[sls2k8]

i am in need of a new psu. however i know nothing of psu's and was wondering what i need toknow to be able to buy the right one for me? thanks in advance.

[thingie2]

try using this calculator, that will give you a wattage required, once you have that value, come back here, tell us the value, and your budget, then we can have a look for a PSU for you.

[sls2k8]

it came out to be 166w, i currently have a stock 250w psu. i have rececently bought a new graphics card, but did not think to check the power dissipation of the new card. with the new card in my setup pulls 217w. thanks again.

[thingie2]

well it seems strange that it cam eout that low, are you sure you put in all the right commponents? can you list the components in your computer, and the new gfx card?

[sls2k8]

its basically, this machine http://www.packardbell.co.uk/product...X19701-46.html but with a nVidia BFG 8800 GT OC2. i thought it was a bit low too. cheers.

[thingie2]

i got the calculator saying abour 360W, so I would say a good 400W or 500W PSU would be good, and allow for future expansion, what is the price range you have for the PSU?

[sls2k8]

i duno reli anything up to like £80 i dont know what to look for. have looked around the internet and read something about the amperage on the 12v rail being more important than the wattage of the PSU. so im jus confused generally. thanks again.

[thingie2]

ok, well I'll have a little look for around that price and will post a few options.

EDIT: I just thought, do you want the PSU to be modular or not?

[thingie2]

I have to go not but try using this to know which PSU's are good.

[Carbon]

The Corsair ones are always good, just look for a reputable brand (google!), high amps on +12V, and over 500W (corsair 450 is OK too)