Do I need a new PSU ?

scanner_darkly

Here's the skinny.

Will it work ?

My PSU is a Q-TEC 350w 12v Rail - 17a, 5v Rail - 35a and the 3.3v Rail 20a. Total output on the 5v and 3.3v - 180W.
I have 2 * optical drives - CD/RW - DVD/ROM and a case fan - standard 80mm generic stock, which are not listed in the spec.

After a a few months of googling and saving I've opted for a 6600 GT 256 Mb - Originally I was looking at an ATI 9800 Pro.
I recognise that the card needs Juice and really do not want to blow my rig.

RHajile · 07-28-2005, 15:54 | posts: 56

I had the same configuration to you except with a 6600GT 128mb and a Barton 3000+ and it worked fine: PSU stats were:

Q-TEC 400W
12v = 16A
5V = 30A
3.3V = 20A
Total output on 5v and 3.3v - 180W

Although thinking about it, I only ever got 7500 3d marks 03, and that PSU for some reason failed on me (now It turns off after 3 seconds, but only if it's plugged into my HD). In fact even worse, since then my 6600gt won't output anything through any of the outs, so im back on my old nvidia TNT2.

So, er anyway, all in all I can't say I'm sure. You're current PSU seems more suited for the job than mine was.

scanner_darkly · 07-28-2005, 16:14 | posts: 5 | Location: Somewhere in Scotland

Cheers for the prompt response.

Mostly been googling and have been lurking in some forums - some folk state that at least 24a on the 12v rail is recommended. However, some folk just feel that's a wee bit overkill.

Essentially I don't mind upgrading the PSU - If it is entirely necessary. A few more pennies for piece of mind and erring on the side of caution.
I will be upgrading to a 64 - bit Athlon in the next year and MSI mobo. Therefore, I would not mind swapping out a stable PSU for something which is equipped to do the job next year.
Regards.

nick9871 · 07-28-2005, 17:02 | posts: 291

That appears to be a no-name brand PSU. PSU's are like tires on a car. The tires are the only thing that are standing between you and the road. PSU's are the only thing between 110V or whatever and your precious mobo. I am an electrical engineer and I would get a good antec or OCZ. Spend around $80 to $120 on a well reviewed one on newegg. The Antec Neo Power is on sale as well as some other OCZ's

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103924

Renegade87 · 07-28-2005, 17:31 | posts: 136 | Location: Boston, MA - Home of Champions

Quote:

Originally posted by scanner_darkly
Essentially I don't mind upgrading the PSU - If it is entirely necessary. A few more pennies for piece of mind and erring on the side of caution.
I will be upgrading to a 64 - bit Athlon in the next year and MSI mobo. Therefore, I would not mind swapping out a stable PSU for something which is equipped to do the job next year.
Regards.

Outstanding!! Nice to see someone who thinks ahead. nick9871 has given you some solid advice. Although somewhat overpriced,
the OCZ Powerstream 450 is recommended.

Also, the Fortron Source Blue Storm series and Seasonic-S12 series are excellent PSU's at a good value. The Seasonic-S12's are better performers but cost a bit more. Enermax PSU's are also on par with the Seasonic and Fortron Source (FSP Group) in terms of performance, quality, reliability & price. Though, I'd give the nod to Seasonic once again.

PC Power & Cooling kicks everybody's ass, but few people (here) want to make the investment in the best.

scanner_darkly · 07-28-2005, 18:44 | posts: 5 | Location: Somewhere in Scotland

nick9871
Yup, generic stock without the specifications that we really want to know.
http://www.qtec.info/products/product.htm?artnr=14222
It makes me somewhat cross.
Sure the PSU works fine ( Radion 9200SE passive cooling) - stress it with a new Gcard . Brrrrrr.

Renegade87
Thanks for the heads up and the advice - I'm going to source a PSU. It makes sense.
Regards.