What's the cheapest PSU I could get away with for this spec?

Ant84

Ant84

Ant84

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20 Feb 2007
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Hi,

Not sure if my PSU has gone or the motherboard. Can't find my receipt for the PSU I bought even though it's still in warranty so that's useless, so I'm looking at buying the cheapest PSU that's powerful enough to run my system just to get by for a few weeks until I break up the system and sell it.

Spec is as follows:

E6400 2.4ghz C2D
4gb Geil RAM (orange sticks)
8800 GTS 512MB
Asus P5B Deluxe

I can get my hands on a couple of older PSUs, but will it damage my system if they're not powerful enough to run it? Fast responses much appreciated as the shops close until Tuesday in 2 hours!

Cheers.
 
It'll depend on the PSU, normally if they can't handle it then they'll just not power up or be unstable. If they are spectacularly bad then they might cause damage but that is thankfully rare.

If you are going to buy new then the Antec Earthwatts 380w is the very cheapest PSU that I'd be happy recommending. The OcUK Huntkey 450w is also worth a look at the lower end of the market.
 
If I take out my graphics card, could I use one of the older PSUs to just check if the system will power up? I'm guessing the 8800 GTS will be the biggest user of the power in the system?
 
Just removed the 8800GTS and connected a working PSU. Light now comes on the motherboard, so does this mean the problem is definitely a faulty PSU?
 
I wouldn't say definitely just yet but it does look rather more likely. Do any of your mates have a decent PSU that you could borrow to save buying one in case it doesn't sort it?
 
Unfortunately no. They all have PCs bought from certain overpriced high street and internet retailers and can't open them up.

Looks like I'm going to have to bite the bullet and chance buying a new PSU.
 
Last edited:
Edit out that competitor mate. :)

For your spec I'd plump for the 500w EarthWatts, the 380w might get a bit strained with that setup.
 
have you considered trying an RMA on your psu without a receipt? it'd be worth giving them a call.

what have you got to lose?
nothing ventured nothing gained.
etc.
 
p4radox said:
I'd go with the 380W Earthwatts
Click to expand...
Yeah, no need to get PSU with more than 100% higher capacity than peak draw of components.


Huw_Dawson said:
I've heard that most of the rest of Antec's offerings are poor, but that's only second hand knowledge.
Click to expand...
It's those old CWT made SmartPowers and non-Trio TruePowers you need to avoid.
Seasonic made Antec PSUs are good budget choises.
 
Well I'm running a 2900XT with an OC'd C2D @ 3.4Ghz with an antec earthwath 380.

It registers about 280W from the mains so with 80% efficiency actual draw is around 225W....

The 380w will be fine for the OP as long as you don't need more than 1 PCI-E for the GTS.... I use a 2 x molex - PCI-E for the second connector

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