Need some PC Help

[lupin]

I recently got a Dell XPS 410 with:

8800GTX
Windows Vista 64bit
2GB DDR2-667Mhz
On Board Audio
Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4Ghz

and it came with a 375W PSU that has support for 2 12V@18A. Well, I noticed my 8800 didnt seem to be as good as other users where reporting in the same games. So, I went to the nvidia forums and started to ask around and they all came to the conclusion my PSU just wasnt good enough for the card. So I asked if this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182032

Would cut the proverbial cheese. And I got no answer other then most people dont go cheapo on the PSU. I just want to know, if looking at the specs of the PSU and what is in my system, if anyone has any objections to this PSU. Or, if it is actually something else and the PSU Dell sent with the pre-built system is probably up to snuff. TIA

[ryudo]

I just remember hearing Vista 64 bit having a lot of trouble with most drivers and Nvidia having trouble with Vista 32 and 64.

[lupin]

yes, I remember this as well. I wish I could install XP under Vista, but when I try after getting the install disc booted up and the text "Starting Windows" it Blue Screens. I would love to be able to install XP and test that before jumping out and spending another $70 on this $2000 beast :(

[phxfan]

That's a good PSU. Store bought computers have absolutely shit PSU's that can barely handle a minor graphics card update if any at all. 600w is definitely good enough and I'll wager that that brand is decent too. 375 seems on the low side for that card, surprised it ships with that low of a wattage on the PSU. You just don't want to be running stock PSU's or the 30 dollar specials. I had one start on fire before and I'll never go cheap again :D

Computers are tricky though...sometimes people can have absolutely rockin' machines and for some reason (whether it be driver issues or hardware synchronization) some games will run like crap compared to what you expect them too.

[lupin]

Well, I looked on Guru3D and they said that dells are typically read at 50-75W above what they are marked at on a Voltage reader. I think I will get that new PSU as soon as I can, but its not as high on the list as it was before. Behind a new Wii and PSP now.

[lupin]

lol, I guess I was wrong. I posted this exact same thread over there and they suggest I go out and get a $150 PSU. Im sorry, but do people really pay that much for a power supply? Whats the point? Im a firm believer of "If it works It works". Ive never been one to get upset if I have to RMA a couple times or get a hiccup here and there.

[koompel]

If you have Vista - maybe use something like Virtual PC and try with win XP. On your PC you can run 2 OS in the same time without problems.

[phxfan]

lol, I guess I was wrong. I posted this exact same thread over there and they suggest I go out and get a $150 PSU. Im sorry, but do people really pay that much for a power supply? Whats the point? Im a firm believer of "If it works It works". Ive never been one to get upset if I have to RMA a couple times or get a hiccup here and there.

No, do not buy a 150 dollar PSU unless you want to. You can get away quite fine with a 50 dollar one from Newegg.com probably. Just don't buy the cheapest. I bought a Thermaltake PSU years ago from Newegg and it was great, only 60 bucks too. Many people who post on tech forums are tech snobs and tell you that what you have is shit unless it's the best, don't believe it.

Just make sure the reviews are good, price is good, and it has enough power (wattage) for what you need. Probably 500ish now a days, haven't built a computer in over a year so not sure exactly but it's what I would go with.

[devduggit]

No, do not buy a 150 dollar PSU unless you want to. You can get away quite fine with a 50 dollar one from Newegg.com probably. Just don't buy the cheapest. I bought a Thermaltake PSU years ago from Newegg and it was great, only 60 bucks too. Many people who post on tech forums are tech snobs and tell you that what you have is shit unless it's the best, don't believe it.

Just make sure the reviews are good, price is good, and it has enough power (wattage) for what you need. Probably 500ish now a days, haven't built a computer in over a year so not sure exactly but it's what I would go with.

There are a lot of good reasons to spend a bit more and buy a quality PSU. First you are going to want one that has an Active PFC (power factor correction) circuit (for more on PFC see: PFC on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_factor_correction)). Also, the efficiency of the unit should be taken into consideration. Many units are now marked with an "80 plus" certification, which means that 80% or more of the input energy is available to be used in the system. The higher the efficiency rating, means you will waste less energy and generate less heat. Keep in mind that you will probably want a PSU that has dual PCI-E power connectors for your video card. This is not absolutely necessary as there are adapters you can buy to get this done as well. And if you choose ever to get a second GTX to run in SLI you will need a PSU with at least 600 watts and four PCI-E connectors.

[phxfan]

There are a lot of good reasons to spend a bit more and buy a quality PSU. First you are going to want one that has an Active PFC (power factor correction) circuit (for more on PFC see: PFC on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_factor_correction)). Also, the efficiency of the unit should be taken into consideration. Many units are now marked with an "80 plus" certification, which means that 80% or more of the input energy is available to be used in the system. The higher the efficiency rating, means you will waste less energy and generate less heat. Keep in mind that you will probably want a PSU that has dual PCI-E power connectors for your video card. This is not absolutely necessary as there are adapters you can buy to get this done as well. And if you choose ever to get a second GTX to run in SLI you will need a PSU with at least 600 watts and four PCI-E connectors.

You are correct, however the OP does not sound like he's trying to build a monster machine. If my buddy bought a computer and thought 150 bucks was outrageous to spend on a PSU, I would tell him that it is crazy. Not crazy because those PSU's are a complete rip-off....but for someone who isn't going all out it is a crazy price. I took into account that he's using on board audio and the fact that he thought 150 is too expensive. Unless you're spending some big time money on a computer that is way too much to spend on a PSU, I personally wouldn't spend that much and I throw money away every day.

[goliath553]

I know this isn't helpful in the least, but does anyone else find Vista frustrating??? I reinstalled XP after using it for a few weeks, it was pretty but I just know where everything is and how to do everything in XP whereas its all new and rearranged in Vista.

I always custom build my systems, good luck with your new PSU.

[lupin]

Just an update, I went back to XP and everything is running so much better. I think this is one with can skip spinning the Wheel of Morality on Whacko, the morale here is Vista sucks.