Power Supply Confusion ...Please Help.

Question

So I will admit to not being able to understand the couple of guides on this forum concerning choosing a power supply ...they are REALLY wordy with ALOT of info that honestly seems irrelavant while not exactly dealing with how to choose (alot of bias over single vs mutliple rail and preferred brands).  While I aprreciate knowing what PSU's people with money and expereince can afford I am simply trying to find out the minumum so I can choose a little higher rated to maintaining capacitor life.
I would like to ask if the current power supply I have will be sufficient (for at least a month) to the system Im building for mom.  Here are the components Im working with:
MSI 880GM-E41 w/HDMI
AMD PhenomII x2 560 BE (Calisto 3.3 GHz AM3 80w)
4GB GSkill Ripjaw Series (2x2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
500GB WD Caviar Blue (7200 rpm)
CD/DVD -RW (DL) Drive
DVD ROM
PSU - PowerUp LP6100D
DC Output 400w MAX (+5V=30A / +3.3V=28a / -12V=0.8a / +12V=25a / +5V sb=2a / -5V=0.3a)
Total Output 230w (this is really the only value Im confused over)
I have another PSU to use as well:
Tiger Pro LC-B350 ATX
MAX TOTAL WATTAGE 350W (+5V=35A / +3.3V=28a / -12V=0.8a / +12V=16a / +5V sb=2a / -5V=0.3a)
(I think this one might hold??)
At a guess, Im a little under my actual requirements, but Im confused as to whether I have a 400W or 230W PSU.  I have full intention on replacing the PSU but need to know if this one is suficient or if it will cause damage if used for only a month or less. I also understand brands mean alot but at this point am more concerned about sufficient power requirements.
*** I even tried the calculator available via the link but couldnt find my processor in the selection field.
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=31880.0
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=116580.0

Answer 1

Quote from: Mike on 29-July-11, 03:31:14
Carvetii,
I wouldn't touch a $20 PSU if someone cut me a million dollar check to do so...well, I might touch it, but I wouldn't ever use it.  The PSU is sold for $20 for a reason...it is made with cheap components.  I hope yours works for you and doesn't have any issues--like take out your whole system.
MyWonThing,
What are your plans?  Do you plan on always using onbord video, or are you going to get a discrete VGA in the future?  Do you want a PSU to handle what you have now only or something that you can use in an upgrade, add-in VGA or when you build a newer system?  A Corsair CX400 should be plenty for what you have now, but, for future proofing, depending on your plans, you may want a Corsair CX600 or TX750(or bigger if you plan on a high-end VGA).
I understand why lower priced parts make people nervous, but I make hardly nothin as a disbaled veteran.  My plans for the described setup are so a 60+ year old can check email, etc.  NOTHING TO MUCH BEYOND THAT.  If I do add a VGA card it will simply be to allow for dual monitor output and will not be chosen for high end graphics capbility.  I dont mind spending as much as $40 for a reliable PSU but again, I get about nothing per month, no overtime ever, and do not have the luxury to choose a high end power supply, nor will this system ever be taxed enough to matter.
BTW...Price has VERY little to do these days with reliability  .  The current MoBo Im using I got new, for cheaper than most others on the market when obtained and it is not going to be fully retired but used as a *nux set up  , as it still runs like a champ (  OORAH MSI!!!  ).  Its still pretty much a stable board, just time to upgrade for OS compatibilities.  Also, take a look a t the PS3  .  Very expensive (especially at release) yet some of the cheapest components and solder out there were used , and its just gotten cheaper(the parts).  I know some of the components in said console ARE high quality but there is still alot of other crap that the manufacturer simply skimped on  , for whatever reason but none the less, they went with very inferior parts.
So with all that being said, Im AM NOT concerned about brand.  This is something I will research.  I was confused as to whether I had a 400W or 230W PSU, but Im pretty sure its a 230W (if Im wrong let me know on PSU#1).
I am more interested in the minimum power rating required for listed set-up.  NOT BRANDS for it.
Quote from: MyWonThing on 29-July-11, 01:41:39
MSI 880GM-E41 w/HDMI
AMD PhenomII x2 560 BE (Calisto 3.3 GHz AM3 80w)
4GB GSkill Ripjaw Series (2x2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
500GB WD Caviar Blue (7200 rpm)
CD/DVD -RW (DL) Drive
DVD ROM
PSU - PowerUp LP6100D
DC Output 400w MAX (+5V=30A / +3.3V=28a / -12V=0.8a / +12V=25a / +5V sb=2a / -5V=0.3a)
Total Output 230w (this is really the only value Im confused over)
I have another PSU to use as well:
Tiger Pro LC-B350 ATX
MAX TOTAL WATTAGE 350W (+5V=35A / +3.3V=28a / -12V=0.8a / +12V=16a / +5V sb=2a / -5V=0.3a)
(I think this one might hold??)
While I wont be using the minimum , it will help a fixed income veteran possibly save money from getting more than this needs .
Thanks guys