New build, old PSU

Runering

Runering

Runering

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Joined
29 Nov 2011
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27
I've recently upgraded, but I kept my old PSU. Details here -> http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18483461

Last week I setup a second monitor, and a cheap USB TV card, and initially it was fine. Then on Monday, it struggled to start up. Pressed power button, and it turn on, but only for a few seconds, before stopping at the Gigabyte splash screen. Then automatically started again, only to fail to get past bios splash screen again. It was cycling through this, till I disconnected the extra stuff, and managed to get it started. Then it was fine for the rest of the night, even with everything plugged back in. Same happened again yesterday. Now today Wednesday, it didn't start at all. Figuring the PSU might be knackered, I took out the 7950, and ran a single monitor off the onboard graphics. Now it's working, so I can post this message on here.

Can I just confirm that my PSU is starting to show its age, or is 650 not enough power for my rig. Therefore should I replace it, and do I need more than 650W? Most online power calculators estimate that I don't, but they aren't really the most reliable. Also could the extreme cold in my room be a factor? I have a thermometer in my room, and it was 2C when I checked after I got home from work the other day. Currently 4C as I write this. Room temperature doesn't hit double figures even when the heating is on.
 
Runering said:
I've recently upgraded, but I kept my old PSU. Details here -> http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18483461

Last week I setup a second monitor, and a cheap USB TV card, and initially it was fine. Then on Monday, it struggled to start up. Pressed power button, and it turn on, but only for a few seconds, before stopping at the Gigabyte splash screen. Then automatically started again, only to fail to get past bios splash screen again. It was cycling through this, till I disconnected the extra stuff, and managed to get it started. Then it was fine for the rest of the night, even with everything plugged back in. Same happened again yesterday. Now today Wednesday, it didn't start at all. Figuring the PSU might be knackered, I took out the 7950, and ran a single monitor off the onboard graphics. Now it's working, so I can post this message on here.

Can I just confirm that my PSU is starting to show its age, or is 650 not enough power for my rig. Therefore should I replace it, and do I need more than 650W? Most online power calculators estimate that I don't, but they aren't really the most reliable. Also could the extreme cold in my room be a factor? I have a thermometer in my room, and it was 2C when I checked after I got home from work the other day. Currently 4C as I write this. Room temperature doesn't hit double figures even when the heating is on.
Click to expand...

do you live in a fridge??? Sorry I had to ask.... I went outside today in 2c and thought I was going to freeze to death... I dont know how you can live in in that temperature.
 
My room's a massive converted loft space. Lots of room, but it doesn't have central heating. Also the roof is basically a heat sink. It has 2 large protruding windows, which act like the cooling fins, and the freezing cold wind outside is a fan at full power...

Any recommendations on a PSU? I've had a look, looks like they haven't gotten any cheaper since I bought my last one all those years ago.
 
Runering said:
My room's a massive converted loft space. Lots of room, but it doesn't have central heating. Also the roof is basically a heat sink. It has 2 large protruding windows, which act like the cooling fins, and the freezing cold wind outside is a fan at full power...

Any recommendations on a PSU? I've had a look, looks like they haven't gotten any cheaper since I bought my last one all those years ago.
Click to expand...

I`d say get XFX or Seasonic... Corsairs have not been good recently since they changed their supplier from seasonic.

My fridge runs at much warmer temperature... With that room temperature you could remove fans from your cpu heatsink.
 
How old is the Psu? It may still have warranty.
Also, do you have a friend or family member who could lend you their Psu, to see if the problem still occurs.
 
Unfortunately, I don't think my brother in law's old 450W PSU would be powerful enough to run my rig. The fault could really only be PSU or graphics card. Since it doesn't work with graphics card, and does without. Since the card is pretty new, and the PSU is about 5 years old, it's the more likely culprit of the two.

Is room temperature a factor or is the cold just addling my brain... Hopefully this weather will improve eventually...
 
Right, need help with a decision.

I can go out after work tomorrow and pick up one of these http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-118-CS from a local high street store that shall remain nameless.

Or do I wait till the weekend after next, and pay extra (and more for delivery, and then the ridiculous bus fare to the Post Office collection depot) for a Seasonic?

I know the CX series is Corsair's basic one, but surely this will more than do the job for the next 3+ years? I am also making the assumption that this will actually be suitable for my rig, with the appropriate cables, volts amp and rails etc. I could be completely wrong, and end up with something useless...

To save you the hassle of going back through, my rig is:
Gigabyte ATi Radeon HD 7950
Intel Core i5-3570K
Gigabyte Z77-D3H Intel Z77
Corsair Vengeance Blue 8GB 1600MHz
and 2x HHDs, 4x fans, 4x power hungry USB peripherials

Any help please from my much more informed forum members?
 
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