How good are online calculators?

[Vhero]

I used this one http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/Power The official thermaltake one for my new system i'm making and it says 342w will be needed for a 3570k system with a HD 7870 GPU. Obviously thats 342w of a top quality PSU not a cheap one but are they pretty realistic in there estimates? Meaning a 530w Be Quiet PSU would easily be enough?

[andyn]

I would always allow for 30% headroom or so, but following that rule you should be fine with the BeQuiet yeah.

[Vhero]

I would always allow for 30% headroom or so, but following that rule you should be fine with the BeQuiet yeah.

Yeah I figured that thanks. I always worry with PSU requirements and I think thats down to manufacturers slapping those 500w needed on each card. Making you think you need a lot more than you ACTUALLY need.

[Chaz]

530W will be ample with headroom to overclock. Nice choice of spec btw

[JustJoe]

Its good to spec up a PSU, mine has lasted me two and a bit builds.

[Vhero]

530W will be ample with headroom to overclock. Nice choice of spec btw

Ahaha yeah just realised you got that spec. It's gonna cost me around £700 for the whole system. I'm buying next Friday most likely.

[FunkY]

I tend to select 50% capacitor aging to allow for degradation over long term use, and add a bit extra to be on the safe side

[BUDFORCE]

I says my PC needs 727w lol.