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Need help selecting PSU please

M

mham2323

n00b
Joined
Feb 13, 2009
Messages
6
Hello all, sorry for another "what PSU can handle my system" thread. but since this is my first build, I'm trying to decide which psu (brand and wattage) to select properly. Here are my projected specs:

Core i7 920 (mild OC = low 3 GHz range maybe?)
Gigabyte UD3R or UD4P (leaning towards UD3R)
GTX 280 or 285 (I don't plan on SLI anytime soon, hence the UD3R MOBO tendency)
2-3 HHDs, later on with RAID controller
6 GB DDR3 RAM (1333 or 1600)
Other: DVD/Blue-Ray, 5-7 120mm fans with fan controller

I'm initially considering:
1) 620HX
2) 650TX
3) 850TX (in case I actually do SLI later on with a SLI-compatible MOBO, or just for the extra headroom)

I prefer to spend less than $150 and by no means were the three preceding PSUs the only considerations. If you have other brand or model suggestions, please mention it :)

Also, I know this is a PSU thread, but any quick reasons why I should consider UD4P instead of UD3R (besides SLI and memory slot limitations of the UD3R)?

Thanks, I'm glad I found this forum!
 
From a price to performance standpoint, this is one of the best PSUs and PSU deal now:
PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W PSU - $100

So if you don't need modular cables, I recommend the PC P&C. However, if you like Corsair as a company better and MIGHT use SLI later on, then go with the 850TX for $140.

Mobo wise, besides the increased RAM support and SLI support, really not much of a reason to go with the UD4P AFAIK. Oh and make sure you the Core i7 920 and UD3R through this combo link to save an additional $15:
Intel Core i7 920 CPU and Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R Intel X58 ATX Motherboard combo - $475
 
be warned the red version is hit or miss - I got one first was DOA second is working so far. Check Newegg there are a lot of DOA's.
 
What do you mean by the "red version"? Are you talking about the PSUs labeling color of the Corsairs? Thanks
 
mham2323 said:
What do you mean by the "red version"? Are you talking about the PSUs labeling color of the Corsairs? Thanks
Click to expand...

He's talking about the PC P&C PSU I linked to: It's red. That particularly PSU comes in three different colors: Red, black and blue
 
Gotcha;) Thanks, I saw that too about the PC&C. I'm more inclined to go with the corsairs. So the question now becomes, is 620/650 W enough for non-SLI (i7 and GTX 280/285). How much headroom would that leave?

Thanks
 
mham2323 said:
Gotcha;) Thanks, I saw that too about the PC&C. I'm more inclined to go with the corsairs. So the question now becomes, is 620/650 W enough for non-SLI (i7 and GTX 280/285). How much headroom would that leave?
Click to expand...

Yes and enough headroom for a few extra drives.
 
The Silencer is a great PSU, but it leaves a big mess with all the unused cables, I know I had one and sold. But it is an excellent PSU, just wish it were modular.
I can vouch for the HX620, I had the HX520 which is very similar. I would also recommend a Silverstone DA700, which is modular and $130 after rebate and right in your price range.
 
space_ghost said:
I would also recommend a Silverstone DA700, which is modular and $130 after rebate and right in your price range.
Click to expand...
Although that Silverstone is modular, it also has less capacity and is of inferior quality compared to the Silencer 750. Considering it's also $50 more expensive after all rebates are considered, it really isn't a very good deal.
 
Zero82z said:
Although that Silverstone is modular, it also has less capacity and is of inferior quality compared to the Silencer 750. Considering it's also $50 more expensive after all rebates are considered, it really isn't a very good deal.
Click to expand...

How is it of inferior quality? Proof please. Every review I have seen of the DA series has been very good. It got great reviews here .
And from anandtech.com,
"The performance is better than we expected compared to our former results from Silverstone units. The voltage regulation works exceptionally well, rarely dropping below the ideal output level on the various rails. The important 12V rail stays strong even when loaded with 50A. Silverstone also worked on the ripple and noise and we had best results in this field as well. 20mV on the 12V rail at max is a good achievement. Efficiency was also improved over previous models, where we formerly topped out at ~83% 230VAC, and now we see an additional 2%. Perhaps more useful than an 85% efficiency is the long range where the high efficiency is available. Maximum efficiency comes at the 350W mark, which reflects a loaded SLI gaming system these days, but loads of 150W to the maximum 700W stay above 80% with 120VAC or higher."

This is a great PSU and is in no way inferior to the Silencer 750. If anything the Silencer 750 has decreased in quality from what I have been hearing.
 
space_ghost said:
How is it of inferior quality? Proof please. Every review I have seen of the DA series has been very good. It got great reviews here .
And from anandtech.com,
"The performance is better than we expected compared to our former results from Silverstone units. The voltage regulation works exceptionally well, rarely dropping below the ideal output level on the various rails. The important 12V rail stays strong even when loaded with 50A. Silverstone also worked on the ripple and noise and we had best results in this field as well. 20mV on the 12V rail at max is a good achievement. Efficiency was also improved over previous models, where we formerly topped out at ~83% 230VAC, and now we see an additional 2%. Perhaps more useful than an 85% efficiency is the long range where the high efficiency is available. Maximum efficiency comes at the 350W mark, which reflects a loaded SLI gaming system these days, but loads of 150W to the maximum 700W stay above 80% with 120VAC or higher."

This is a great PSU and is in no way inferior to the Silencer 750. If anything the Silencer 750 has decreased in quality from what I have been hearing.
Click to expand...
Never mind, I was thinking of the Enhance-built Strider 700W. The Decathlon is built by Impervio and is a much better quality unit. With that said, it's no better than on par with the Seasonic-built Silencer 750, and is also considerably more expensive and has less capacity. Unless the modular capability is really necessary, I see no reason to spend more on a PSU that offers no real benefit over the cheaper PCP&C unit.
 
Zero82z said:
Never mind, I was thinking of the Enhance-built Strider 700W. The Decathlon is built by Impervio and is a much better quality unit. With that said, it's no better than on par with the Seasonic-built Silencer 750, and is also considerably more expensive and has less capacity. Unless the modular capability is really necessary, I see no reason to spend more on a PSU that offers no real benefit over the cheaper PCP&C unit.
Click to expand...

Im not trying to convince the OP that the DA700 is better or not, Im just throwing out another PSU worth considering. I know the Silencer 750 is a good PSU because I had one, and there was a blob of unused cables. So thats why I threw out a good modular PSU which is actually a great price after the rebate.
Ya the Strider series by Silverstone is not the best around. It is the low-end of the Silverstone line up and I would not recommend those, but many are lured to buy them because of the price. It isnt a horrible PSU, its just not that great.

Again the PC P&C Silencer is more than capable of getting the job and very worth the price now. I paid $199 for mine a little over a year ago :(
 
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