Wattage required??

[nicholask]

Hi,

It's my first time, so please bear with me.

I'm building a pc, and I happen to have a spare 500W PSU lying around at home. Would it be able to power my pc? Here are the specs:

- Intel Core i7-3700k (Very slight overclocking)
- Sapphire Vapor-X HD7970 GHZ EDITION 3GB GDDR5 Graphic Card
- 4 X 4GB RAM DDR3 1333
- ASUS P8Z77-V PRO
- Western Digital 2x500GB 7200RPM
Maybe I'll add a DVD drive too.

So, would a 500W PSU be able to sufficiently power this pc?

Thanks in advance

 

[Deemo13]

It depends on the quality of the power supply.

I wouldn't recommend doing it though. I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be enough pweor.

Also, if you are overclocking get a CPU cooler, even with a slight overclock.

If you are gaming, save some money and get a 3570K instead at no loss of gaming performance.

 

[nicholask]

It depends on the quality of the power supply.

I wouldn't recommend doing it though. I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be enough pweor.

Also, if you are overclocking get a CPU cooler, even with a slight overclock.

If you are gaming, save some money and get a 3570K instead at no loss of gaming performance.

Would 700W be good? Any after market fans you can recommend?

 

[Deemo13]

Again, it depends on the quality of the power supply.

Are you just gaming?

And a good CPU cooler for that processor would be a CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO.

 

[nicholask]

Again, it depends on the quality of the power supply.

Are you just gaming?

And a good CPU cooler for that processor would be a CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO.

Alrgiht I think I'll go with your suggestion on the cooler. Btw, the PSU I plan on is the Corsair GS700W. Anw, I was wondering if the Sapphire Vapor-X HD7970 GHZ EDITION 3GB GDDR5 Graphic Card will be able to fit into a Cooler Master HAF X chassis?

 

[manofchalk]

God yes, that case is a beast and will fit anything you could throw at it (except maybe a quadruple radiator, not without some modding at least).

For a bit of evidence behind that. The case supports a 5970
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6653
Which is so far the longest graphics card ever made, so anything else will fit in without issue.

 

[nicholask]

God yes, that case is a beast and will fit anything you could throw at it (except maybe a quadruple radiator, not without some modding at least).

For a bit of evidence behind that. The case supports a 5970
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6653
Which is so far the longest graphics card ever made, so anything else will fit in without issue.

Good to know thanks. Are the fans provided of any significant use? btw, will the Corsair Enthusiast Series TX850 be enough to power this build?

 

[manofchalk]

The stock fans are pretty good, though not great.
The front fan is the exception though, keep that one unless you want to change the LED colour.

I personally have replaced all but the front fan with aftermarket ones. I would advise getting a 200mm Coolermaster Megaflow and putting that on the side panel and putting the 200mm that was there up the top.

Its overkill for the hardware you have, could get away with 750W (and that's if you are considering Crossfire/SLI, 650W if not).

 

[nicholask]

The stock fans are pretty good, though not great.
The front fan is the exception though, keep that one unless you want to change the LED colour.

I personally have replaced all but the front fan with aftermarket ones. I would advise getting a 200mm Coolermaster Megaflow and putting that on the side panel and putting the 200mm that was there up the top.

Its overkill for the hardware you have, could get away with 750W (and that's if you are considering Crossfire/SLI, 650W if not).

yeah I thought so too.
stupid question, but should the power for the graphics card be coming from the mobo or the PSU directly?

 

[manofchalk]

Comes from both actually.
The card can draw up to 75W through the PCI-Express slot, and the cable to the PSU provides the rest. Thats how you can get low power cards like the 7750 having no power connectors.
Though if the card has the power connection, connect it.

 

[nicholask]

Comes from both actually.
The card can draw up to 75W through the PCI-Express slot, and the cable to the PSU provides the rest. Thats how you can get low power cards like the 7750 having no power connectors.
Though if the card has the power connection, connect it.

Another qn: With the Cooler Master 212 Evo, how much can I OC to without compromising the integrity and lifespan of the 3770K?

 

[manofchalk]

Not sure, I haven't OC a 3770k before and never really researched on how to because i only have a 3570k.

Guess just follow basic overclocking method. Increase by .1Ghz at a time, stress test, then repeat until its too hot (90c is hottest I would say is still safe, but I personally don't let it above 70c) or unstable. If its unstable add a bit more voltage then keep going.

If its anything like the 3570k, you should be able to get an easy 4.2 to 4.4Ghz without changing stock voltage.

 

[Isaiah4110]

As far as specific power supply goes, any of the models in this list would be the first ones I recommend. Seasonic is regarded by many as the best power supply manufacturer, and XFX power supplies are made by Seasonic.

Keep in mind the recommendation (650W for single graphics card and 750W is you plan on ever adding a second one) that manofchalk made earlier when picking a specific model. Other than that, the only real differences between those power supplies are level of 80Plus rating and level of modularity. Take your pick on personal preference in regard to those differences.

 

[nicholask]

As far as specific power supply goes, any of the models in this list would be the first ones I recommend. Seasonic is regarded by many as the best power supply manufacturer, and XFX power supplies are made by Seasonic.

Keep in mind the recommendation (650W for single graphics card and 750W is you plan on ever adding a second one) that manofchalk made earlier when picking a specific model. Other than that, the only real differences between those power supplies are level of 80Plus rating and level of modularity. Take your pick on personal preference in regard to those differences.

What are the advantages to modularity?

 

[nicholask]

Anyway, what gpu do you guys think is better, the gtx 680 or the 7970 ghz edition? I choose the sapphire HD 7970 vapor x ghz, is it good? If not, what should I get and which vendor should I get it from? My budget is around the price of the vapor x

 

[Deemo13]

I prefer the 7970, and the one you picked is fine.

 

[nicholask]

I prefer the 7970, and the one you picked is fine.

What would be a suitable affordable monitor to play games with this card? I'm planning on perhaps using 3 monitors, but my budget is tight for now, so maybe I'll go for one big monitor and expand later on. btw, what resolution would be good?

 

[Deemo13]

Monitors is not my expertise. In the past, I have just gamed on the best monitor I could get my hands on, or the monitor that fits my needs.

Other people should recommend nice monitors. This forum has a huge knowledgebase.

 

[manofchalk]

What are the advantages to modularity?

You can remove cables you dont need from the supply, so cable management is easier.
If its fully modular, you can easily take the supply out of the case for cleaning without needing to undo any said cable management.

 

[nicholask]

You can remove cables you dont need from the supply, so cable management is easier.
If its fully modular, you can easily take the supply out of the case for cleaning without needing to undo any said cable management.

Hmm but modular PSUs seem to be more ex though

 

[manofchalk]

Because its easier to solder wires directly into the PSU then it is to make a socket and plug system that wont lose efficiency between the connections.
And its a marketing thing as well, its a "premium" feature of sorts and therefor they can charge more for it.

 

[Isaiah4110]

Hmm but modular PSUs seem to be more ex though

Well wouldn't you know. Newegg has a 24 hour special going on a fully modular 750W, 80Plus Gold PSU right now for only $99.99. I doubt you will find a better deal than this.

SeaSonic X750 Gold 750W

If I were you then I would order this guy early in the day today. Shows up as $149.99 but there is a $50 promo code.

 

[Deemo13]

I JUST ordered my FSP power supply brand new with a promo....darnit.