Power Supply Query!

[imported_Dhaval00]

I have an Alienware system that i got in March of this year. I have a 9600XT video card and it does the job really well. I have used this video card now for almost half a year and I think the card has lasted enough games and its time now for an upgrade! I have the Alienware predator case which houses a 420W PSU. I know its enough just now, but I wanna make the purchase future proof...probably buy a 500W PSU. I dont want to goto Alienware to get the job done, because they will upgrade the power supply but wont give me what I need! So I was wondering if any of you guys know about what kinda PSU the Alienware cases use...and what kinda supply should I look for (performance & compatibility wise). Any help on the matter will be appreciated!!!
TIA.

 

[HardWarrior]

If Alienware doesn't use some exotic form factor your case should take a standard ATX PSU. If you can't tell by looking at the spec badge on your current PSU I'm sure AW will be glad to tell you what you have. If you have the cash, consider a PSU purchase as almost holy. After all, a PSU is from where all blessings flow. Stay with a known name-brand that reviews well and has an expansive 12v rail(s) and lots of features. I'd look at Enermax, PC power and Cooling and Vantec if I was in the market today. This site has a large selection. Good luck with your purchase. :thumbsup:

 

[MaximusH825]

Dude, there's no reason to upgrade from a 420W. Unless it's a pure crap PSU, which I'm sure it's not.

 

[imported_Dhaval00]

I am planning to buy a new video card...and I am sure that if I stay with my current PC for 3-4 years ahead of me, there will be times more than once when I'd like to change my video card! Plus I also wanted to add a couple of more HDs too

 

[Tiamat]

at load your system probably uses at most 200 Watts. Thats assuming you have a huge overclock on both cpu and gpu.

If that 420Watt psu is of the brand: Antec, Enermax, PC Power and Cooling, Fortron, Seasonic; you have nothing to worry about. Your system is future proof for quite a long time, unless you go into Highend Peltier cooling.

 

[imported_Dhaval00]

I already have 3 optical drives, 5 fans, 2 120 GB Samsungs, TV tuner card...and creative labs sound blaster audigy 2 zs platinum...do the math and lemme know if 420W is enough if I go for a 6800 ultra and 2 more HDs! I seriously dont know but my gut feeling tells me to upgrade my power supply if I go with a higher supply

 

[MaximusH825]

Don't even need to do the math. 420W is fine... You could power 2 computers off a 420W

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: MaximusH825
Don't even need to do the math. 420W is fine... You could power 2 computers off a 420W

Roger that...

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: MaximusH825
Don't even need to do the math. 420W is fine... You could power 2 computers off a 420W

Maybe two standard desktops, but not two loaded gamer rigs. Dangerous generalization, Maximus.

 

[Falloutboy]

a quality 420watt is more than enough for any modern system

on my 430watt antec I got:

6 7200RPM harddrives
2 Opticals
9700 pro
mobile 2400 @ 2.5ghz 1.75V
and about 6 high power fans

all my rails are rock solid

 

[imported_Dhaval00]

thank you guys so much for ur replies...i just wanted to make sure coz I still come across articles about the power requirements for 6800 ultra :S. In future, my guess is, even ATI wont hold back and pump up the power requirements for its R450 core???