Will a 500w power supply be enough for my current computer setup/ rig?

Question

i am currently running, a Gigabyte GA-MA-78SM2 Mobo, 4 x 1 gb Crucial tracer ddr2 pc2-6400 dual-channel memory, zalman cnps9700 nt heatsink, diamond hd4870 xoc, and 2 x 120mm case fans. I also have peripherals on my computer such as a Usb HD-dvd drive, optical mouse, etc..i also overclock an athlon x2 5600+ overclocked to 3.02 Ghz(originally 2.80 Ghz.)my video card requires at least a 450watt power supply so im afraid im going to blow up on first boot up. im not good with this power stuff but i do know how to build a comp right.. please help!!!

Answer 1

I had huge problems with my PSU and even thought my GPU said it wanted 450w it didn't pull enough through on a 500w PSU when everything was being used, get this PSU or similar, its brilliant, well priced and solid.:

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Qui...

Think I got mine from Novatech though, but worth looking for that one. Sorry if your'e not UK based, sure you can get it in the US and elsewhere though.

Answer 2

1.) If your PC doesn't have enough power, it won't hurt your hardware.  

2.) The 450W minimum it determined with top of the line hardware (usually with a quad-core xeon processor).  Even though you a running it a little bit close, I think that it should run it just fine.  Besides, most people buy a PSU that much more powerful than what they need, and end up wasting money on unneeded watts.  

Answer 3

YesmaybeProbablynot

imo: play it safe and go for a 600w+ because of your oc'ing and a hefty graphic card you got there.

Power Supplies are really important so dont wimp out on a cheap one

Answer 4

500w should be enough to power that set-up, and the 450w required for the HD4870 is not for just the card alone. Just make sure that the PSU you buy has enough connectors for all the peripherals (and the video card too!), or else it's not going to work. If you are really concerned about under-powering the system, step things up to a 600w or greater PSU.