Help on choosing a good quality PSU.

Alexandrious1 · May 30, 2015

Guess now I know what the problem is. Currently I am using a gifted Alienware system, its about 2 and a half years old, problem is, the PSU went bad about over a year ago. I checked everything, its not a heating issue with the I7 920 Processor or the new 970 GTX Windforce I put in. Ram is fine too, everything just seems to point towards the PSU either overheating or just unable to give the power needed, because during certain events or places in Witcher 3, system shuts off, then powers back on in a few seconds, their is a click in between this process as well.

So called Dell, they suggested this PSU http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELL-Precision-T5500-Alienware-J556T-PSU-N8758F-00-Power-Supply-Unit-W299G-/141459145573

Nother example here http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Dell-Precision-Workstation-Compatible/dp/B0097DON18/ref=pd_sim_sbs_147_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RD9KN40RNM94363WY4W

however, a brand new unit costs between 110-150 for that. But I just do not have any faith in Dells PSUs. They seem to build them for any machine, even Alienware gaming systems thus cannot perform like a gaming PSU should.

I am willing to spend up to 170 dollars for a quality PSU that can handle my components and give the power they need when they need it, specifically for Witcher 3. I would be grateful for any and all suggestions. The examples I gave is pretty much to show the dimensions needed. The PSU goes into a bottom bay door that has a lever in which can be pulled to easily remove the PSU to place in a different one. Any questions you need to ask before telling me what I should get I will answer. I will be actively looking at this thread all day.

andreaszero · May 30, 2015

EVGA Supernova 750G2 made by Superflower, one of the best PSU manufacturers ever. It's 80+ Gold and fully modular.

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438017

This is the PSU Tier list. The PSU I menioned above is Tier 1. :http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

Alexandrious1 · May 30, 2015

andreaszero :

That PSU looks damn beautiful. Thankyou for your response. Gonna give others a chance to chime in before I make a decision. What a beautiful PSU.

750 Watt should be enough I believe for the components I have yea.

andreaszero · May 30, 2015

I have it and I can guarantee what I say above. Also it has 10 years warranty. That says a lot.

ko888 · May 30, 2015

The reason why Dell support suggested that 875W PSU is because of the wiring harness connector on the PSU matches the wiring harness for all of the wiring within that Alienware system.

Alexandrious1 · May 30, 2015

ko888 :

Would it be a problem then if I went with a EVGA or Corsair PSU? The Dell Tech did say its fine to go with them but yea I do notice a few weird things with the 1200w thats currently in the system and how its wired.

ko888 · May 30, 2015

Alexandrious1 :

If you don't mind removing/replacing that existing wiring harness go with the EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2.

Alexandrious1 · May 30, 2015

ko888 :

Aye, long as I can play my games without worrying bout stuff Im very willing. Looking at the Tier lists now and asking around, this Dell PSU may be a Tier 4. Honestly a Hazard. Just glad it hasnt done any damage thus far. Thanks for all the help. Gonna place my order now. Cant wait.

ko888 · May 30, 2015

Alexandrious1 :

Dell usually uses one of the best OEMs (i.e. Delta Electronics) for their power supply units. It's definitely not as bad as Tier 4.

Alexandrious1 · May 30, 2015

ko888 :

Aye. I just hope this solves the issue, it only happens at certain points in graphically demanding games, like cutscenes or specific areas with alot of fog and shadow effects, system just powers off, clicks, powers back on. GPU and CPU never goes beyond 70 and when it does, it comes back down, definitely shouldnt ever go high enough to force a shut down, GPU was said to not do that unless it goes to I believe 95, CPU has a TJmax of 101 as I said. All honestly points towards the PSU just not getting the power the components needs exactly when it needs it, I tried many stress tests and that doesnt cause a shut off as well, I wonder if theirs a stress test I can do that simulates Power usage spikes. That would reaffirm the issue.

Alexandrious1 · May 30, 2015

I guess another question to ask though is. Will that 750w PSU be enough? the I7 920 is going at 3.2ghz at idle, goes up to about 3.6 when needed, not sure how many watts the GPU uses.

ko888 · May 30, 2015

Going from 3.2 GHz to 3.6 GHz is going to be 20 Watts more.

andreaszero · May 30, 2015

Alexandrious1 :

Put all your systems specs in the calculator below. It will display the exact number of watts your system will draw. Add another 100-150 on top of it to be safe and your're good.

Link -> http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

ko888 · May 30, 2015

andreaszero :

The problem with that calculator is that it will give the wrong power consumption for the Gigabyte GTX 970 WindForce.

The calculator only bases its power draw on AMD and NVIDIA Reference Design cards. I've found that their estimates for some the cards to be wrong.

Alexandrious1 · May 30, 2015

Interesting tool. Ima take note on this for future needs to get estimates. Thankyou.

Ah screwed up in a typo. its actually a I7 970 (Gulftown)

Alexandrious1 · May 30, 2015

Using your tools, and factoring in the Windforce since ko888 is right, the Windforce Model I believe consumes more power since its a Factory overlocked card. So putting in everything I can think of, hard drives, USB input devices, the GPU, the CPU, the Liquid cooling kit. Comes out to 405w minimum, 455w recommended, the PSU it recommends using is the one you guys suggested. So to add the unknown factors, I guess raise it by another 20-30 watts? Peak load would take it to 450w min 500w recommended. Then add 20ish to that.

Ya think I should get the 850w model instead?

andreaszero · May 30, 2015

The difference between the Stock 970 amd the windforce is the heatsink, which means add 20 max 50 more watts. You should be more than fine with the 750 unless you plan to SLI in the future, then get the 850/1000.

Alexandrious1 · May 30, 2015

andreaszero :

Aye mate. the 850 is only about 10 bucks more, doesnt hurt to be a little careful I wager. Gonna get it. Thanks for all the help. Hell maybe I can boost my base 3.2 ghz on processor to 3.6 or so with this new PSU.

andreaszero · May 31, 2015

Alexandrious1 :

Well, go for the 850 then. Both have 10 freaking years of warranty so you can't go wrong.

Help on choosing a good quality PSU.

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