Need a new ps

[a12ctic]

ok, i got a 350watt aspire right now and its really not enough for my system (6600GT, 3000+ amd 64, 1gb ram).... So i want to get something preferably around 500watts... It doesnt need to be to quite although its a nice plus and around 100$ or less

[serz]

500w? holy sh$t!

[a12ctic]

500w? holy sh$t!

how much do u suggest...? 350 isnt enough it isnt stable

[AlexK]

IIRC, the 500W+ psu's are for those who want Dual Core CPU + SLi. For your system a 400 - 450W psu should be fine. As for a brand name, I have heard nothing but good things about Antec, so check them out.

[Ethyriel]

500w? Try dual, dual core CPU's with SLI and fast SCSI disks. But that's a GOOD 500w PSU, there are a ton of cheap pieces of junk that can't even handle the load of a good 250w PSU. I'd guess the Aspire falls into this category, or maybe you just got a bad one.

I'd be looking 350w from the likes of Antec, Enermax, Fortron/Sparkle, PC Power and Cooling, or Seasonic. Dual 12v rails would be something to look for (ATX2.0 standard), and 400w would be a good idea for future upgradability.

If you want quiet, look at the supplies with single 120mm fans. A passive power supply is a bad idea, rather exhausting the system with a quiet PSU is a better overall quiet cooling solution.

[a12ctic]

i found a power tech 420 watt ps, would that be beter than what i have?

[Ethyriel]

I've never heard of them, so I consider them a no name and I wouldn't risk it. As you've seen, a power supply isn't something to skimp and take chances on.

But hey, it's your choice.

Oh, a generally good way of judging a power supply, but not failsafe, is by weight. You have to have handled good supplies in the past, but a substantial feeling supply means it has a lot of heatsink mass. Obviously the manufacturer can add unnecessary sinks, but generally higher cooling requirements means more precise voltage regulation for higher amprage.