Upgrading the PSU for my computer from 350W?

Question

Hello everyone, I'm currently running a custom built PC with a 2.0 ghz P4 and 1 gb of RAM. I recently upgraded from a GF3 Ti200 to a 7600GT graphics card, and I've been reading that my 350w power supply won't be enough to run reliably even though I haven't had problems in the few weeks I've had the GT. My motherboard has the one AGP slot and a bunch of PCI (not PCIE) slots and I'm also running 2 hard drives, case fan, a DVD burner and some others eg USB cards. I'm wondering if I should go with a 500 watt PSU:

http://www.dealsonic.com/fspgrax50pr2.html

or a 700w:

http://www.fsp-group.com/english/1_product/2_detail.asp?mainid=1&fid=98&proid=462

My first priority is to take the new PSU with me if I get a better computer made, but budget is a close second. I also want to know maybe most importantly if these PSUs will plug into my parts (ie work) because I see mentions of PCIE in the specs which I don't have. Should I upgrade at all and if so should I go with the 500W or 700W? Thanks!

Answer 1

Your 7600GT AGP draws less than 50 watts. If your P4 2.0 is a Northwood, it draws only 54 watts but if Willamette core, draws 75 watts.

If your 350W PSU has 15 amps or less on the +12V rail, you could be running that rail at or near FULL LOAD. And it could be running HOT. Even a 400W PSU will meet your needs as long as it has strong +12V rails (18 amps or higher, dual rail is best). Consider a PSU complying w/ ATX V2.2. It has the highest specs for efficiency (less heat generation).
700W is too much for your set up and not worth the expense.

Answer 2

I suggest that you go on 500W; it is far enough and safe to power your hardware as compare with your 350W, but if power consumption is not a big deal to you, make it 700W.

Answer 3

I would recommend 700w to be on the safer side. I lost a 120gb hard drive just cos my computer could not supply the necessary power. :-(

Answer 4

sure, you may get a 650W even however that's greater suitable than you desire. in basic terms make optimistic that it has the suited connections your board desires. case in point there are boards with a 20pin skill socket, and greater contemporary boards contain 24pin sockets. skill aspects oftentimes now have 20+4 connectors that may greater healthful the two sockets. examine what share pins are on your board (or interior the old skill grant) and notice that the recent one has the same connection.