hi i am building a htpc and i have been looking for the psu for the job and i like the look of the ThermalTake W0093 PSU 500W TR2-500W RET, but i was just wondering if 500w will be enough, i think it will be but just wanted to check! also i need a very good tv/tuner pci card can anyone suggest a good one please! thank you ash
Depends on what parts you'll be running. If its an older Socket A/Socket 478 setup, it would be fine, as the 3.3V and 5V rails have more juice on them. However, you may very well find it inadequate for LGA775 and 754/939/AM2 setups as strong +12V rail(s) are needed, and the 18A isn't going to cut it if you're looking to drop in a half-decent card for gaming.
ah ok well will b runnin socket 775 not 2 bothered bout the graphics card but will prob put a good one in anyway incase i do decide to play games, so what would be a good psu to get??? thank you ash
To err on the side of caution, I'd probably start with a Fortron Blue Storm II 500. Komplett stocks them, among other UK shops. If you're concerned with low noise, Seasonic's S12 line would be something to look at. Again, the 500W version would be where I'd start with to allow for headroom. OCZ is also a solid pick, and their 600W units are quite reasonable. Budget: on the low-end, grab a Forton (or Sparkle) or Ultra (except for the X-Connect line) 500W+.
