CPU Power Requirements

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andrenz

17 posts

Geek
Inactive user

#86576 8-Jul-2011 22:38

I'm making a PC with a Phenom II Quad CPU (AMD Phenom II X4 840 Quad Core 2MB 3.2GHz AM3) , I'm
just using on-board graphics (Integrated ATI Radeon 3000 , on a Asus M4A78LT-M LE motherboard) so I
haven't really looked into what power supply to get i was just going to use the CoolerMaster 350w that come's
with my case. Is this ok , is the fact it's a quad core mean it will require a larger PSU to be on the safe side?

kyhwana2

2572 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 233

#491298 8-Jul-2011 23:14

A 350W PSU should be OK for that system.
You don't really need OMG 1000WATT PSU's for most builds unless you're putting in like 8 video cards or something.

andrenz

17 posts

Geek
Inactive user

#491303 8-Jul-2011 23:26

I'm making it for family so definitely want to be on the safe side, I was thinking 420W. No where i look has anything about what PSUs' new CPUs' require, I'm pretty sure that's because it's simply not an issue, it's only high power components like GPU that you need to get the calculator out for. Wouldn't mind some reassuring though, surely someone else in internet-dom has wondered about this.

ArcticSilver

731 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 148

#491321 9-Jul-2011 01:11

Just to reassure:

I run a LAN in Christchurch and power consumption at the venue is a very important issue.

I have tested multiple computers and almost all of them run at less than 350 watts. These are computers that are using PCI-E graphics cards.

I think 350 should easily be fine for a internal grpahics solution provided you are not runing a abnormally high amount of extra's off the motherboard.

mthand

148 posts

Master Geek

#491335 9-Jul-2011 08:39

Most generic psu's that come with cheap cases may not match your motherboard's connectors.

350W is easily enough for this CPU, but you need to check that all the rail specs and connectors have enough oomph.

andrenz

17 posts

Geek
Inactive user

#491425 9-Jul-2011 15:09

cheers for the responses , it's a coolermaster brand psu so i'm guessing the connectors will be ok but i'll look into it though

KennyM

221 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 10

#491521 9-Jul-2011 21:45

http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/

try having a look at something like this.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

andrenz

17 posts

Geek
Inactive user

#491653 10-Jul-2011 14:26

KennyM: http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/

try having a look at something like this.

cheers, it doesn't have "ATI Radeon 3000 (Intergrated)" as an option when selecting video card (or any on-board/integrated option) does that mean i should leave it blank?

ulrikov

17 posts

Geek

#496733 22-Jul-2011 14:26

That should do quite fine, mate. Unless you're pulling 2 or more HDDs with that one along with a lot of fans, then you'll probably need a higher Wattage PSU.

But if it stays that way, it's fine imho.