<$100 to spend on PSU+Case, Recommendations?

[mojoe_24]

I have about $90 to spend on the PSU and case and need some recommendations. Right now I'm thinking of picking up the Gamma, Blackbone, or a Sentey with a recertified OCZ EliteXStream 800W PSU ($40 from Microcenter). Is this good for the price (about $80 after tax) or should I be looking at something else?

 

[Emperus]

Do you really need 800W of power for your rig? What's your system configuration?

 

[mojoe_24]

i5 2500k
Gigabyte z68ma-d2h-b3
8gb G.Skill Sniper 1600
Samsung Spinpoint F3
Lite On DVD Burner
EVGA GTS 450

I'd like to be able to use two GPUs at some point in the future and would rather not have to upgrade my PSU. Is 800 still too much? I just figured for the price it was a good bargain.



I was also looking at a few Raidmax PSUs on Newegg that seem to have good reviews.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152035
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152042
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152036

 

[Emperus]

If you are talking about a dual GTS 450 setup then yes, 800W is way more than required. A good 800W unit will actually be enough for a dual GTX 570 setup. For your setup, consider the following components -

XFX Core Edition PRO550W
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013

NZXT Beta Evo
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146059

Alternative suggestion -

Antec 300
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Corsair CX 500 V2
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

 

[mojoe_24]

But I'm working with a budget. For $40 the EliteXStream seems like a good value. The reviews for it are all good. Is recertified that bad to buy? Or what if I end up running a GTS 450 and another card that requires more power down the line.

 

[Emperus]

The OCZ unit is pretty good. But its got just a one year limited warranty which I personally am not too happy about. If you think its ok then surely get it.

 

[mojoe_24]

I'm starting to get kinda sketchy about getting a recertified PSU. If I bump the price for a PSU up to $60, could I find someting?

 

[das_stig]

+1 XFX Core Edition PRO, solid and more connections than you shake a stick at.

 

[mojoe_24]

Is 650 enough for SLI?

 

[Emperus]

Is 650 enough for SLI?

A good 650 watt unit is indeed enough for a couple of GTS 450's. It can handle upto two GTX 560's/HD 6850's.

 

[Hellboy]

I would say the psu is more important that the case at the mo..

OCZ 700w is a steady psu - not too expensive and buy a cheap case until you can afford a better one

 

[mojoe_24]

Well, if I was gonna get a OCZ shouldn't I just go with the recertified 800w?


I'm looking at these two:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207014 Will be $50 after Rebate+NEWCUSTOMER10

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171053&cm_sp=Cat_Power_Supplies-_-Spotlight-_-17-171-053 Will be $60 after Rebate+NEWCUSTOMER10


Are these both good?

 

[Emperus]

The XFX is good and the CM unit is ok. I have no hesitation in recommending the XFX unit over the CM here (even though it is 100W lesser in rated output power).

 

[mojoe_24]

Would it power two HD 5770? I think I've settled on that card. Between that and the HD 5670.

 

[Emperus]

Yes it can easily power a couple of HD 5770's. Although a whole other topic, if you are looking towards getting a couple of 5770's right now then my recommendation would be to stall it and get a single more powerful card. Something like the HD 6950 1GB.

 

[mojoe_24]

Well, I was planning on just buying a 5770 and then down the road buy another.

 

[Guest]

If you are looking for a modular power supply (Meaning better cable management):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171036&cm_re=modular_power_supply-_-17-171-036-_-Product $70 after rebates

This is the NZXT M59:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146058

That case may look kinda "cheesy" but it has really all the features any $100+ case has.


If the powersupply is too expensive then get this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139019&cm_re=corsair_cx600-_-17-139-019-_-Product

I think somebody said this before but it's the best bang for your buck (non-modular)