xshyguyx

Distinguished
Apr 26, 2008
32
0
18,530
I am going to be building a friend a computer for ~$1,300 primarily for gaming.
I have most of the parts picked out in my head but need to go over a few more things with him (he doesn't know anything about computers).
My question is: If he won't be overclocking, should I still try to buy a tier 2 or 1 psu or does it matter?
 
Even if he were overclocking it wouldnt matter all that much. The Tier PSUs list is fairly out of date and you can find excellent PSUs with good sale prices and rebates from time to time. The best thing to do is settle on the major components and let people recommend a good PSU that matchs the requirements and budget remaining.
For budgeting you can pencil in the Corsair 550VX $90 after rebate that should handle just about any single video card equipped system.
550VX review @ JonnyGuru.com
 

shadowduck

Distinguished
Jan 24, 2006
2,641
0
20,790
+1 for WR2..

However, right now you can pick up a PC Power and Cooling 610W PSU for $10.25 cheaper. They are both made by the same OEM so go for the extra wattage.