i5-4590 + mid-grade GPU PSU requirement (430w enough ?)

cold0904

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Jun 14, 2015
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Hi
My current build is based on i5-4590, 1 SSD, 1 HDD, and probably a 2nd hand GPU (like GTX 550 Ti), which i may later upgrade to GTX 960

Basically if i limit myself to GPU that has a TDP of 120w and below (thus probably max draw less than 150w), and knowing that i5-4590 won't draw more than 100w at max, i was thinking whether a corsair CX430M would be sufficient for this build ?

Also, usually i tend to use a computer for a very long time (i.e. once i upgrade, i pass it on to the living room as a 2nd computer, and so on), so reliabilty of the PSU is key

Should i aim for something slightly higher in grade (such as gold rating) as well as in wattage (more like 500/550 watts ?)
 
Don't get that PSU if reliability is key.

I suggest something more like THIS: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

FYI, the "GOLD" rating is not an indication of quality only efficiency. Any 80-plus rating is fine. The WATTAGE is a different story because less load can be higher lifespan, plus more flexibility if a more powerful card is desired. Like you say a GTX960 is being considered.

*Also many of the models have a REBATE attached so you pay full price and have the hassle of redeeming the rebate (which may be a VISA card you have to spend in a certain time period).
 

cold0904

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Jun 14, 2015
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Thx for the reply, based on my initial research, it appeared compared to the original CX430 (which used quite poor name capacitors), the current CX430M is using mid-grade capacitors, plus i'm thinking most of the time i will be using 20% of the PSU's capacity, while at fully loaded level (e.g. playing games), i may be drawing 200-250 watts max, which is maybe 50-60% of this PSU's capex. Would it be better to go for a 500 or 550 wattage which would allow my max draw to be under 50% of the PSU capex ?

My view is that its unlikely i would ever use a GPU wattage higher than GTX960, as the GPU are moving towards lower consumption / performance, and i won't aim for the highest end as i'm not too much into gaming.
 

cold0904

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Jun 14, 2015
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Rosewill is not avaliable where i live (HK). i did some further research, and found that CX430M is a tier 3, i.e. adequate for light use (epsecially if not using GPU that require PCI-E connector), i could for example stick to GTX750

For tier 2, it looks like the expense goes up considerably (i found a few that sells in HK, Seasonic G550, M12ii and Antec HCG-520M... they are a bit more expensive, and i was wondering whether CX430M is really an issue in terms of long term reliability if i stick to GPU that are not requiring high power draw (e.g. like GTX750)