How to work out which psu to get?

timmillwood

timmillwood

timmillwood

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How can I work out which wattage psu to get?
I plan on getting a 6-core phenom II with 2 1GB graphics cards and 4-8GB memory.

Also which make is best? Heard corsair are good, but worth it over an unbranded one?

Also, what are modular psu's?

Thanks
 
The BEST PSU ever IMO is the PCP&C TurboCool 1200 but that is overkill for you.

Corsair and Enermax are regarded as the "best" named brands and as a result, you will be paying over the top slightly.
XFX are VERY good for quality/performance.

Most companies just rebrand Seasonic units though so if you can find a decent seasonic that would be worth it.

Here would be my top choices for you:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-012-CS&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1084

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-000-XF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1497

The HX1000 is somewhat of a legend and has been around for a long time. The XFX is very popular on these forums so you will probably get steered towards that. Both excellent PSUs though :)

Corsairs CS is also immense.

Modular PSUs have detachable cables so you only plug the cables in that you actually need. The HX series are semi-full modular in that a few of the cables are hard wired. You will be using these cables though so it doesnt matter.
 
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timmillwood said:
No idea which graphics cards yet.

I was hoping to get away with a 300w - 500w PSU.

Guess I was wrong.
Click to expand...

You'll have to come back when you've decided on the cards as power consumption varies greatly.

300-500W isn't going to cut it unless they're very low power cards and I assume those aren't what you'll be getting.
 
Modular give have removable connectors, so you don't end up with loads of unnecessary connectors to tuck away in the case.

single card or dual card.

For single card, this is a bargain. For dual cards, the XFX come with 4 PCI E connectors. Then it depends how much power you need and if you want modular. Corsairs V2, or Antec 900W, Antec TruePower New...

Antec, Enermax, XFX, Corsairs, and of course Seasonic. Usually the best PSUs to get. Look up PSU reviews at Jonnyguru or we'll hunt them down for you if you want.

EDIT : reading OP, with 2 x 1GB cards, I would say XFX Core 650W / 750W if you are price-conscious. Corsair TX650V2 / TX750V2.

Modular versions also good, but more expensive (Corsair HX, XFX Black).
 
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timmillwood said:
Something like Corsair 800W GS Series PSU £80.72 looks like good value, why should I spend £40 more on http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-000-XF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1497 for only 50w more power?
Click to expand...

Not allowed to link to competitors, which is why it got starred out.

Your paying £40 for a higher quality OEM design (XFX - Seasonic over Corsair GS - Channel Well) and the XFX is modular which means you only connect the cables which you need to use, therefore less unused cables around your system for increased airflow and lower temps. Also you get 50w extra as you pointed out.
 
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Want to spend less than £100 and as close to £50 as possible.

Going to look for the highest wattage from a brand name.
Not that bothered about modular, but would be nice.
 
The XFX 850 I have in my rig, and is a great buy for the money paid. The coolermaster it replaced would make a racket when gaming and got very hot. The XFX cannot be heard above the case fans. You have to manage the unused cables of which there no doubt will be many, something you need to think about before buying it.
 
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