How much wattage is good for me?

[rabidocelot]

I guess I will start out with my specs -

ASUS P8Z77-V PRO
8 gigs of ram
Looking to buy a MSI 660ti
i5 Ivy Bridge

I was wondering what a good PSU would be for my setup so I can get the most effective power usage, but I also need help with which brands are better and which ones to stay away from. I was thinking of possibly getting a PSU in the range of 800-850w but I am not sure if that is a little overkill for what I am running. Thanks

 

[jay_nar2012]

A 500-550W would be fine.

What is your budget on the PSU.

 

[rabidocelot]

I'm thinking my budget is somewhere 100-150. I could go a bit higher if there was something was really spectacular.

 

[jay_nar2012]

What currency and where are you shopping, need to be sure.

Seasonic, Corsair, XFX are good companies.

 

[rabidocelot]

Whoops my bad. Its US and I live in TX shopping on Newegg most likely.

 

[C12Friedman]

That's actually quite a bit of overkill for your build. Without the desire to SLI in the future a 500W should easily cover you, if wanting to SLI 650-750 should do the trick. You can look at various power calculators on line - some will show you your max current draw, some will give you PSU advice, they will be different numbers. Here's why, you really don't want to use a PSU at maximum draw, efficiency goes downhill and heat increases. You should be shooting to have your maximum draw (I'd estimate offhand as near 375W) in the 50-75% range of the PSU's max output for efficiency and it will run cooler so it will last longer.
Antec, SeaSonic, XFX, Corsair are reputable brands

 

[rabidocelot]

I guess the only reason I was trying to shoot so far over is that I heard that a more powerful PSU on a system that doesn't need as much power would make it run quieter and cooler. I didn't actually have any idea of numbers to shoot for which is why I came to you guys for advice. I don't actually have any plans for SLI right now but maybe having the option wouldn't be the worst idea if I don't go too crazy.

 

[jay_nar2012]

These are good choices.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151098#
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151099

 

[jay_nar2012]

Also if you are planning SLI in the future then-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088

 

[rabidocelot]

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[jay_nar2012]

Your welcome.

Need any more help?