I've picked everything for my first build EXCEPT the PSU

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Wheel in the Sky

Wheel in the Sky

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Aug 17, 2013
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Here are my picks:

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($299.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: GeIL EVO Veloce Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($112.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($61.00 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) (Purchased For $79.99)
Total: $795.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-28 13:54 EDT-0400)


Not sure what PSU would be appropriate. Any suggestions about my choices are also welcome.

Intended use other than web browsing and text documents is coding, and drawing and animating. I already know the integrated graphics can support HD streaming and browser gaming.
 
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What is your budget for the PSU ?
You will not need much power for this specific build, 450W will be more than enough for running it all, even 350W would do the job. However, keep in mind that if you will ever want to upgrade your system with a good graphics card, this will not be enough, or will be barely enough.

PSU is probably the most important piece NOT to save money on, because a bad one can not only fry under pressure, but take the motherboard with it. THAT SAID, you also don't need the absolute best because you won't be putting much strain on yours, thereby reducing the risk of it frying.

I would suggest just organizing your PSU selection online by price lowest first, (450W), and then cross-referencing your choices with this...
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Wheel in the Sky

Wheel in the Sky

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Correct, no GPU needed and no overclocking. I'm one of the few around here that isn't a gamer. Thanks for the advice.
 
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grummor

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Jul 7, 2013
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What is your budget for the PSU ?
You will not need much power for this specific build, 450W will be more than enough for running it all, even 350W would do the job. However, keep in mind that if you will ever want to upgrade your system with a good graphics card, this will not be enough, or will be barely enough.

PSU is probably the most important piece NOT to save money on, because a bad one can not only fry under pressure, but take the motherboard with it. THAT SAID, you also don't need the absolute best because you won't be putting much strain on yours, thereby reducing the risk of it frying.

I would suggest just organizing your PSU selection online by price lowest first, (450W), and then cross-referencing your choices with this tier list:
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

Stick to PSU's in Tiers 1 and 2a/b as those tend to be the better quality ones. It's not a perfect list, but it will do fine for you current needs.

If you want to make an even more informed decision, this article lists the companies selling PSU's and also which companies ACTUALLY manufacture them. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-oem-manufacturer,2913-5.html
Some good manufacturers are, for example, Seasonic and Channel Well. With a lot of people saying Seasonic is the best.

Lastly, when you finally set your eye on a couple of PSU's, come back here and see what people say about them, more often then not you'll find threads where people suggest cheaper/better alternatives to the one you thought u wanted.
 
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Wheel in the Sky

Wheel in the Sky

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Excellent advice. I found one for $60 that would be great as far as I can tell. It's a 360W Seasonic which is on the tier 2a list and is 80 plus gold. EDIT: forgot to link it http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151117&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Anyone have thoughts or suggestions on that?
 
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grummor

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Yep, that Seasonic is a fine choice.

If you want something with a bit more Watt's there's this Corsair CX series 500 W (made by Channel Well, which is a good brand, though not as good as seasonic) also for 60$. It IS ranked as a tier 3 though !
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027
it has a warranty of 3 years,as opposed to Seasonic's 5, but it has more Watt's, an extra PCIe slot, and an extra peripheral. (this is only of consequence for future upgrades) Also keep in mind that both PSU's you chose are NOT modular meaning all the cables will be in the box, whether you need them or not.

Finally 80 Plus bronze or gold or platinum really makes no difference for your needs, and even the needs of an average consumer, its the 80 Plus designation itself that has to be there, but otherwise it shouldn't guide your choice of PSU.

 
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Wheel in the Sky

Wheel in the Sky

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Well I looked at some online calculators, and 360W will be more than enough. It's tempting to go overboard on watts, but then the psu runs at low load, which means low efficiency. Even if the Seasonic runs at over 50% load, the reviews say it is very quiet.

I can live with non-modular. The Seasonic is rather low on cables (though I think it has everything I will need), and the case has good cable management.

Thanks for suggesting an alternative though. Your posts have been very informative! I can't wait to put this baby together.
 
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