Help with PSU!!

Michael_10 · 30 Jan 2010 at 16:09

Hi everyone,
I've recently been upgraing my computer, and one of the last upgrades I am going to perform is a PSU upgrade. My case is quite small, so I have been looking at getting a modular psu (though i have read about the negatives you get).
I can't afford a top of the range Corsair modular psu, so I'm looking at more mid range, the two i have in mind are

The OCZ 550w Fatal1ty
The Coolmaster Real Power M520

They are roughly the same price, though the Coolmaster is a couple of pounds dearer, and has 30w less.
The OCZ has 25A on 2, 12v rails, and the Coolermaster has 19A on 3, 12v rails.

I am running a unlocked Phenom 550, 1 hdd and have the intention of buying a HD 5850 later this year.
Can anyone offer any advice/experience on these PSU's and which one would be better?

DIABLO · 30 Jan 2010 at 16:12

I would get the OCZ because of the reasons you stated and that they are a good make.

Michael_10 · 30 Jan 2010 at 16:20

The Coolmaster has a higher combined current on the 12v rail though?

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 30 Jan 2010 at 16:21

I would forget about them both as you can get the Seasonic made Corsair HX450W for under £60 and you can get the modular version of the 500W Silverstone Strider ST50F-230 for under £55.

The OCZ mentioned is supposed to be made by Sirtec AFAIK.

Michael_10 · 30 Jan 2010 at 16:34

the hx450w wouldnt be enough for the hd 5850

Essexraptor · 30 Jan 2010 at 16:46

Thanks for the heads up on the Silverstone Cat, good looking buy for a modular 500w

Ricardox1 · 30 Jan 2010 at 17:01

I'd go for the OCZ

OLDPHART · 30 Jan 2010 at 17:04

Have a look at the OCZ 600W modular £65 gets very good reviews gives you a bit more head room -

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-031-OC&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 30 Jan 2010 at 17:05

An HD5850 1GB has lower power consumption than an HD4870 1GB:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/HIS/HD_5850/28.html

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/radeon-hd5850_11.html#sect0

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2009/10/14/ati-radeon-hd-5850-review/9

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1014-page6.html

An HX450W will run a HD4870 1GB or HD4890 1GB fine.

stulid · 30 Jan 2010 at 17:05

I would forget all of the above..

Antec new truepower 550w is better than all them.