GTX 260 - Will my computer explode?

F

fcwedd

Weaksauce
Joined
Mar 16, 2009
Messages
72
Hey all,

I figured that most of the brains are here and was hoping that some of you could answer this question:

I'm currently on the following:

CPU: Q9550
MB: ASUS P5QL Pro
GPU: GTX 260
RAM: 4GB G.Skill DDR2 1066 (2x2)
HD: 320GB Wester Digital SATA 3
SC: Creative X-Fi
Case: Antec 900 w/ 5 fans
OS: Vista 64
Drive: 1 DVD/RW Sata

I'm worried about the Power Supply. I need one, however, am pretty tight on my entertainment funds. I've had my heart set on a modular power supply, but understand the risk of purchasing a low quality unit. I just don't want the thing to explode!

Here are the two cheapest modular power supplies I could find:

1) OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W ATX12V - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022

2) Antec BP550 Plus 550W ATX12V V2.2 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

I rarely overclock and I won't ever be running SLI, as my MB won't allow it. I want to run the above system without having to worry. Will either of these two do? If so, which one would you choose?

Thanks all!
 
What are you currently running in terms of a power supply and do you over clock?
 
Oh, I haven't yet run this gear; I've never had a power supply.

I never really got into overclocking. Everything will pretty much be at stock speeds.

Thanks for the reply :)

Btw, I really only have about 70 bucks to work with.
 
I wouldn't skimp on power. OCZ Power supplies are known for using a fairly flaky platform (Epsilon) that can cause bad ripple under heavy loads.

I did find a Seasonic 500W Modular (pretty much the equivelent of a 520HX) for 92.99 no rebates:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151056

I like Antec Earthwatts series there is a 500W for 69.99 (non modular though):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

Edit: 70 dollars for a good modular power supply with your setup is hard and you could get by with this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151057

but I wouldn't recommend it as it's approaching 80% usage and could end up being loud.
 
fcwedd said:
Here are the two cheapest modular power supplies I could find:

1) OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W ATX12V - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022

2) Antec BP550 Plus 550W ATX12V V2.2 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

Will either of these two do? If so, which one would you choose?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't trust either. The Basiq is exactly that: Basic. That whole line of PSUs isn't worth buying unless you have an office system or something. As for the OCZ PSU, a few of their PSUs are based on the troublesome FSP Episilon design or made by Sirtec. I can't tell which manufacturer made that particular OCZ PSU so I personally wouldn't trust it.

fcwedd said:
I've had my heart set on a modular power supply, but understand the risk of purchasing a low quality unit. I just don't want the thing to explode!
Click to expand...
If you want quality at low price in addition to being enough power for future upgrades, then ditch the modular requirement. If you want modular, quality and enough power for future upgrades, you'll need to spend at least $100. Biskquik's SeaSonic M12II SS-430GM 430W recommendation would be enough for your current planned system BUT it would be very very close and limited to no upgrade room.

For $70 and with modular cables not being a requirement, I recommend this PSU:
BFG Tech LS-550 550W PSU - $68
 
i just picked up a BFG 550W for $69 US at Fry's. works great. The critical issue is the amperage output on the 12V rail, if i'm not mistaken.
 
Separate rails is usually a scam, a lot of the power supplies that list "separate rails" are just talking about the wiring, not the actual circuitry.

Get the best power supply you can afford... it's basically like the fuel for your car. A cheap powersupply is like running gas with water in it... the voltage fluctuations can damage your components or worse, cause a short and/or start a fire.

And as always with [Hard]|Forum, if you do cause an explosion or fire, keep your camera handy and post pics! :D
 
I dont think modular is all that important, just for some info there. I ended up with only one cable from the Corsair power supply in my sig that was not being used. I found a place in my case to tape it down and hide it, and everything is skippy. You can see (barely) the taped cable under the fan in the bottom middle.

The Corsair, non-modular 550W is on NewEgg for $70 AR... If you can get $20 more dollars to hold over until the rebate comes, I'd say this is the best choice. I dont think your system will need more than 550W, but im unsure of the power draw of that quad core compared to my dual.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

EDIT: $1 less at ZipZoomFly! I use PriceGrabber to search for this stuff really fast, btw. That Dell price is $79 after the rebate, lame.

Cable management came out like this in the following picture (case = Antec P180). Its not the prettiest because I'm lazy, but the non-modular part of the supply is not the reason for that :p All I look for is that all cables are out of the way of major airflow areas.
p1000324.jpg


This thing is gonna be fast when youre done man!
 
dont skip on a psu, i learned that the hard way, i made a system for my little sister and i put a 350 watt in it and it killed everthing but the cpu and i was ticked, bought some new stuff and then bought a nice 550w antec for her :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top