Advice on PSU for new build.

loki · 20-10-2008, 11:43

Im building a new rig in the next few weeks and wanted to get some advice on a suitable PSU and power usage. My system will be the following spec

Q6600 Processor
4gb DDR RAM (2x 2gb)
ATI 4850 Graphics Card
1x Optical
5x S-ATA

The case I am looking at will have the minimum of LED fans inside so I want to get a PSU that will handle the power needed for the above components but I dont want to be going over the top in terms of spend. Ideally I don't want to go above £50-£60 (Less if I can help it). In my current rig I have an OCZ Gamer series 550watt that has powered a Conroe, 4gb RAM, same opticals and S-ATA's and an 8800GT so I would have no issues with getting one of them again.

My only consideration would be if I wanted to add maybe 2 more sticks of RAM. I don't anticipate going crossfire or SLI anywhere in the near future.

Loki

iCraig · 20-10-2008, 12:07

In my experience a PSU is one of those components you invest in properly. After all, they're suppling the power to everything else. It pains me to see awesome PCs built up, and then it's all powered by a cheapo brand bundled with the case, or for £15 or something. Fortunately you haven't fallen for that mistake but my advice remains the same, buy the best you can afford. Check around for reviews for not only powerful units (550+ I reckon?) but ones that are awarded for reliability and stability.

loki · 20-10-2008, 13:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by iCraig

In my experience a PSU is one of those components you invest in properly. After all, they're suppling the power to everything else. It pains me to see awesome PCs built up, and then it's all powered by a cheapo brand bundled with the case, or for £15 or something. Fortunately you haven't fallen for that mistake but my advice remains the same, buy the best you can afford. Check around for reviews for not only powerful units (550+ I reckon?) but ones that are awarded for reliability and stability.

Good call

iCraig · 20-10-2008, 13:23

Useless post wasn't it really? Do'h!

Dr. Z · 20-10-2008, 13:30

IMO the PSU is a component that cannot be skimped on.

I run an E8500 overclocked to 4.2GHz and thats running on an Antec NeoHE PSU, which is ROCK solid. In the past I have bought crud PSUs and always regretted it, now I wont shift from the top brands - Antec, Seasonic and select models of the rest. I have a Thermaltake TR-500 which is a superb supply, a friend has an OCZ ModSream which is again a fantastic supply.

As for wattage, ignore the top-line wattage and get the supply which has the strongest 12v rails (it ought to have at least 2).

Streeteh · 20-10-2008, 14:13

I like this one:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=CA-008-CS

The 48xx graphics card range recommend a 500W minimum PSU, so the above will give you a little room for extra hard drives and upgrades in the future. Corsair PSUs are built out of solid awesome and come with a 5 year warranty so they're built to last. I know it's £4 over budget on that site, but i bet you can find it for less, if not try the corsair 520W PSU (that's the one i have).

loki · 20-10-2008, 14:56

Cheers for your help guys.

Admiral Huddy · 20-10-2008, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streeteh

I like this one:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=CA-008-CS

+1

I have this in my main rig, and have installed them on a few other high end machines too.

I had a meter running on mine for a while and they are pretty spot on with their claimed efficiency and rails don't deviate at all.

divine · 20-10-2008, 15:34

550w+ from antec, seasonic, tagan, ocz would be my choice...

PvtPyle · 20-10-2008, 17:14

Tagan are superb. Don't write off Silverstone, or if you are feeling the pinch, I have had two X-Clio units in the past and had no problem at all with either. They come in a little cheaper than the top brands.

20-10-2008, 11:43	#1
loki Vodka Martini Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 871	Advice on PSU for new build. Im building a new rig in the next few weeks and wanted to get some advice on a suitable PSU and power usage. My system will be the following spec Q6600 Processor 4gb DDR RAM (2x 2gb) ATI 4850 Graphics Card 1x Optical 5x S-ATA The case I am looking at will have the minimum of LED fans inside so I want to get a PSU that will handle the power needed for the above components but I dont want to be going over the top in terms of spend. Ideally I don't want to go above £50-£60 (Less if I can help it). In my current rig I have an OCZ Gamer series 550watt that has powered a Conroe, 4gb RAM, same opticals and S-ATA's and an 8800GT so I would have no issues with getting one of them again. My only consideration would be if I wanted to add maybe 2 more sticks of RAM. I don't anticipate going crossfire or SLI anywhere in the near future. Loki __________________ PC & Console LAN 9th-11th July

20-10-2008, 12:07	#2
iCraig iCustom User Title Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,250	In my experience a PSU is one of those components you invest in properly. After all, they're suppling the power to everything else. It pains me to see awesome PCs built up, and then it's all powered by a cheapo brand bundled with the case, or for £15 or something. Fortunately you haven't fallen for that mistake but my advice remains the same, buy the best you can afford. Check around for reviews for not only powerful units (550+ I reckon?) but ones that are awarded for reliability and stability. __________________

20-10-2008, 13:23	#4
iCraig iCustom User Title Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,250	Useless post wasn't it really? Do'h! __________________

20-10-2008, 13:30	#5
Dr. Z I'm going for a scuttle... Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,021	IMO the PSU is a component that cannot be skimped on. I run an E8500 overclocked to 4.2GHz and thats running on an Antec NeoHE PSU, which is ROCK solid. In the past I have bought crud PSUs and always regretted it, now I wont shift from the top brands - Antec, Seasonic and select models of the rest. I have a Thermaltake TR-500 which is a superb supply, a friend has an OCZ ModSream which is again a fantastic supply. As for wattage, ignore the top-line wattage and get the supply which has the strongest 12v rails (it ought to have at least 2). __________________

20-10-2008, 14:13	#6
Streeteh Vodka Martini Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kingston Posts: 862	I like this one: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=CA-008-CS The 48xx graphics card range recommend a 500W minimum PSU, so the above will give you a little room for extra hard drives and upgrades in the future. Corsair PSUs are built out of solid awesome and come with a 5 year warranty so they're built to last. I know it's £4 over budget on that site, but i bet you can find it for less, if not try the corsair 520W PSU (that's the one i have). __________________ PSN & Live! ID: Streeteh

20-10-2008, 14:56	#7
loki Vodka Martini Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 871	Cheers for your help guys. __________________ PC & Console LAN 9th-11th July

20-10-2008, 15:34	#9
divine Moonshine Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Southampton Posts: 3,201	550w+ from antec, seasonic, tagan, ocz would be my choice... __________________

20-10-2008, 17:14	#10
PvtPyle Sofa Boy Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wield of the Shire Posts: 701	Tagan are superb. Don't write off Silverstone, or if you are feeling the pinch, I have had two X-Clio units in the past and had no problem at all with either. They come in a little cheaper than the top brands.

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