Since I will need a new PSU...

[ryan256]

I need a new video card since the one I have has overheated to the point its basically toast. I want to get a HD4870. Problem is I'm finding out my Antec SP-500 PSU is incapable of supporting that card. Since I will need a new PSU as well I want to get one that is 'future proof' and I can use in my next system as well. So I thought I would look for something in the 700-800 watt range.
I was looking at the PSUs from Ultra when I bought the Antec but decided to go with the Antec PSU since it was cheaper. Today I saw that TigerDirect has the 800W Ultra X3 for $199, but the I also noticed the have the 1000W Ultra X3 for the same price! Granted this is alot more power than I need. But as I said I want a 'future proof' PSU that can support a crossfire or SLI setup if I choose to go that route.

All of the online reviews I've read so far have been very favorable. Plus I like the lifetime warranty with registration.

Anyone have any good/bad experiences with Ultra's PSUs?

 

[faxon]

eww, full modular on a high performance part isnt good for the cable resistance. if you must have modular you should make sure the "required cables" arent modular (mobo power) since this will give you better power stability.

 

[Rabbits]

500 watts should be more then enough to support a 4870, if your card is overheating then consider raising the fan speed don't blame the PSU.
Anything above that is overkill.

 

[tomoyo]

First of all, modular psus do NOT cause any issues with resistance or stability. Can anyone explain why modular psus can easily hit 85% efficiency with very low ripple and high dc stability if they really caused major issues?

The ultra X3's are fine, many ultras are not so good, but if you can get a cheap X3, it's a good pickup. Thing is, based on your comment of I assume one HD 4870, I'd just replace that antec with a newer 500-600 watt psu such as a Corsair VX/HX/TX or Enermax Modu in the $100 range. You should never need more than that unless you go dual gpu.

 

[ryan256]

Originally posted by: Rabbits
500 watts should be more then enough to support a 4870, if your card is overheating then consider raising the fan speed don't blame the PSU.
Anything above that is overkill.

Uh... read the OP. I never accused the PSU of killing my current card. 5 hours of gaming at 70c is what killed it. I've got artifacts all over the place now.

 

[MarcVenice]

You can spend HALF the money, and still be futureproofed to hell and back. Consider a corsair 650/750tx for example ...

 

[khelben1979]

If you're interested in an CorsairTX at 750W then you definitely should check out this article from DriverHeaven: http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews.php?reviewid=652

I've read it before in an other review (DriverHeaven actually did a review of this PSU several months ago) and according to this review it should be able to handle 900W at peek load.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Originally posted by: khelben1979
If you're interested in an CorsairTX at 750W then you definitely should check out this article from DriverHeaven: http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews.php?reviewid=652

I've read it before in an other review (DriverHeaven actually did a review of this PSU several months ago) and according to this review it should be able to handle 900W at peek load.

The word is "peak".

And I fail to see anywhere in that review where it says a TX750 will support a 900W load. Care to point it out to me?

You're not adding up the output capability of the +3.3V, +5V and +12V are you? (which would total 900W by the way)

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: ryan256
Since I will need a new PSU as well I want to get one that is 'future proof' and I can use in my next system as well. So I thought I would look for something in the 700-800 watt range.

Check out the Hot Deals category. There's an excellent 800W PSU currently at $70 after rebate with free shipping.

Disclaimer: I work for them. However, this deal is so smoking hot...