Topic: Is there such a thing as having too large a powersupply

[Khalee1]

Was brousing various computer store sites and saw one that had a 600watt powersupply for 80 bucks. would that be overkill for the general computer user like me.

http://www.coolerguys.com/powersupplies.html

[Nemesis]

Was brousing various computer store sites and saw one that had a 600watt powersupply for 80 bucks. would that be overkill for the general computer user like me.

http://www.coolerguys.com/powersupplies.html

I have never heard of a downside to having too much.  However I would definitely suggest a qualtiy power supply.  Myself I mostly use Antex though I have an Enermax as well.  The XG Vigor that you seem to be referring to is not a brand I recognize.  I would suggest a thorough internet search for user reviews.

[Elvis]

Not really, there would ne no ill effects of having too much power. And watts don't mean everything, it is important to have enough amps on the different rails, the 3.3V, the 5V, and the 12V. Presently with a lot of older psus there is not enough amps on its 12V rail to power the latest P4 and A64 processors. Look for a power supply that has a healthy 12V rail or alternatively one that has 2 12V rails. The more amps on the 12V rail(s) the better.

If your running an average system I would look for something in the 350 to 450 watt range, making sure the 12V rail was healthy. Lots of people have success with no name cheap psus but I limit myself to building with Antec or Enermax psus. YMMV. Other quality psu manufacturers  Fortron, Sparkle; I'm sure others will have there suiggestions.

[E_Look]

Hey Khalee, I'd say go for the $80 600W monster.  I have seen this manufacturer, MGE, lately around stores and webstores.  But Nemesis is right in that Antec is one of the most reliable makes around.  Another manufacturer that makes some cheap 400-500W quality power supplies is Thermaltake, believe it or not.  I always thought they were expensive as anything, but I put a $40 400 watt unit in my boy's rig and it's been around a year or so now and runs well.  I bought MGE's 400 W (or was it 450?) unit for another system I am building, but it's not built yet, so I can't really say how good it is yet.  But they are beginning to appear in many places.

Also, read, with huge grains of salt, the customer reviews in the webstore sites, like Newegg or etc.