PSU Realities

[PhilCollins]

Thanks for looking.

The question is, do I really need a 550W/650W PSU or can I just get a 450W?

I'm doing my 1st self build for a good long while and I have lost touch.

I did a basic component calculation which maxed my build at 348W.

i5 4570
MSI GTX760 TF OC 2GB
SAMSUNG SSD EVO
Gigabyte H87 board with wifi
2x4 1600 DDR3
NODE 304 Case with 2 case fans

Now I'm looking at Corsair RM or CS PSU -I can't get hold of a Seasonic g series for a reasonble price anywhere.

[Goobley]

A decent 450W would be fine, although you'll need enough PCIe connectors for your 760, which one of the default recommendations in this power range (the XFX 450W Pro) doesn't provide. I can't remember whether the Corsairs do. It seems that you're specifically looking for a gold rated modular, the CS450M you suggested seems to be a fairly good price on amazon but I can't remember the OEMs for those Corsair modules, you may want to look into that.

[PhilCollins]

Thanks.

I'm really looking for something silent and modular -this is basically going to become a XMBC/Steambox (I'm walking away from console gaming for at least the first half of this generation) and I want the Node to be as empty as possible to maximise airflow.

Unless anybody else has any great suggestions I guess it is a toss up between the RM450 or the CS650 (it's currently cheaper than the 500 on Amazon)

[jim]

450W will be more than enough. Why are you interested in the Corsair RM and CS in particular?

[SUMMONER]

link to the PSU calculator

450W should be perfectly fine, so long as you stick to major brands.

[PhilCollins]

I replied before jim did (stuck in modedration) but additonally;

The CORSAIR CS650M 650w 80+ is coming in at £59.20. Most reviews have been pretty good -although I don't know if there was refresh recently which may have change the manufacturer of these units.

I know the RM450 isn't a Seasonic under the hood but is coming in at £55.00 which is a good deal for a full modular 80+ Gold.

I would have liked the Seasonic semi modular SS550RM, it is highly rate for the Node box, but I can't find under £89 really.

I am open to have a look around if alternatives can match pricing/repute of what I have been looking at.

[kalniel]

link to the PSU calculator

Never use this.

[D1DM]

Cooler Master V450S deserves serious consideration IMO.
Review:
http://www.thelab.gr/showthread.php?t=127323

Given a choice of RM450 or CS650 (or any Corsair CS unit), I would choose RM450. One of the reasons is the longer warranty.

[PhilCollins]

My only reservation is the length of the RM450 is 160mm, longer than the recommended length for a modular PSU in the 304. I've seen builds using it but the cables push right up against 250mm cards.

The CS650M is only 140mm giving plenty of space for ribbon cables.

The V450S reviews I can find do rate it highly if I can find in cheaper than £67 give it a bit more attention.

Cheers.

[KeyboardDemon]

Never use this.

I've heard others say not to use these before, but I can't work out why we should never do use them?

[Agent]

I've heard others say not to use these before, but I can't work out why we should never do use them?

Because the results it gives are wildly inaccurate and in some cases, laughable.

It doesn't even give you the amps you need without buying the 'pro' version, at which point it's mostly useless for the people that really need it.

[Pob255]

Scan has the V450S for £54 http://www.scan.co.uk/products/450w-...120mm-fan-eps-

The enermax revolutionxt would be worth looking at too although a bit more money http://www.scan.co.uk/products/430w-...6-2013-12v-psu

[KeyboardDemon]

Because the results it gives are wildly inaccurate and in some cases, laughable.

It doesn't even give you the amps you need without buying the 'pro' version, at which point it's mostly useless for the people that really need it.

Thanks, I just randomly selected 3 PSU power calculators and found that I needed between 475 to 850 watts for my PC using the same details on each site, so I can see what you mean now. I have been happier using the guides published by the GPU manufacturer, EVGA recommend a 600 watt PSU for my GPU, I have a 750 watt unit so I am more than adequately covered.

[kalniel]

Even the manufacturers guides should be taken in context - they are assuming you have a power hungry system and a power supply that can't supply half its rated watts. I.e. they're useless as well.

Its a little bit of work to find out a realistic power draw, but it just involves looking up the reviews where they actually measure it, and taking into account what the rest of the system is and how they are measuring. Some sites like Hexus use a contemporary gaming rig which is quite closely matched to what most people will have. Others like guru3d deliberately use a power hungry almost workstation grade system in order to give you a scenario for heavy overclockers etc. But the key is they all tell you, and they tell you how they measure too (ie if at the wall you have to account for efficiency).

[jim]

Thanks, I just randomly selected 3 PSU power calculators and found that I needed between 475 to 850 watts for my PC using the same details on each site, so I can see what you mean now. I have been happier using the guides published by the GPU manufacturer, EVGA recommend a 600 watt PSU for my GPU, I have a 750 watt unit so I am more than adequately covered.

You're probably adequately covered for tri-SLI

[dacads]

OCUK currently have the NZXT Hale Power 90+ 550W '80 Plus Gold' Power Supply on offer for £40

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...23&subcat=2366