).

If not, what power supplies would you guys recommend? I haven't opened the package for this supply yet, so I can easily take it back and order a more powerful one. I would prefer very much not to go over $60.00 at this time, so if this current supply will power my current system adequately (with the overclock), I'll just keep it instead.

Thanks in advance!

HEATsynk

Try ocz power stream 520w or 600w.

TheCoolGuy

the 12v rail might definitely hurt you....

you can always return!

perhaps:

x-connect 500w
ocz anything
antec true power / true control series

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eat it is good for you!

adas

lol, guys those are all WAY over his budget. i think that a nice 400w antec would be fine for your system, as its not very demanding.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-912&depa=0

great make, good rails, good price

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adas

lol i hate not having the edit button


but your system doesnt need more then 18a on the 12v, as its not very demanding.

and there isnt any psu for 60$ thatll handle a Dualcore or any stronger A64.

while thermaltake powersupplies arent horrible, antecs are better even though they are rated less. very stable.

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Tenzium

Is there a particular reason that supply would be better than the one I ordered ( http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...153-007&depa=0 )?

By comparing the two they look about the same (the one I bought has an edge in a few areas). Since there's a 15% restocking fee, not to mention shipping, I don't see enough for that model to make me send the one I have back.

And yes, the other two are way out of my price range. I'll wait until I actually *have* the Athlon 64 to spend that much.

[Edit - Sorry adas, you made that second post while I was writing this one. Thanks for the advice, I'll take that into consideration.]

Crashed

YOu can get a 530w fortron psu for about 70$, yiffy says he like his a lot and he's got A64 , and if you were to upgrade to a 64-bit for the mobos that have 24pin atx connector they have adapters or some come with an extra 4 pin for the last part

Tenzium

This just occured to me and it should have earlier: How many pins do the typical Socket A have for the mobo power supply, and how many do most have?

Hm, that's not very clear... Ok, will the pins in the power supply and mobo I have match up, or will I need an adapter?

adas

yeah, heres the one crashed is talking about. its also very good, and will power a mid A64
but the thermaltake you got should be fine for your purpose, unless of course you really want to change.

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adas

whats hes talking about is that newer PCs with PCI express use the new ATX standard, which has 24pins instead of 20pins. almost all of these psus come with adaptors back to 20pin, but dont worry because your psu will fit fine.

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