Q: I'd like to know how many watts I'd need for my new computer to be running best. Here's what the computer contains. Western Digital VelociRaptor 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s EVGA 896-P3-1264-AR GeForce GTX 260 SSC Edition 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP ASUS Rampage Extreme LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard CORSAIR XMS3 DHX 4GB (4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core
A: Yes, I like to calculate a minimum requirement by heading over to a decent psu calculator like http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp - after plug-n-chug your specs I get 279W which is the maximum worst-case scenario. Maybe 325W to have some overclocking headroom and / or longevity for 24x7 over a few years :) So I usually recommend a power supply that can handle at least that much power on the combined +12v rail(s) Even this unit should have no problem handling that setup Antec earthwatts EA380 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005 As you can see it has a +12v combined max of 324W, and is based on seasonic OEM manufacturer so it has decent quality for a budget unit (the high-rated reviews speak for themselves). http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=17-371-005-04.jpg&Image=17-371-005-09.jpg%2c17-371-005-03.jpg%2c17-371-005-04.jpg%2c17-371-005-05.jpg%2c17-371-005-06.jpg%2c17-371-005-07.jpg%2c17-371-005-08.jpg&S7ImageFlag=0&WaterMark=1&Item=N82E16817371005&Depa=1&Description=Antec%20earthwatts%20EA380%20380W%20Power%20Supply That is a good minimum unit to use, of course the more the merrier... The 430w (+12v@360w) and 500w (+12v@408w) are also decent choices that won't break the bank http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007 Another favorite of mine, Corsair's CMPSU-450VX (+12v@396w), 550VX (+12v@492w) and 520HX (+12v@480w) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001 The corsair brand has legendary quality and reliability (also based on seasonic OEM with better component & build QA than Antec) and not to mention are focused on quiet performance (due to their excellent fan and controller choices). PC Power & Cooling also make top of the line units, and the 'egg also has some killer deals on the 610W and 750W units, these are nearly 1/2 price with the instant & mail-in rebates!! http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703019 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009 I hope this info helps you out. Cheers!