Help me choose a PSU

[Jomama507]

Here's the scenario: I built a system in August, 2010 and after a while, my PSU started making squealing noises while my system was under load. The intensity of the noise would vary depending on the intensity of the load (obviously). I first noticed it when I was running a full system analysis in Passmark Performance Test and it got to the 3D graphics part of the test. The PSU started squealing very loudly, with a high pitch. I next noticed the noise when playing Crysis (although the noise started even during the main menu of the game, before any real gameplay had started). After a while the noise seemed to get worse, and now I can even hear a slight hum while scrolling up and down on web pages (especially ones with a lot of pictures) and while watching videos on Youtube and what not.

Anyway, the PSU is a TR2 750W (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0323928). I have read several customer reviews, and many people have had the same problem with this PSU.

And so, I am looking to get a new PSU before this one dies and possibly destroys my entire system. My system is:

CPU: i7 930 @ 4.2GHz, 1.288VCore - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225
Memory: 3x2GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1600 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145286
Motherboard: ASUS P6X58D-E - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641
Graphics Card: Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (factory overclocked) - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0341978
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black 6Gb/s 1TB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533
SSD: Intel X25-M 80GB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167023
CPU Cooler: Titan Fenrir - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0334422
PSU: (see above)

So, basically what I am hoping to get from you guys is an estimation of what PSU specs I need (wattage, amperage on each rail, etc.), and some suggestions of some good PSUs that will meet these specs. I tried the PSU calculator that was stickied on this forum, and it said I need 654W. I wasn't sure if I should trust that, because it seems like I would need more than that with my overclocked CPU and GPU.

Also, please keep in mind that I would like to have room to upgrade my system without having to also upgrade my PSU in the future. My most immediate plan is to get another GTX 460, identical to the one that I have, or perhaps an HD 5970 or GTX 580.

Anyway, with all that in mind, I would appreciate it if you guys could help me decide what specs I will need in a PSU, and which PSU is most worth buying.

 

[Jomama507]

Also, these are some of the PSUs I have been looking at:

- Corsair AX850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139015
- Corsair AX1200 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139014
- Ultra X4 1050W http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4558889&Sku=U12-40502
- Ultra X4 1200W http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4143847&Sku=ULT40323
- Kingwin Lazer Gold 850W http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6077245&CatId=2534
- Kingwin Lazer Gold 1000W http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6077246&CatId=2535

I'm not sure if these higher-end PSUs would be overkill for my system (I may not need nearly that much wattage), but that's why I'm asking you guys. Feel free to comment on these PSUs that I've posted, or recommend entirely different ones that will be suitable for my system (and have room for a few system upgrades in the future). I am completely open for suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[redduc900]

With an overclocked i7-930 and 2 x overclocked GTX 460s w/ 1 x HDD and 1 x SSD, the Corsair PSU calculator recommends a 850W-950W unit. If you're looking for the best 850W unit available, I would suggest the AX850 modular PSU...

Professional Series™ Gold AX850 — 80 PLUS® Gold Certified Fully-Modular Power Supply
http://www.corsair.com/power-supplies/modular-psus/professional-series-gold-2/ax850.html

... which Newegg sells for $179.99 with MIR.

 

[Jomama507]

Thanks for the quick response and the suggestion, redduc. I'm still open for suggestions.

 

[Wathnix]

You are right that your old power supply sounds like it's gonna blow, most likely the power transistor or one of the coils is on it's way out and you are also right that it can take out other computer parts when it does go, you should replace as soon as possible.

Right now Corsair is the most recommended power supply out there, they have excellent reputation for quality and low noise. They are usually made by seasonic but are a little less noisy than the seasonic branded PSU. Antec and Sparkle are also great brands. I currently have a Corsair myself and only wish it had more watts.

Are you running one or two video cards? I see only one in your original post, but Redduc 900 is saying two.

I'm gonna answer this one based on one video card, if you are going with two or want to add another card in the future then go with Redduc's suggestions.

I think the 1200 watt power supply you have been looking at is overkill

This is a great low priced one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026

Slightly more expensive initially but has a rebate which makes it cheaper than the Antec
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Expensive but has modular power connectors
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010

 

[Jomama507]

Thank you for the suggestions, Wathnix. I will check them out. The reason that redduc was talking about 2 video cards was because I wanted to have a PSU that will have room for a future upgrade. I currently have only one GTX 460, but would like to maybe add another later on without having to also upgrade my PSU.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Jomama507]

While searching through some 850W PSUs on TigerDirect, I stumbled upon a Kingwin Lazer Gold 850W PSU. I can get it for about $34 cheaper than the Corsair AX850. Also, it has a better review than the Corsair AX850 on Jonnyguru.com. It has almost identical specs to the AX850 other than the fact that it has some non-modular cables, which shouldn't be too big of a deal. Anyway, if anyone would care to check it over, that would be greatly appreciated. Here are some links:

AX850: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6391018&CatId=2534
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=197
Kingwin LZG-850: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6077245&CatId=2534
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=206

 

[Moto7451]

I've had nothing but great results with my PC Power & Cooling PSU (I'm a fan of single rail PSUs as well). Newegg often times has them on sale.

 

[gofaster87]

Just to throw it out there. I got to see the new Corsair 1200 this weekend. Badass PSU if you dont mind the cost.

 

[Jomama507]

Thanks for the responses, Moto and gofaster.

@Moto: Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into it and see what I think.

@gofaster: Yes, that PSU is quite the monster, but I think it's a bit overkill for my system. I don't need quite that much wattage, but if I did, I would certainly get the Corsair AX1200.

If anyone has any comments on my dispute between the Corsair AX850 and the Kingwin Lazer Gold 850 or has any suggestions on other PSUs, I still haven't made up my mind and could use some tips. Thanks again for all the responses so far.

 

[PhysX]

With an overclocked i7-930 and 2 x overclocked GTX 460s w/ 1 x HDD and 1 x SSD, the Corsair PSU calculator recommends a 850W-950W unit. If you're looking for the best 850W unit available, I would suggest the AX850 modular PSU...

Professional Series™ Gold AX850 — 80 PLUS® Gold Certified Fully-Modular Power Supply
http://www.corsair.com/power-supplies/modular-psus/professional-series-gold-2/ax850.html

... which Newegg sells for $179.99 with MIR.

I couldnt agree more, its a quality product and great warranty

 

[Jomama507]

Thanks for the suggestion, PhysX. And nice rig. You got the i7-2600k and 2 6970s already? That thing must be a monster.