How far can my old power supply go?

M

MNOB07

Weaksauce
Joined
Feb 13, 2006
Messages
90
I have an FSP Group AX400-PN. I'm looking to build a new rig for relatively cheap and while the motherboard (AM2) is a lost cause, was thinking I can get away with the power supply... although now that I'm looking around at the power supplies typically being used even in mid-range rigs I'm doubting that now.

My question: is it possible to keep using the old power supply for a new computer? I'm looking to spend around $400-$700. Needs to play Skyrim and Diablo 3 well...
 
If you needed a heart transplant would you want one from and old body or a newer one? You can get a good new power supply that doesn't break the bank. Also they come equipped with the necessary connectors for a newer build which your old one may not have.
 
I've been out of the loop for awhile. Buying a new one felt more like buying a new hdd (I have a 400GB SATA) - nice but the new capacities and types don't directly fit my needs. And: poor college student.

I didn't know PSUs changed power connectors, I also hoped I could get a formidable computer w/ the same energy draw as my last one.
 
I would not reuse that PSU for a few reasons:
1) It only has 23A on the +12V rail which is fairly low for a modern gaming system. Unless you're using onboard video or a very low power video card as well as a very low power CPU, the PSU may not have enough power for a modern setup. Considering that you want to play Skyrim well, that means a beefier GPU.
2) It's rather old
3) It's of so-so quality IIRC.
 
$700 is plenty to fit a good power supply in with a decent gaming rig.
 
My old PSU is an Enermax Galaxy 1KW, bought new over 3yrs ago, never gave me a problem running in SLi but my Electric bill was always high, i was unemployed for most of the time so it was nearly always on.
Now i'm gonna do a new build using an X79 system running 2xGTX 560Ti's so the PSU doesn't need to be any higher than an 750 PSU does it?
 
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Your electric bill is due to your components. That power supply is fairly efficient, consistent 80% efficiency based on JonnyGuru testing. The only way to lower your electric bill is to get lower power components, or a more efficient power supply. And that would mean getting at least a 80+ silver power supply in your case.

750 watts should be fine for a 560Ti SLI X79 system.
 
Tsumi said:
Your electric bill is due to your components. That power supply is fairly efficient, consistent 80% efficiency based on JonnyGuru testing. The only way to lower your electric bill is to get lower power components, or a more efficient power supply. And that would mean getting at least a 80+ silver power supply in your case.

750 watts should be fine for a 560Ti SLI X79 system.
Click to expand...

Much appreciated, thnx.
 
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