Finding the right PSU

[macgreen]

I was recommended the XFX 550w psu on newegg- while I don't mind that, I've seen other PSUs for cheaper as well, while providing similar or additional power (such as 600w instead of 550w), and at least one that's modular. I have to admit, I like the idea of a modular power supply. I'd like to spend less than $75 (less than the XFX, basically) if possible, but I'm not gonna scrape the bottom of the barrel when it comes to a PSU.

OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W Modular High Performance Power Supply compatible with Intel Sandybridge Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD Phenom http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017 is one that I saw. $74.99 (plus a $25 mail-in rebate)

SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093 is another. $59.99

Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016 is the last one I'm considering. $64.99. It's a 3-rail instead of the single like the other two are.

Now, I eventually plan on getting an HIS Ice-Q 7850 graphics card, which is my main concern about the SeaSonic PSU. Would that be able to easily power the video card? I've heard about the quality of that PSU, but I have to admit that I'm not familiar with the PSUs all that much.

I should've remembered to post this as well. I was hoping to do a little overclocking with an i5-2500k (nothing huge, just maybe to 4.0ghz or so), so that is probably something to factor in as well.

 

[delluser1]

I was recommended the XFX 550w psu on newegg- while I don't mind that, I've seen other PSUs for cheaper as well, while providing similar or additional power (such as 600w instead of 550w), and at least one that's modular. I have to admit, I like the idea of a modular power supply. I'd like to spend less than $75 (less than the XFX, basically) if possible, but I'm not gonna scrape the bottom of the barrel when it comes to a PSU.

OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W Modular High Performance Power Supply compatible with Intel Sandybridge Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD Phenom http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017 is one that I saw. $74.99 (plus a $25 mail-in rebate)

SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093 is another. $59.99

Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016 is the last one I'm considering. $64.99. It's a 3-rail instead of the single like the other two are.

Now, I eventually plan on getting an HIS Ice-Q 7850 graphics card, which is my main concern about the SeaSonic PSU. Would that be able to easily power the video card? I've heard about the quality of that PSU, but I have to admit that I'm not familiar with the PSUs all that much.

I should've remembered to post this as well. I was hoping to do a little overclocking with an i5-2500k (nothing huge, just maybe to 4.0ghz or so), so that is probably something to factor in as well.

The Seasonic is the best of the bunch, will easily run an OC'd 2500K and 7850

 

[macgreen]

Really? That's good to hear. I keep reading suggestions about Seasonic, so I'm glad that it can handle a little overclocking of a 2500k and the 7850 (which is factory overclocked). Even if it can't, I'm sure I'll be happy with the base clock speed of the 2500k (considering I'm building a PC to replace a Dual Core AMD Athlon II 3.1ghz machine from four years ago) anyway.

Any idea on how far I could OC the CPU before the PSU decides to just say no? So to speak, of course.

 

[delluser1]

Really? That's good to hear. I keep reading suggestions about Seasonic, so I'm glad that it can handle a little overclocking of a 2500k and the 7850 (which is factory overclocked). Even if it can't, I'm sure I'll be happy with the base clock speed of the 2500k (considering I'm building a PC to replace a Dual Core AMD Athlon II 3.1ghz machine from four years ago) anyway.

Any idea on how far I could OC the CPU before the PSU decides to just say no? So to speak, of course.

4.8 GHz 2600K ( basically the same power consumption as the 2500K ) and overclocked 7850
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/03/04/amd_radeon_hd_7870_7850_video_card_review/13
269w from the wall when gaming
~90% efficent psu
~242 watt load on the psu, less than 50% of the M12II's capacity

You may be able to go higher, depends more on you and the other components than the psu

 

[macgreen]

Best answer selected by macgreen.

 

[macgreen]

Thanks! I think that answers my questions pretty well, so I'll go ahead and get the Seasonic rather than the XFX or any of those other ones.