PSUs

[MSchmiess]

How do you guys figure out what size (Wattage) PSU you need for a certain setup? Is it just past experiences and estimation? Or is there someway to tell how many watts you need? I don't know much about these, but I know that it's vitally important and you should never get a cheap one.

 

[Celegorm]

most of it is determinded by how good of a video card you have. i did see a site that could help you determine this. if i can find it, i'll link it.

 

[Raffaz]

Try this
http://www.journeysystems.com/power_supply_calculator.php

 

[Celegorm]

FOUND IT!

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine Keep in mind its just a guide. It said a system with an 8800 GTX would only need 384, but that card needs either 400, or 450 watts.

 

[MSchmiess]

Thanks for the replies. I just read a full wiki article and a full howstuffworks article both on PSUs...I feel a little more enlightened. I'll just read next time before I post something like this.