Power supply for Athalon XP 1500

I'm upgrading my freinds computer, replacing MB, RAM and CPU.
My question is; do I need to also replace the power supply?
It is 235 wat, the new CPU is going to be an Athalon XP 1500

 

Quick answer is yes, definately. Athlons like power - I'd recommend 350 Watt minimum and use 500W minimum on my own boxes.

 

Run the Power Wattage Calculator. It will give you a good idea to what you will need.

 

Thanks !! the power calculator shows I'd need 241 watts, so looks like I better get a new one.

 

Make sure that the PS that you purchase has enough juice on the 12 Volt rail. You really need somewhere upwards of 16A on the 12V rail. The Enermax 350s do exceptionally well (I have Antecs w/18A @ 12V)

I've found that quality power supplies cost about $10 more than the cheapos from the chain stores (Frys). You can get a good Enermax from NewEgg or AccuPC for about $45.

 

how many optical drives, hard drives, etc. are you going to have on his computer. I put 2 (now i have 3) optical, another hard drive, and a newer video card, and about 2 more fans in my computer... Without replacing my PSU. My PSU fried (look at my recent posts). Moral of the story: make sure you have enough power or else your PSU will overheat and you will, in the long run, need to buy a new one. (I have a 425 W PSU now and it works fine)

how many CD drives does he have... If he only has one then on the Power Watage Calculator set it to 2 CD drives, he may buy a new one and that may push it over the limit.

Good luck,
Jason

 

Thanks for the input and suggestions!
Patrick