What do you think about PSU-Calculators

[ForkIt]

For example: http://www.bequiet.com/en/psucalculator/

Is this calculator reliable?

For CPUs and GPUs it uses the information from AMD/Intel/Nvidia.

For RAM: 4 watts per module.

For PATA/SATA: 15 watts per device.

For fans: 5 watts per fan.

For water pumps: 10 watts per pump.

 

So a computer with 4 fans, 2x ram modules, one HDD, one DVD-drive, a GTX 970 and an FX-4170 would require a PSU with:

4*5W + 2*15W + 2*4 + 145W + 125W = 328W

 

Is that about correct?

 

edit: forgot the RAM

[strawberrymaker]

Well, for that setup a 450-500 Watt psu is enough (and for some light oc'ing)

 

~Straw

[ForkIt]

Well, for that setup a 450-500 Watt psu is enough (and for some light oc'ing)

 

~Straw

Let's say we don't want to overclock. Would 328W be enough? And why/why not? 

 

Btw: this thread is not about this particular setup it simply is about if we can trust such calculators.

[DigitalHermit]

I'd try double checking with this...

 

Try calculating at worst case 100%TDP and full system load...

[strawberrymaker]

Let's say we don't want to overclock. Would 320W be enough? And why/why not? 

 

Btw: this thread is not about this particular setup it simply is about if we can trust such calculators.

it would be enough, but i would never go too tight with a psu. you cant know when something uses more. so just take the calculations and then add like 50-100 watts

 

~Straw

[LaboonTheWhale]

I'd try double checking with this...

 

Try calculating at worst case 100%TDP and full system load...

So AMD R9 290 Crossfire with Fx8350 OC'd gave me 830W. But what should I expect if i OC my 290's Crossfired. It doesnt give me the option to OC the GPu's

[Samfisher]

So AMD R9 290 Crossfire with Fx8350 OC'd gave me 830W. But what should I expect if i OC my 290's Crossfired. It doesnt give me the option to OC the GPu's

 

When OCing anything, just add 50-75 watts per component that is OCd.  Leaves you some headroom and you won't want to max out your PSU anyway.

[DigitalHermit]

So AMD R9 290 Crossfire with Fx8350 OC'd gave me 830W. But what should I expect if i OC my 290's Crossfired. It doesnt give me the option to OC the GPu's

 

I made a rough estimate by using the power limit thing on the GPU overclock utility...

 

A safety rule I set for myself is what the calculator gives at worst case (of my usage) +100W...

 

This is so that I wouldn't need a new PSU should I need to expand and the PSU won't be stressed to give full power for extended periods of time...

[seiny]

Well they're meant to be used as a guideline and they work fairly well, some over exaggerate the actual wattage needed but that's also ok because that would allow more headroom and otherwise give a safe recommendation to the uninformed

[LaboonTheWhale]

When OCing anything, just add 50-75 watts per component that is OCd.  Leaves you some headroom and you won't want to max out your PSU anyway.

 

I made a rough estimate by using the power limit thing on the GPU overclock utility...

 

A safety rule I set for myself is what the calculator gives at worst case (of my usage) +100W...

 

This is so that I wouldn't need a new PSU should I need to expand and the PSU won't be stressed to give full power for extended periods of time...

I just recently bought a 1000W psu for this... So maybe I should avoid OC'ing it? Everyone loves moar frames

[seiny]

Let's say we don't want to overclock. Would 328W be enough? And why/why not? 

 

Btw: this thread is not about this particular setup it simply is about if we can trust such calculators.

That 328w is the amount drawn from the wall, you should not use a 350w PSU in this case because that would be roughly 95% load, which can reduce efficiency and life expectancy more quickly of the PSU. I would recommend a good 500w 80+ gold or at the very least 450w 80+ bronze

 

Edit:

Read my sig for more information

[DigitalHermit]

I just recently bought a 1000W psu for this... So maybe I should avoid OC'ing it? Everyone loves moar frames

 

1000W... Overclock if you feel confident...