Antec Sonata PSU?

[telstar1]

I'm putting together a new system using either the Asus A8V or the Asus A8N-SLI. I'd like to go with the Antec Sonata case, but I'm concerned about the PSU. My system will have the following:

Either A8V or A8N-SLI motherboard
AMD64 3400+
One video card initially (will upgrade to two eventually)
1GB DDR
DVD/RW
Audigy2
3 hard drives

I'm concerned that the PSU won't provide enough juice for this setup ... the Antec Sonata PSU is only a 380Watts PSU. Anybody have any experience with this?

Thanks,
telstar

 

[akira34]

Which video card(s) are you going with???? Why are you going up to two 'eventually'?? Under 'normal' conditions, the included PSU should be enough. The only variable is the video cards. My 6800GT wanted it's own feed from the PSU (nothing else on that line) so that could effect you too if you get that card (or one akin to it).

 

[telstar1]

I'll probably go with the 6800GT (and only add a second if I opt for the Asus A8N-SLI motherboard for overally performance jump of using the SLI capabilities of that motherboard)

 

[akira34]

You might want to go to a 450W or better PSU then. If nothing else, to get enough feeds for the video card to have it's own line. I have the Antec 480W Neo Power inside my case (as noted in my sig) that is happily feeding everything listed.

 

[BW86]

the sonata psu is more than enough juice for the components that you listed above. When you get another 6800gt than you may need to get a new psu.

 

[telstar1]

Thanks. Does the fact that the Sonata comes with its PSU cause any problems if/when I decide I want to upgrade to a different PSU? Not sure if it's soldiered in or anything since it comes as one unit.

 

[Gravity]

No, most psu's are a direct replacement. 4 screws hold it in place and the same 4 screws will secure most replacement power supplies. I recommend the Zalman 400 or the Nexus seasonic because they are both whisper quiet.

 

[Mik3y]

dont listen to any bs about that 380W psu not being able to handle ur setup, even if you have a 6800 ultra. it's more then enough. when nvidia wrote out it's recommendations, they were referring to the generic brands, which have really crappy 12v rails. amperes > wattage.

 

[Dough1397]

doesn tthat mobo require atx 2.0 psu? or something weird

 

[Insomniak]

Originally posted by: Mik3y
dont listen to any bs about that 380W psu not being able to handle ur setup, even if you have a 6800 ultra. it's more then enough. when nvidia wrote out it's recommendations, they were referring to the generic brands, which have really crappy 12v rails. amperes > wattage.

It will probably be ok, what we're saying is if he wants to be 100% sure he won't have any problems, he might want to noab a 400 or more...

 

[1336]

Plus he'll definitely want something more powerful if he shoves in a second 6800GT.

 

[Thor86]

If you plan on overclocking anything, forget about the 380watt. You need at least a 430 or better in there.

 

[BW86]

Originally posted by: Thor86
If you plan on overclocking anything, forget about the 380watt. You need at least a 430 or better in there.

???????

You arent serious are you?
I have an Antec 350W and I have a great overclock on both my cpu and vid card

 

[epsilon9090]

From my experience this whole thing about 400 antec above is total bs. An antec 380 should be able to handle anything. Nvidia wasnt thinking just about antec when they wrote the power spec. they want to stay safe, and by requiring a high wattage they make sure the generics have a less chance of konking out, because remember most people are buying crappy generics on a budget not realizing how painfully worthless they are.

 

[EnDaRi]

dang akira 34, your computer is a beast.

I wish I could have something like that

 

[Thor86]

Originally posted by: BW86

Originally posted by: Thor86
If you plan on overclocking anything, forget about the 380watt. You need at least a 430 or better in there.

???????

You arent serious are you?
I have an Antec 350W and I have a great overclock on both my cpu and vid card

I have a 2.8P4 that can't do over 3.2 on this 380watt POS. It can do 3.6 on my 550watt.