newegg psu calc

[buckeye83]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

Originally posted by: buckeye83
This is a much better power supply calculator:

http://www.extreme.outervision.../psucalculatorlite.jsp

If you want to pay for the pro version (don't think it's necessary) it will even tell you the current you need for each rail.

that one still overestimates my system.

system exactly as in signature + some usb, fan controllers, fans, etc

says i need 499watts at 90% load and 20% capacitor aging (my psu is just about 2 years old running 24/7)

Did you read the notes at the bottom of the page? It assumes that all of the other components in your system are fully loaded at the same time. This will never happen, so your right, it over estimates your system. You have to take these numbers with a grain of salt. If you have no idea what you're doing (most users) than just buy the wattage it tells you and you'll probably be okay. If you have a clue (anyone reading these forums), the watt number gives you a starting point but it doesn't tell the whole picture.

As has been stated numerous times in this forums you can'y just buy by watts. Current on the 3.3V, 5V, and 12V rails is just as important. I'm also looking for a new power supply and I've done alot of research. Everything I've found that gives current for devices gives them at full load. I've has to guess a couple of things but the numbers I calculate for my system aren't that far from the calcuator. I'm still assuming everthing is running at full load. I don't know about you but I'd rather be safe than sorry. An extra 100w on your power supply is nothing compared to replacing the rest of your components if it fails.

By the way, if anyone has good numbers for DDR2 and DDR3 memory let me know.

 

[CidHighwind]

As a professional electrician, I can tell you that it doesnt hurt to purposefully overshoot your ratings a bit. An extra 50 or 100 watts will ensure your PSU isnt run as hard, so it stays cooler and lasts longer. And thats good for the life of your other parts! And, of course, if you need to add something, put in a new video card, etc; you can do it without a sweat!

Also, the problem with PSUs is that, no red lights or buzzers go off when youve got a peice of junk. It works the same, until it craps out. So you have to go on other people's experiences, if at all possible.