Still on the fence about which PSU — first time building $1000-1500 PC

DreamFloyd

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Jul 23, 2013
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My Previous thread asking for build recommendations:

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1743400/running-pre-built-m9715f-build-time-1000-1200-max.html

The result I came up with from all the feedback:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.83 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($389.99 @ Memory Express)
Case: Rosewill BlackHawk ATX Mid Tower Case ($85.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $1101.76
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-24 01:08 EDT-0400)

Now I kinda have already placed orders for everything except for the GPU and of course, the PSU. I was recommended the XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply which was attractive given its price. On the other hand I recall reading about how this is one area you shouldn't really skimp on, so with the other recommendation, Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply, I still can't really decide between the two.

In fact, I'm currently reading through the sticky about PSUs and the Rosewill Green Series RG530-S12 530W has also really caught my eye.

Anyone else have any input for me?

Like my previous thread keep in mind I'm no expert in computers — still learning.

Thank you for reading!
 
Solution

sophiebeth100

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Mar 14, 2013
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I recommend the 650w version of the XFX you listed, if it's cheaper than the Corsair. Both are pretty much identical in quality, so go for whichever's cheaper. :) They also both support the power saving modes that Haswell offers, whereas the XFX 550w version does not.
 
Ya spent $166 for the case and PSU ....

Better case, same PSU ... Corsair 500R w/ TX650 $185 - $35 MIR - $20 promo code = $130 (save $36)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1390808

Upgrade to the HX850 and be SLI ready $265 - $45 MIR - $20 = $200 (spend $36)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1390832

Id seriously consider the combo here for $20 more ... The MSI GD65 is a killer MoBo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1385940

http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/msi_z87_gd65_gaming/12.htm

MSI has been using components that meet or exceed MIL-STD-810G for some time as part of its Military Class build philosophy. Parts such as Super Ferrite Chokes that run at up to 35 degree Celsius lower temperatures, have a 30% higher current handling capacity, and a 20% improvement in power efficiency; Tantalum filled Hi-C Caps that are are up to 93% efficient; and "Dark Capacitors" that feature Lower ESR and a ten-year lifespan all tied into a PCB with improved temperature and humidity protections as part of the "Military Essentials" package......In the end MSI's Z87-GD65 is a board that comes with an expansive feature set that includes all your basics and the extras that set them apart such as the V-Check points, upper end audio, Dual BIOS ROMs, KIller Network package, Military Class IV package, and a three-year warranty. Couple that with good looks that carry the dragon theme through the board, and you have a winning combination at $189.

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cpu_mainboard/msi_z87_gd65_gaming_review/15

Now and again a motherboard appears that is so obviously brilliant, and so affordable, that we wonder if anything will be able to top it. For a while that crown was held by the ASUS Sabertooth, both in X58 and then P67 variants. Then MSI stole the crown with the Z77 MPower. Looking at the Z87 GD65 Gaming we think it's going to take something extraordinary to top it, such is the perfect storm of price, performance, features and looks.

The switch to Military Class 4 has given us an extremely ready overclocker too. You're always thermally limited when overclocking and the i7-4770K is one of the most demanding around. Considering the amount of cooling we're using we think that although the GD65 is capable of bringing 5GHz from our i7-4770K you'd need a proper water loop to make the most of it.

Performance is outstanding. The stock results were a particular highlight. We know a lot of people still just like to put their CPU in and go, without overclocking it first. Despite how easy it is these days we know that the fear factor still exists. So you'll be glad to know that the MSI Z87 GD65 Gaming really rocks hard even at stock settings. Naturally the overclocking is blistering too, with some OC3D records broken.

MSI have laid the gauntlet down to all the other manufacturers. Gorgeous to look at, blistering performance and all at a very affordable price, the MSI Z87 GD65 Gaming is not only the new benchmark for Z87 motherboards, but probably for all motherboards.

The Gigabyte is great buy for the money ..... but at $20 less, it's certainly not in the same class as the MSI. The MSI is the superior board ..... and by a very wide margin.
 

DreamFloyd

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Jul 23, 2013
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Do you mean this sophiebeth100?

http://www.ncix.ca/products/?affiliateid=7474144&sku=59616&vpn=P1650SNLB9&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1275

Because if so, that actually sounds pretty great, seeing the $64.99 price tag after MIR. A plus too that it's at NCIX, I can just pick it up.

Thank you for the information about the MSI mobo JackNaylorPE. I'll definitely check it out when I go to pick up my order at my local NCIX store.

May I ask what do you think of the XFX 650W?
 

sophiebeth100

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Mar 14, 2013
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That's the one! The parts inside of that PSU are manufactured by Seasonic - the best OEM of PSUs. It's also Haswell certified, which means is supports the C6 and C7 sleep states that Haswell utilised. Pretty much, you're gonna be saving money on your electricity bill! I wouldn't hesitate to get that PSU!
 
Solution

Hi - sophie is correct, the XFX650 - is a very good unit (Seasonic OEM, Haswell cert)

Same oem as the TX V2 you linked - save the $$
 


Op is in canada

 

DreamFloyd

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Jul 23, 2013
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Sorry should've mentioned that I'm from Canada.

Thank you for that recommendation Blackbird, I'm sure that it a great PSU. However with the promotions with the XFX 650W and the fact that I'm going to my local NCIX store on Saturday I think I'll pick that one up instead.

Thanks all for the help!