PSU Overclocking Capability

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kevinlong

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I built a gaming rig based off PCPartPicker's build and video, I'm not that familiar with building computers so I did a lot of research and most of the builds I was looking to do for about $1000 offered the same performance as the one PCPartPicker picked out plus it had a video on how to do a proper installation.

I bought and put together this rig:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($238.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($83.20 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($135.19 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.92 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($295.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone TJ08B-E MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1151.25

But I'm curious about the overclocking capabilities of the PSU. Looking around at comments and looking into the PSU seems that it might be overkill and it's bound to have issues. I've never overclocked before but I want to as I didn't want to spend this much and have a z97 mobo/unlocked CPU without giving it a shot.

How would it handle an overclocked CPU and GPU?
 
Solution
4745454b
Should be fine. The CX series isn't the greatest, but it's not total junk either. The two big devices that draw power in a system is the CPU and GPU. Your GPU at stock is 250W, and the CPU is rated at 88W. If we toss another 50W in for the drives, board, ram, etc then we got a total stock draw of 388W. This is about 66% of the output of your PSU. Unless you are doing some crazy OCing then you can expect to hit 300W on the GPU, and maybe another 125-150 on the CPU. At worse this is now 500W, and nearing the limits of your PSU. If you just want to dabble in OCing and see what it's like you'll be fine. If you want to hit high numbers and really stress the parts, I'd get something bigger.
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4745454b

4745454b

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Should be fine. The CX series isn't the greatest, but it's not total junk either. The two big devices that draw power in a system is the CPU and GPU. Your GPU at stock is 250W, and the CPU is rated at 88W. If we toss another 50W in for the drives, board, ram, etc then we got a total stock draw of 388W. This is about 66% of the output of your PSU. Unless you are doing some crazy OCing then you can expect to hit 300W on the GPU, and maybe another 125-150 on the CPU. At worse this is now 500W, and nearing the limits of your PSU. If you just want to dabble in OCing and see what it's like you'll be fine. If you want to hit high numbers and really stress the parts, I'd get something bigger.
 
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kevinlong

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It came with the bundle deal I bought that put everything about $60 cheaper + all the discounts and rebates I got at the time which when I bought the case it was about~ $15 cheaper. In total I ended up saving about $135 buying the bundle due to the timing I bought it as well as the combo deal.

On top of that I don't really have a lot of room throughout the year as it's summer I can store the PC at my house which does have room but during the school year I live in a fraternity and am not offered as much free space as I would be having at my house. Also makes moving it less of a hassle as I use to own a tower case before this.



Thanks for the information, really useful and I know what the limits of this are now.


Any recommendations for a possible PSU upgrade in the future that isn't too expensive?
 
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Dunlop0078

Dunlop0078

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OK i see and an xfx or seasonic 650 watt 80 plus gold would be a good upgrade but they are about 90-110 dollars.
 
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