Do i 'really' need a Graphics Card??????????

[Kleenex]

Originally Posted by Kleenex

My options:

#1: Newegg.com - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

#2: Newegg.com - OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

#3: Newegg.com - RAIDMAX RX-600AF 600W ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Power Supply - Power Supplies

#4: Newegg.com - BFG Tech GS-550 550W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V V2.8 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply - Power Supplies

Originally Posted by NHDave

The BFG 550 is the same one I used when I built my new gaming rig about a year ago, I think I paid $30 of $40 more than it's going for now, a good unit for the money.

So i should go with option 4?
does anyone else have any thoughts on this? i need to place the order today.

[skel1977]

Sorry cant see the links from work. Read the customer reviews to make your decision. They are usually pretty good.

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

I disagree. Too many PC hobbyists overbuy on power supplies. Why not just buy a 850W if it is always better to have a bigger power supply?

HP sized the power supply in that system based on its needs. Adding a video card that draws 105W more (minus the savings of turning off the onboard video) means a 450-550W power supply is more than enough.

Buying a bigger PS costs more and may cause a higher electrical draw depending on the efficiency of the PS.

I suggest a 500-550W power supply from Seasonic, Corsair, Antec, or Enermax. Choose a unit with a single fan on the bottom, and one rated for 80% efficiency.

I agree with everything except this statement.

HP sized the power supply to be the minimum they could install for the best price. I can't count on all my digits the number of power supplies I've replaced in HP computers because they install "on the cheap".

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by Tek_Freek

I agree with everything except this statement.

HP sized the power supply to be the minimum they could install for the best price. I can't count on all my digits the number of power supplies I've replaced in HP computers because they install "on the cheap".

Why? That was HP's need, the lowest wattage supply they could get away with that was the cheapest they could get their hands on

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by Kleenex

So i should go with option 4?
does anyone else have any thoughts on this? i need to place the order today.

For me it's a toss up between the Antec and the OCZ.

Edit: MTBF is the main reason.

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by NHDave

Why? That was HP's need, the lowest wattage supply they could get away with that was the cheapest they could get their hands on

[Kleenex]

#4 says Maximum power 550W
#1 says Maximum Power: 550W continous

does this make a difference?
Am i reading it wrong?

[Kleenex]

Does it matter if it 'says' continous power...or if it doesn't say it?

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Kleenex

Does it matter if it 'says' continous power...or if it doesn't say it?

Continuous means it can put out that wattage all day long. That's better than a unit that peaks at the same wattage, but can only sustain half that.

[Kleenex]

UPDATE:

i ended up ordering the Antec (option #1).
thanks for all of you who helped me decide.

Cheers