How to use electronic configuration?

What PSU should I use for my Mini-tower PC Configuration?

• Hey, I have a Dell Optiplex 755 (Business Mini-tower) with an okay configuration (in other words, not fully upgraded). It's not for gaming, but because I had extra parts laying around (like the GPU), I decided to upgrade it to make it game-playing capable. My current configuration - PSU - Dell N230N-00 (230 Wattage) Motherboard - DELL 0GM819 Motherboard Chipset - Intel Q35 (Bearlake-Q) + ICH9DO Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 (2.33GHz) Processor Socket - LGA775 RAM - (2) Sticks of 512MB DDR2-SDRAM Both clocked at 333.33MHz (Planning to upgrade to quad-channel 4GB. '1 stick of 1GB each') Graphics Card - nVIDIA GeForce 9400GT (512MB DDR2 Memory, 400MHz) in my PCI Express 1.0 16X slot. HDD - 2 HDD's. (One for Windows, one for backup. No RAID or AHCI) A Seagate ST380815AS for Windows. (It's reported to be failing so I may just switch it out) and a Hitachi HDS728080PLA380 for backup and restore. Both are 80GB, 7200RPM. Extra Info - My DVD/CD player is not connected so it does not waste wattage. All summed up, I want to know what PSU would work with my ATX motherboard. I'm on a somewhat budget, and I believe that 600W or more would do me good for the future. But who knows. Please help me out. Are these good PSU's by the way? http://www.amazon.com/Diablotek-Series-600-Watt-Supply-PSDA600/dp/B003UWNL2O (600Wattage) and http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-eXtreme-Series-RS500-PCARD3-US/dp/B001G0WPLK/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1333856522&sr=1-1 (500Wattage) and http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SKUSearch.asp?px=FO&scriteria=BD11602 (600Wattage)

• Answer:

  Instead of waisting money on upgrading that old and almost obsolete PC, you should think about saving money to build (best) or buy a newer one. Power supply (PSU) guide: For your system power needs use this power supply calculator: http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/ Fill in all that apply to your system, choose capacitor aging 50% (to account for current or future wear and tear) and hit calculate. Just to allow for better temperature and some possible future upgrades, add an extra 20% to the calculated value. Get a Power Supply (PSU) at least that big or bigger. As all generic, no name, PSU vendors tend to grossly overstate the power rating of the crap they sell, I advise you not to buy a no name PSU. Besides they are not reliable and can fry your system components when they fail or have power spikes. The PSU is basically the engine that drives you whole computer system. Only buy an 80 plus certified PSU, from a reliable brand name such as Thermaltake, Enermax, Cooler Master, Antech, OCZ, or Corsair. Also a modular PSU is preferred, as it allows you to only use the power cables you actually need. This will eliminate cable clutter, and allow for better air flow inside your box. It means a more proper cooling result for your system. Last but not least, it's always best to have a PC case with bottom PSU mounting, for many reasons. Top reasons being better air flow in the box and less vibrations and noise. Good luck with your upgrade or new build.