2500k + 6950, BEST PSU?

[GoStumpy]

Here's a question... If you had a 2500k, overclocked, a 6950, overclocked, normal SSD + HDD + case fans, what would you pick/buy as the BEST PSU?

I'm looking to upgrade my CX430V2 and thinking ahead to my next purchases (CPU + GPU) and would love to know what you guys think!

I'm dreaming of the Antec Earthwatts Platinum 550w, or perhaps the Seasonic X-Series 650W Gold...

Something with some e-peen powers, as well as ultimate reliability and efficiency.

I'm delegating my CX430V2 to the spare computer, want something spiffy for mine

 

[mkmitch]

I just did a build with the x650 xgold. Fan hardly runs. I have ssd, 2 hdds, 2 sata 2's and one sata 3, along with 6850 and 2500K. So far so good. Didn't bother connecting the hot swap on top of the CM 690 advanced.

 

[chubbyfatazn]

+1 for the Seasonics. Great and stable units. I don't know which PSUs Corsair contracts out to Seasonic (if any), but my Seasonic-built unit has been running since December 2006 and hasn't given me a single problem.

You also can't really go wrong with an Antec unit. Not sure if PCP&P or FSP are still as good as they were when I was researching PSUs. Check jonnyguru.com.

 

[lyang238]

+1 for Seasonics as well. Get the X750 so you can also xfire if you feel like getting another 6950. Try and find them used here or on Amazon as Seasonic's warranty is by manufactured date and will save you some $$.

 

[Binky]

I've got a 2600k with a 6970, both overclocked and unlocked. My Corsair 520W is plenty for this setup. Don't forget that an oversized power supply generally sucks more power from the wall to deliver the same power to the computer.

 

[lehtv]

Don't forget that an oversized power supply generally sucks more power from the wall to deliver the same power to the computer.

The more important thing however is that the bigger PSU is more expensive to begin with.

Anything made by Seasonic is usually the best in its category. They have the best 1000w platinum unit, the best 850 platinum unit, the best 650w gold unit, the best 400-460w fanless units - and their 650w-850w 80+bronze corsair/xfx branded units are good price/performance. In addition their <600W selfbranded units are highly reliable though usually a bit expensive.

I would think twice though before spending a ton of cash just to get ultra high efficiency or extras like full modularity. Are these extras really worth it to you? I bought my X-650 solely because I wanted my gaming setup to be as quiet as possible. I could've gone with an 80+ bronze non-modular unit that's just as reliable, but at risk of ruining my silent setup.

 

[jszklany]

+1 on quiet PSU - it's worth the extra. And having a decent one now saves you on your next build.

 

[fffblackmage]

I think most decent PSUs are generally quiet enough. Just about everything else seems to make more noise - case fans, video card cooler, and cpu cooler.

 

[lehtv]

It depends entirely on the setup. If my PSU fan made noise on idle loads, it'd probably make more noise than any other component in my setup especially if it was a ball bearing fan. All my fans are at low enough RPM to be nearly inaudible.

 

[General Kenobi]

Here's a question... If you had a 2500k, overclocked, a 6950, overclocked, normal SSD + HDD + case fans, what would you pick/buy as the BEST PSU?

I'm looking to upgrade my CX430V2 and thinking ahead to my next purchases (CPU + GPU) and would love to know what you guys think!

I'm dreaming of the Antec Earthwatts Platinum 550w, or perhaps the Seasonic X-Series 650W Gold...

Something with some e-peen powers, as well as ultimate reliability and efficiency.

I'm delegating my CX430V2 to the spare computer, want something spiffy for mine

Seasonic X-660, 80 Plus GOLD.

It's the best in its class - it generally costs more than the competition though. The X-650 is a cheaper yet almost as effective option if you have the possibility to purchase one.

I probably wouldn't get a fanless solution. Well, if you're really sure about your cooling, maybe then.