PSU for i5 3570k & Radeon 7950

ForYourHealth

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Jul 11, 2012
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Hey guys,

I need some advise on what PSU to buy. I would like it to be modular (semi-modular is fine) and I can find a decent deal myself if you can suggest a make/model.

I am going to be using these components:

Case - Antec 900 (4 case fans)

CPU - Intel i5 3570k Ivy Bridge

CPU heatsink - CM Hyper 212 EVO

GPU - either a Radeon 7950 or a GTX 660 ti when it comes out.

As for my mobo, it will be some version of a mid-high range Intel 1155 Z77 chipset board.

Other components include a 120gb SSD boot drive and 1-2 other HDDs.

Thanks for all the help! Let me know if more info is needed.


 
Solution
The size of the psu is gated by the graphics card.
In this case, a 7950 needs a 500w psu with two 6 pin pci-e power connectors. I expect the GTX660 to be similar.
This includes an allowance for a normal complement of other parts.
http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/7000/7950/Pages/radeon-7950.aspx#/2

The first rule for a psu is to buy QUALITY.
My short list would include Seasonic, Antec, PC P&C, XFX, and corsair.

It would not be wrong to overprovision a bit to 600-650w. The psu would operate more efficiently and be quieter.
If you are planning for cf/sli (which I do not much like) then look for a 750w psu.

In a Antec 900, I do not see much value in modular. There are plenty of places to stow the few leads that will be...
The size of the psu is gated by the graphics card.
In this case, a 7950 needs a 500w psu with two 6 pin pci-e power connectors. I expect the GTX660 to be similar.
This includes an allowance for a normal complement of other parts.
http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/7000/7950/Pages/radeon-7950.aspx#/2

The first rule for a psu is to buy QUALITY.
My short list would include Seasonic, Antec, PC P&C, XFX, and corsair.

It would not be wrong to overprovision a bit to 600-650w. The psu would operate more efficiently and be quieter.
If you are planning for cf/sli (which I do not much like) then look for a 750w psu.

In a Antec 900, I do not see much value in modular. There are plenty of places to stow the few leads that will be unused.
Also, you will never save enough electricity to pay for a gold rated psu.
I see gold rated and modular as beneficial primarily for small form factor cases.

Here is a seasonic 520w unit for $60:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

Here is a 600w PC P&C silencer for $70:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703036

 
Solution

DavidY

Honorable
Jul 6, 2012
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Single 7950 and no OC....550+ watt PS.
Twin 7950 and no OC....650+ watt PS.

600W PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk3 S600 (Seasonic). 80 Plus Bronze certified. $67 after MIR at NCIX.com
620W Antec HCG-620M (Seasonic). Bronze. $73 after MIR at Newegg.com
650W NZXT Hale82-650-M (Seasonic). Bronze. $85 at OutletPC
620W Seasonic M12II 620 Bronze. $89 at SuperBiiz
750W NZXT Hale82-750-M (Seasonic)....recommended as best bang for the buck. $100 at OutletPC

Dave
 

ForYourHealth

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Jul 11, 2012
132
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Thanks for all the help guys!

I forgot to mention that I will be OCing, probably with only a single card. If I were to ever SLI/CF, it will be way off in the future. And it is hard to tell which will be more cost effective in the future, single card or dual card. I really don't know at this point, so I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

But, there's a 750W antec on sale right now on newegg for $70 after rebate. There is also a TX650 Corsair for $60 after rebate.

Are those good PSUs for the value? What are the chances of me finding another sale like this?

Thanks!
 

Either one is a very good psu, and a good value.
Your chances are very good of finding another such sale. The psu market seems to be very competitive.
 

ForYourHealth

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Jul 11, 2012
132
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Okay then, I see no reason why I need to jump on these deals then. I will wait until closer to when I am going to actually make my build.

Thanks!