Can anyone recommend a PSU for me, please?

[torrenter]

Hi there guys. Not sure what size PSU to get. I recently shelled a lot of dough for PC parts. I'm building my first PC and want to make sure I can give it enough power, with a little overhead. I may wish to overclock the processor in the future so that needs to be taken into account.

From what I understand I should get either a US or Taiwan made PSU, and that constant voltage and amperage are most important. I'd also go for one that's Gold 80 Plus certified, if needs be.

Here are the parts:

Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R mobo
Intel i7 920 CPU (Will want to overclock later in the CPU's life)
ATI HD 5870 GPU
6GB (3 x 2GB) Corsair XMS3 DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600 Mhz)
AKASA Nero S Premier Cooler
Corsair H50-1 Hydro Watercooler (Will probably use this with OC'd processor)
Scythe Setsugen GPU Cooler
Samsung F3 1TB HDD

I also already have an old Samsung SyncMaster 243T LCD monitor, a Creative i-Trigue 2.1 Sound System, HP Photosmart 2575, HP Keyboard and Wireless Mouse. And I will probably change the keyboard and mouse for something more fanciful later on.

I will be using Windows 7 64bit Home Premium.

Your help is much appreciated.

 

[Shadow703793]

If you plan to CrossFire, a Corsair 750TX or 850TX. Else, a Corsair 650TX.

 

[torrenter]

Thanks Shadow, someone else has recommended these Corsairs to me at another site.
What about Seasonic or Antec though, or PC Power and Cooling. How do they compare?

 

[guanyu210379]

Seasonic, Antec, Corsair, Tagan, Silverstone...are all great.
Power and Cooling...I have never used but I heard good things about it...but...no comment..
Most of my systems use Corsair or Antec.

 

[Henry Chinaski]

If you are sure about not doing cf, these psus are very good options for you:

ANTEC EARTHWATTS 650 (by Delta Electronics)
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=110

ENERMAX LIBERTY ECO 620 (by ENERMAX itself)
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=136

SEASONIC X-SERIES 650W (by SEASONIC)
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/837
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=169

ANTEC SIGNATURE 650W (by Delta Electronics)
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=113
http://www.anandtech.com/show/2632/1
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/658

ENERMAX MODU 87+ 700W (by ENERMAX itself)
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/900
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=179
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/power_supply/enermax_modu87_700w_psu_review/1

THERMALTAKE Toughpower XT 775W (by CWT)
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/926
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=182

CORSAIR HX750 (by CWT)
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/power_supply/corsair_hx750w_750w_atx_psu/1
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/775

XFX XPS Black Edition 750 (by SEASONIC)
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/933
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=184

 

[torrenter]

Yeah, I've more or less decided on the Seasonic X-650, but does it allow for overclocking the i7?

 

[Henry Chinaski]

Yeah, I've more or less decided on the Seasonic X-650, but does it allow for overclocking the i7?

There is no problem. Any good 600W psu can handle it.

 

[torrenter]

Sweet, thanks a lot people.

I don't suppose any of you could recommend a light, good looking and well designed case to fit this all in? Do I really need a full size tower? The mobo was a lot smaller than I thought it would be

 

[torrenter]

Many thanks Henry, that's narrowed it down.

 

[Henry Chinaski]

This midtower is a great case:

COOLER MASTER 690 II ADVANCED:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGvBjEmXJnI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed4RC6r2NTk


These towers are highly recommended:

Antec 1200
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j3MNAQLuIQ

Cooler master ATCS 840
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8_1cQkYTO4

Lian Li PC-X1000:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqZM4kPnZPY

This one is very good for watercooling, but bad for aircooling:

CORSAIR obsidian 800D:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpp7z-xvAUU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX87TPid_po&feature=related

 

[Shadow703793]

+1 for Henry.

Add to the case list:
HAF 932
CoolerMaster COSMOS

Mid towers:
CoolerMaster Storm Sniper
CoolerMaster Scout
CoolerMaster HAF 922
Antec 900
Antec 902

 

[torrenter]

What about the Antec 902? Looking at that right now.

 

[torrenter]

Yeah, I'm more or less sold on the 902. Might have to check those Coolermasters out though. I heard thought that the 690 V2 has bad cooling.

 

[guanyu210379]

You mean Cooler master CM690 II? I just went to a shop this morning to buy some components for my X6 build (to be sold to someone...I wish I can keep it... ).
There are not many differences between CM690 and CM690II.
CM690 II has several additions but the basic structure is not changed.
I don't think CM690 II has bad cooling.

 

[torrenter]

Yeah, that was the one. Although I liked the look of the Cooler Master CM690 II and it's design, a couple of reviews pointing out poor default cooling put me off. And I was and still am just dying to put this system together asap.
I decided on the Antec 902, although I've heard it can be cramped on the inside, the big boy fan and LEDs, well they look cool!

I got the Seasonic aswell. This build will be a beast, I can't wait. Been saving for months.

 

[Shadow703793]

^ Official reviews (as in bit tech, Toms,etc) or user reviews? Trust most of the user reviews with a grain of salt.

 

[torrenter]

Well, actually the review was on bit-tech. Those guys seem to be very thorough. The Coolermaster case still looks neat though.

 

[guanyu210379]

Cooler master HAF922 is the best case at this point...I build one system last week using one..
HAF922 is more expensive than CM690 II but it has better cable management system.

 

[nayfrench]

Depending on if you want a mid size or full. If air flow is your goal, Coolermaster all the way. HAF 922 midsize or HAF 932 fullsize. I have the 932 and its a beast and like guany said the airflow and cable management is nice. 4 fans included stock, 3 230mm and 1 140mm fan. Mesh screening water cooling setup and upgradability!

 

[nayfrench]

And to answer your actual question, I like the corsair tx series and ultra x3 and x4 series. Antecs are also reliable. But look for a modular psu to save on room and increase airflow by minimizing your cables and also when buying a psu look at the warranty. Although 3 to 5 years may be ok, Ultra gives a lifetime warranty, which is why my money went to them.