Choosing the right power supply?

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kriegsgott

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Jan 22, 2014
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System is estimated to pull around 450ish (based off the componets ive picked out and did some math)

question is how much power should I go for and what brand should I go with. Ive heard horrid thins about crosiar but not many mentions on which PSU's would be good. I'm buying a cooler master tower the storm stryker (white one) and I see they offer power supplies.

On a side note, with regard to fans...what is the raidiator that people mention with the fans and is that something extra I need to get or does it come with fans....and should I liquid cool the cpu I am putting into it...its the i5 4670k
 
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Darkbreeze
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Jun 24, 2014
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Anything on the Tier list at the following link that is Tier 3 or higher is OK, Tier 2B or higher is good.

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

You want to pay attention to the specific model line as well as brand. One brand might have very good products in a particular line of PSU above or below, or even only right at, specific wattages, and yet other model numbers within the same series but at a lower or higher wattage might be unreliable and therefore not recommended.

Generally most everything made by BeQuiet, Seasonic, EVGA, XFX and Antec are pretty good, but you still want to check the series or model number against the Tier list or do some investigation of professional reviews to make certain it isn't maybe a piss poor budget PSU regardless of who makes it. Here is another link to educate you somewhat about what's what when it comes to PSU's in general.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-psu-review,2916.html
 
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gizzard1987

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Aug 7, 2013
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If you're overall draw is going to be 450 at max, most companies recommend about 50-75% usage for optimal lifespan and efficiency. So I'd suggest no less than a 600w but would feel safer with a 700w unit.

If you're overclocking heavily, then you should probably at least look into an AIO water cooler. The Swiftech H220-X is getting AMAZING reviews.
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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If you list your component model numbers for your build or a pcpartpicker link to it we can easily tell you what a safe bet would be. Otherwise, it's either guesswork or making an assumption that your estimates are correct, which by the very nature of an assumption makes it a bad idea.

That being said, if your overall TDP is 450 then 600w would be fine, 620w even better and 700 is probably the max unless you have plans to upgrade beyond your current system in the near enough future to make a larger PSU worthwhile. Big cards, multiple cards and overclocks are the only real reasons you might need to go bigger but even then a 700w PSU is more than enough in most cases.
 
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rhysiam

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Mar 24, 2013
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Don't go crazy on wattage. While I hear where @Gizzard is coming from, remember that even in heavy gaming the system won't be drawing anywhere near it's theoretical max. I think if you've got 15-20% more than the absolute max draw of the system you'll be at about 50-75% load during 'normal' heavy use. If you want the option of adding a second video card down the line, make sure you get a PSU capable of powering two. Otherwise, don't go crazy.

List your build if you're not sure.

Here's an okay (not brilliant, but okay) one: EVGA 600 B, $50 after MIR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438014

RE 'radiator that people mention'... I assume you're talking about a closed loop liquid CPU cooler? If you want to overclock your CPU (make sure you have a Z97 MB and "K" CPU), then you absolutely need to add an aftermarket cooler. Intel bundles one which is adequate for normal use, but it's not suitable for overclocking.
RE Aftermarket cooling, you unless you want to go a custom cooling loop - which is a semi-serious project you have two options:
- Large Air cooler (Like the CM HyperEVO 212, or Noctua NH-D15): These tend to be cheaper and definitely offer better cooling for your dollar. BUT, they add a lot of weight to your motherboard, portability becomes an issue (you need to be careful). Also they're big, some cases won't fit them and they often won't fit with large RAM
- CLC (closed loop coolers), are more expensive for the same cooling capacity, but as long as the case is compatible with the radiator (which should be listed in the case specs), you're good to go. No portability/weight/RAM clearance issues.
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Agreed, mostly, in that unless you're overclocking the CPU or GPU, there is no need at all, ever, for an aftermarket cooler regardless of whether or not it's air or liquid. If however you want something quieter than the stock air cooled solution, an aftermarket cooler is a good idea. If you don't plan to overclock and your CPU comes with liquid cooling, there is no good reason to change it.

If however, you DO plan to overclock the CPU you must upgrade to a better cooling solution regardless if it came with liquid or not.

If you plan to overclock the GPU, it pretty much depends on the card and how much overclock you plan to put on it, but it may be a good idea to get an AIO liquid cooler if you go more than a small OC.
 
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