PSU

Dibbley247 · 21 Feb 2013 at 18:58

I've already had some people advise on a system to build which I will be doing, but I would like to know something else!
The PSU - is there a rule of thumb on deciding on what to buy? Is it simply add all the components power requirements and add a % after that? Or can you go out and buy the most powerful one and the components will take what's required? Also I think I've read where someone had to buy Y connectors because there wasn't another plug to power his GPU?
Would I need to check what type of power sockets the PSU has to the motherboard along with the one on the motherboard or is it all a standard fitting?
Thanks.

dacads · 21 Feb 2013 at 19:03

Use a power supply calculator to determine how much wattage will be required.

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Connectors are all standard but you can check the power supply specs to see if it has enough connectors for the GPU

linwelin · 21 Feb 2013 at 19:04

I highly recommend the XFX models good solid reliable units, there is no need to get a massive PSU 600W+ unless you plan on running dual cards so something around the 550w is what most people tend to go for.

Dibbley247 · 21 Feb 2013 at 19:10

I'd never go for a massive unit anyway, it was just up in the air numbers

are there any makes to avoid?
I'm guessing only the real powerful cards require power from it then?

lee32uk · 21 Feb 2013 at 19:12

Dibbley247 said:
I'd never go for a massive unit anyway, it was just up in the air numbers are there any makes to avoid?
I'm guessing only the real powerful cards require power from it then?

yes avoid the ocuk ones unless you want an indoor bonfire

Orionaut · 21 Feb 2013 at 19:20

If you are intending to use the PC for extended periods or are doing Folding/Boinc it is worth checking the efficiency curves for your prospective PSU's. Often you get the best efficiency (IE Lowest electricity costs) by using a PSU at 50-75% of its maximum rated output (It will also run cooler and likely have a longer life)

HTH

Dibbley247 · 21 Feb 2013 at 19:30

Orionaut said:
If you are intending to use the PC for extended periods or are doing Folding/Boinc it is worth checking the efficiency curves for your prospective PSU's. Often you get the best efficiency (IE Lowest electricity costs) by using a PSU at 50-75% of its maximum rated output (It will also run cooler and likely have a longer life)

HTH

Definitely worth noting!

Indoor bonfire! Haha. How do they get away with making such poor products!

linwelin · 21 Feb 2013 at 19:35

Dibbley247 said:
are there any makes to avoid?

A lot of people have been having problems with Corsair PSU's i was one of them had 2 and both failed on me so wont use any of there PSU's again. The XFX units have been great for me and are made by seasonic.

dacads · 21 Feb 2013 at 19:40

My Corsair also failed on me and I'm now running a XFX as well. But Corsair are well known for their great customer service

Strange that they must know their PSUs don't have a good record

Ninja_Ferret · 21 Feb 2013 at 20:50

+1 for XFX