What kind of wattage would I need with..

[baris_]

Motherboard: Gigabyte H55M-UD2H H55 (MicroATX)
Processor: Core i5 750 (overclocked to 3.4GHz)
Memory: Corsair 2x2GB PC3-12800 1600MHz 9-9-9-24
Case: Antec 900 (so count in the 4 LED fans on low speed)
Storage: Samsung SpinPoint F3 500GB
Graphics Card: HD5850 or 5870 (tell me what would be needed for both)
1 dvd-rom drive

I ran some calculations (for as much as I could) and I come to some low answers. Around 450W.. So my question is, would 500W be sufficient? For instance: OCZ StealthXStream 500W

The wants are: Just enough wattage power, good brand and as cheap as possible.

Should one go modular or non modular with this set up?

[noxqzs]

Looking at a few reviews, there only appears to be a 20W difference between the two video cards at peak usage. It would be wise to get a power supply that is a bit stronger than your requirements so you are not running close to maximum of the unit. I would pick at least a solid 600W. Don't skimp on this part of the PC. If a psu is pretty heavy when you pick it up, that is usually a good sign. As far as modular vs non, in my oppinion, the choice is mostly aesthetic. Plugs can carry a good amount of power, and usually are not the weakest link.

[muddocktor]

With an Antec 900 case I would prefer a modular psu, since that case is a bit harder on cable management than others. And don't cheap out on the psu, quality wise. Look for deals on a quality psu such as a Corsair HX650 (for modular) or TX650 (non-modular) or other comparable psu to the Corsair units. I would stay away from FSP built units in this size range as they seem to have some ripple issues at high loads. There are several sites to look for quality psu reviews, such as HardOCP, jonnyGURU, and Hardware Secrets and Anandtech's latest psu test was decent too.

[baris_]

With an Antec 900 case I would prefer a modular psu, since that case is a bit harder on cable management than others. And don't cheap out on the psu, quality wise. Look for deals on a quality psu such as a Corsair HX650 (for modular) or TX650 (non-modular) or other comparable psu to the Corsair units. I would stay away from FSP built units in this size range as they seem to have some ripple issues at high loads. There are several sites to look for quality psu reviews, such as HardOCP, jonnyGURU, and Hardware Secrets and Anandtech's latest psu test was decent too.

Thank you for your reply. I will look into it. Btw: I'm now down to the Antec 300.. Which does not have as many fans and not LED. So power may go down a notch?

[sobe]

I'd grab an Antec EarthWatts 650($80 on NewEgg) or Corsair 650TX ($99 on Newegg ($5 more than 550VX)). That way as far as power needs you won't have to worry about any additions. Hell a good 650 will take care of an i7 and 5870 as well.

On a personal note, I'd stay away from OCZ.

[cogman]

I'd grab an Antec EarthWatts 650

Same, if you could get 700 watts that would be better

[Marshmallow64]

Power will not go down by much with less fans and LEDs.

[baris_]

I'd grab an Antec EarthWatts 650($80 on NewEgg) or Corsair 650TX ($99 on Newegg ($5 more than 550VX)). That way as far as power needs you won't have to worry about any additions. Hell a good 650 will take care of an i7 and 5870 as well.

On a personal note, I'd stay away from OCZ.

That's the thing. We don't have to worry about additions. There won't be any. I just need a PSU that will do it for 3 years without any additions. I really think then 500 or 550W would suffice?

[ScottinIndy]

That's the thing. We don't have to worry about additions. There won't be any. I just need a PSU that will do it for 3 years without any additions. I really think then 500 or 550W would suffice?

I think 550 would be fine. I would feel comfortable running that setup with the PSU in my sig. I think 650/700 watts is really overkill for your proposed setup if no upgrades are planned.

[baris_]

I think 550 would be fine. I would feel comfortable running that setup with the PSU in my sig. I think 650/700 watts is really overkill for your proposed setup if no upgrades are planned.

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I've ran this psu calculator and on everything on maximum (100/100/50) I get exactly 540W. That's overclock included.

[DragoXT]

Dont skimp on the PSU. An extra 10-20 bucks now for a 650w PSU is so much better than having to spend another 100 in a year when your PSU craps cause it was to small to handle the load. Remember, PSU's are only about 70% effeciant, unless they are 80 plus certified. Even at that, these units are tested for that at a cool running temp. You throw that bad boy in a case with an overclocked cpu and gpu and that extra heat will make that PSU less efficient. Performance WILL degrade over time due to dust build up and component wear and tear. Yeah you may not plan to upgrade, yeah you want to save some money, but do yourself a favor and spend the little extra to get a good PSU that has more than enough juice so you dont have a greater chance to run into PSU related issues where you will end up having to replace the PSU to fix the problem. Trust me, when you have dealt with PSU issues due to users not getting a big enough unit, or them putting high power vid cards in Dell's and HP's and wonder why their PSU crapped, the amount of money they spend to fix their cheap out in the beginning is ALWAYS much much more than the amount of money they saved to cheap out.

[ScottinIndy]

Dont skimp on the PSU. An extra 10-20 bucks now for a 650w PSU is so much better than having to spend another 100 in a year when your PSU craps cause it was to small to handle the load. Remember, PSU's are only about 70% effeciant, unless they are 80 plus certified. Even at that, these units are tested for that at a cool running temp. You throw that bad boy in a case with an overclocked cpu and gpu and that extra heat will make that PSU less efficient. Performance WILL degrade over time due to dust build up and component wear and tear. Yeah you may not plan to upgrade, yeah you want to save some money, but do yourself a favor and spend the little extra to get a good PSU that has more than enough juice so you dont have a greater chance to run into PSU related issues where you will end up having to replace the PSU to fix the problem. Trust me, when you have dealt with PSU issues due to users not getting a big enough unit, or them putting high power vid cards in Dell's and HP's and wonder why their PSU crapped, the amount of money they spend to fix their cheap out in the beginning is ALWAYS much much more than the amount of money they saved to cheap out.


What you say is true, However, Look at the system he is building, It will likely draw 400 watts if O.C.ed. A quality 550 watt PSU gives him plenty of headroom. Getting a quality unit is always a priority on that we agree, I personally just think that often the amount of power a build will actually need gets exaggerated and the size of the PSU needed gets exaggerated with it.

[EarthDog]

Let me put it this way... I draw AT MOST 463W from the wall at 4Ghz and GTX260 216 way overclocked. This was running furmark on the GPU and P95 on teh CPU. In reality that load will never be constant unless you F@H on CPU and GPU. Gaming I have seen a peak of 375W.

For this build, Corsair 550VX would be a perfect fit. ;)

@ Dragon - FYI, the efficiency part of a PSU is not taken from its output. If it says 500W it should put out 500W, not 400W! My number above at teh wall is 463W taking account 80% efficiency that should put me in the 360W actual usage. ;)