Help me choose PSU wattage, please! (First time build)

[YEM]

Hey All:

I'm working on my first build, and I am not entirely sure what wattage I should get for my PSU. Here is a list of the components that I have/will be ordering:

CPU: i7 3770k
Motherboard: Maximus V Gene
RAM: 8gb DDR3
HHD: Caviar Black 1tb
SSD: Samsung 250gb
Cooler: Noctua Dh-14
GPU: ? (Suggestions for something under $200 are welcome!)

I'll be running the stock fans in the Fractal Design Define Mini case I purchased, plus mPCIe bluetooth/wifi (if that really makes a difference). I ordered a Corsair 500M last night, but I could probably swap it out for more wattage before my items are shipped tomorrow, if necessary. I'll probably overclock a bit.

Also, as you see above, I have not yet selected a GPU, so any suggestions for something under $200 would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any responses

 

[Gam3r01]

500 watts will power most systems with most higher end gpus. If you want to be safe a 750 watt psu will put out more than enough power for overclocking ect. As for the Gpu something from amd such as the radon 7750 up to the 7850 would be in your price range. The 7750 will run on a 500 watt psu and any card higher than that may need a higher tier psu such as a 750.

 

[YEM]

Thanks, Gam3r01. You would jump all the way up to 750W to leave some headroom, or would a 600W suffice?

 

[Gam3r01]

A 600 watt would be fine, but if you plan on upgrading later down the line go for 750. If you are going to be satisfied with this setup a 600 will do just fine.

 

[adycopilu]

I suppose you ordered the Corsair CX 500M, which is a good PSU, should be able to handle your rig. However, if you plan to OC or to use Crossfire/SLI, 500W is not enough.
As GPU recommendations, I would go with nVidia GTX 660, much better than 7850, but right at the limit of 200$. Check here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130826
You can also go lower to nVidia GTX 650 Ti Boost (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130910), which is as good as 7850, but has CUDA & PhysX, if you ever need it.

 

[YEM]

Thanks, ady. I don't know that I'll ever put a second GPU in--if I were only to overclock, would you suggest a 600W or 750W PSU? Also, the GTX 660 is about $20 more than the HD 7850--worth it?

 

[adycopilu]

Thanks, ady. I don't know that I'll ever put a second GPU in--if I were only to overclock, would you suggest a 600W or 750W PSU? Also, the GTX 660 is about $20 more than the HD 7850--worth it?

The extra $20 is totally worth it, get the GTX 660. As for the PSU, I think it is enough for GTX 660 and OC'ed CPU. You can play with this tool, to make some estimations. I tried with your configuration, put also a GTX 660, a DVD-writer, 3 USB devices and 2 case fans, 10% capacitor aging, no OC, and the result was: minimum 311W, recommended 361W, which should give plenty of space for overclocking your CPU. You can also switch to a Seasonic unit (industry's best manufacturer IMO), like M12-II 520W, if you want to rest assured, but Corsair is also a very good brand and that unit in particular (CX500M) will leave up to the expectations.