How many watts does a computer need
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Original Message
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Name: fyr3
Date: January 4, 2005 at 23:01:17 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer needOS: xpCPU/Ram: 2.4 768 |
Comment: Im confused on how you can find out how much power a computer your building actually needs. I plan on getting a 500W but i want to know how i can actually find out how many watts my computer needs to power.
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Response Number 1
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Name: setishock
Date: January 4, 2005 at 23:58:17 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)Watts is a sales gimick like ghz. The 12 volt rail amps is what you really need to be looking at. My 400 watt psu has 25 amps on the 12 volt rail and is more than enough. I switched to a 400 watt model that has a 120mm and a 80mm blower because of the cooling arangement. Saved me from cutting a blow hole in the top of the case. It has only 15 amps on the 12 volt rail but again it's more than enough. Shop carefully. I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid...
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Response Number 2
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Name: SkipCox
Date: January 5, 2005 at 01:16:58 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)I've not seen a 400w psu that gives 25a on the 12 volt rail...what brand and model is it? Usually 14 to 16a is enough. I just want to know where to buy a 25a/400w psu; or a 25a any watt psu. Skip
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Response Number 3
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Name: angrymen2001
Date: January 5, 2005 at 03:42:56 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)"Watts is a sales gimick like ghz"
I agree but not completely. You still need enough power for your system (which by calculation watts= volts x current). Therefore watts is important. But as setishock stated ensure you have the correct power for the correct power rail. When all else fails beat the $%!* out of it!!!
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Response Number 4
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Name: GerryC
Date: January 5, 2005 at 06:11:41 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)Skip, Here are links to a couple of A-Power (never heard of them before) 400W power supplies that claim 25A on the 12V rail:
http://www.powersupplydepot.com/15435-PS.htm
http://www.powersupplydepot.com/15434-PS.htm
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Response Number 5
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Name: SkipCox
Date: January 5, 2005 at 12:12:34 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)Thanks Gerry, Quite some power supplies there. My math makes these on the order of 550w psu's. I shot an email off to Power Supply Depot to ask about these. Skip
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Response Number 6
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Name: GerryC
Date: January 5, 2005 at 13:03:55 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)Let us know what you find out. If the quality is even half way decent I might want to give one a try. Can't beat the price for those kind of specs.
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Response Number 7
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Name: Frosty
Date: January 5, 2005 at 14:10:25 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)I purchaed an Antec "TRUEPOWER" 430 watt power supply a few months ago from newegg that was supposed to have 20 amps on the 12 volt rail. Well when I got the power supply and looked at the box it said 26 amps, it says this ON the power supply also...It must be a mistake...:S Asus P4P800
P4 2.4c @ 3000 Mhz Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu HSF
ATI Radeon 9800 pro
1 GB OCZ pc 3500 ram
Sound Blaster audigy LS
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Response Number 8
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Name: SkipCox
Date: January 5, 2005 at 18:11:21 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)Here's a decent wattage calculator to help you size a psu for your particular machine. http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/ Skip
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Response Number 9
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Name: setishock
Date: January 6, 2005 at 00:48:20 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)As you requested Skipcox, here are the specs right off the label>
Powmax
ATX switching power supply
Model No.LP-8800D
Dc output: 400watts MAX
Input: 100-127V ~ 10A 50/60Hz
200-240V ~ 6A 50/60Hz
Output:
+5V / 30A Max. +12 / 25A Max
-12V / 0.8A Max +3.3 / 28A Max
-5V / 0.3A Max +5Vsb / 2.0A Max
I have switched to a Extreme Gamer Vigor400.
The 12volt rail is rated at 15A but has a 120mm fan in the bottom of it acting like a blowhole along with a 80mm in the back of it pushing the warm air out the back of the unit. And it lights up. What can I say?
Plus it has SATA hookups along with more molex connectors. System seems to run just fine with the Vigor400.
The Vigor cost me $29.95 at Microcenter.
The Powmax came with a case that $23.00 at a local show.
Those specs may be just someone's wild claims but that's what it says on the label... I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid...
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Response Number 10
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Name: SkipCox
Date: January 6, 2005 at 09:57:05 Pacific
Subject: How many watts does a computer need |
Reply: (edit)Yeah, either something is getting lost in translation when the labels are printed or some manufacturers are simply overstating the psu's capabilities to look good on paper. Likely a combination of both. I've seen the psu's described by Gerry (and other brands) for sale as low as 7 bucks. Something like that might be OK for a PIII or old P4 but on anything modern? Skip
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