PSUs. Talk to me.

[RichieLee]

I've seen this question asked many many times, maybe it would be helpful to have a stickied thread about PSUs? I think this could help a lot of new builders like myself when trying to spec a correct PSU.

I'm not a pro PC builder by any stretch, I just get the parts together and plug and play so maybe I'm not the most qualified to start a thread but it's just a suggestion for someone more appropriate.

Anyway I have a modular 520w Corsair PSU. I think it's 80+ rated effieciency but TBH I bought it because I thought the modular nature of it to be a nifty way to get rid of clutter. I didn't really think of the wattage or the needs of my system.

In my old rig it's been fine but how do I know it'll be ok in my new build? I havent completed my build spec yet so I cant even tell you.

I see PSUs range in price from as little as £15-£100+ in some scenarios. Obviously you get what you pay for but is there a way to work out which is the best solution for your build?

Regards

Rich

[Pancake]

Unless you are going for some crazy GPU's that PSU will be fine

[RichieLee]

I'm considering running a single ati 6850 with a phenom x4 960t with no overclock at first but possibly a mild overclock in the near future.

[Pancake]

That will be fine, even an overclock and it would be fiinnee

[RichieLee]

Thanks pancake much appreciated! I still think a PSU guide would be good for idiots like myself though!

I guess the 650W+ PSUs are for those that run some serious gear.

[Pancake]

I had a HX 650 and ran a i5 2500k OC'd to 4.8Ghz, 2 x GTX 460's in SLI, 6 hard drives and a custom WC loop