Do I need a bigger PSU?

Souljacker

Souljacker

Souljacker

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Joined
18 Jul 2009
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678
Location
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Hello,

I have just ordered a Phenom 2 X4 955 Black Edition and before I install it I was wondering if someone could tell me if my PSU is powerful enough.

My current specs:

Windows 7 Ultimate
AMD x2 64 Athlon 6000+
XFX 9600GT
4GB OCZ Platinum 6400 DDR2 @ 6-6-6-18 - 1.8v
Asus Crosshair Formula II w/soundcard
1x WD 500 GB HD
2x Maxtor 160 GB HD
Trust 570W PSU

Plus a few USB devices; ipod, g5 mouse, g15 keyboard - I assume these have a neglible effect on power consumption.

Will I need to upgrade my PSU? Can my hardware be damaged by being underpowered or is it more likely that my system will either not boot or crash randomly/under load?

Oh, just to add I am not into overclocking.
 
Even at full load that system will not draw even 400W, so technically a 570W PSU is more than sufficient.

However, it looks like a rather cheap, low quality PSU. Personally, I would not put a PSU like that near any of my expensive new components - as a bad PSU can die and take key componenets with it. Therefore, I would suggest investing in a new PSU from a quality brand such as Corsair, Be Quiet, Antec or Seasonic.
 
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Both CPUs have a Thermal Design Power rating of 125Watts, so shouldn't be any difference running the Phenom. But as cmndr_andi points out, the Trust 570W isn't the best solution. I couldn't find any amperage ratings for that PSU.
 
I actually have a PC in my fron room at the moment for repair, it has a (looks brand new) Trust 370w or something (its a low spec 'internet surfing' system). It makes some funny whiring noises.

I would say get a decent PSU. Maybe not straight away if it seems to work ok, but it should certainly be on your shopping list.

Edit; I wouldnt say you needed a 'bigger' PSU in terms of claimed output per-se, but you need a better one.
 
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Ok, thanks for you replies.

I am thinking of getting a Corsair or Antec PSU soon, but it wasn't that high on my list of things to get. Obviously I want a cheap one, but a decent one.

I've used a Trust PSU in a previous computer and it's been going for 4 years or so!
 
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