What is a good PSU for ~$175 these days?

[Idontcare]

I'm highly suspicious that my PSU is no longer performing as well as it used to be. You can see my related thread in VC&G where I am having reboot issues and seemingly unrealistic limits in my GTX460 OC'ing.

My comfort level is ~$150...meaning I would not feel bad about replacing what may well be a perfectly working PSU with another perfectly working PSU if the side-grade (or upgrade) cost is around $150.

I have a Corsair 620HX now.

GPU is GTX460, trying to OC with limited success. CPU is Q6600 at stock, 8GB DDR2-800 at stock. System has 5 HDD's in it, 6 case fans, and one areca 1280ml card.

I like quiet, but not looking for silent, and I want something that ought to last me a good 4yrs so I want it to be high enough capacity that if I ever do take it to the next level (GTX580 class, etc) my PSU won't become a doorstop.

I won't do SLI/Xfire so I don't think a 1200W PSU is really necessary by any stretch, but something in the 700-800 category could be.

Looking at Newegg I see this corsair and this seasonic that seem like solid PSU's to my untrained eye.

Any recommends?

 

[jacktesterson]

Xfx 850w black edition, 80 plus silver, seasonic made, unique look, cannot hear it at all, 9.6/10 by jonyguru

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207001

Extra 100 watts but lose gold to silver, although the xfx is very close to a gold unit.

 

[Rifter]

I would go with the XFX, ive always like seasonic and Corsair but i installed a XFX 750 in the gf's comp and its a very nice looking/performing unit. and as mentioned if jg gives it a 9.6/10 its one hell of a PSU.

 

[BoomerD]

Using what you have listed above:

1 physical processor (not overclocked)
1 nVidia 460 video card (presumed 1 Gb.)
4x2Gb DDR2 RAM
5 SATA HDD
1 ODD
6 120mm case fans
1 Pci-E card (Areca SATA)
3 USB devices (keyboard, mouse, one extra)

This calculator:
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

gives me this estimation:

Minimum PSU Wattage: 432 W
Recommended PSU Wattage: 482 W.

Personally, I like to have more than I need rather than need more than I have...but 850 watts is overkill. Even 750 is way more than your system NEEDS, but I think that's where I'd recommend, especially since you're overclocking your video card.
The XFX, Corsair, and SeaSonic offerings in that wattage are all VERY good.

Priced low to high:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817207003

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151087

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139016

If you REALLY insist on 850 watts, then:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817207001

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151100

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139009

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817207008

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139011

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151102

I really like the XFX offerings. While most are "Silver rated" instead of Gold, they're rated VERY highly at JonnyGuru...

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

The XFX Black Edition PSUs are based on the M12D series no?

I feel like the new X-series are even better, so you might as well look at one of those or the Corsair AX series.

 

[HOOfan 1]

The XFX Black Edition PSUs are based on the M12D series no?

Yup. And the Corsair AX750 is based on the Seasonic X series.

There are numerous good quality PSUs that could run Idontcare's computer from $100-$175

Since the HX620 has a 5 year warranty you can also contact Corsair about and RMA. You would likely be "upgraded" to the HX650.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Any of the Broadway Com Corporation PSU`s will do just fine!
Use to be called OKIA.....back in the days OKIA was a solid 80+ Gold anodized certified PSU!!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=okia+atx+550w

 

[VirtualLarry]

I've had very good luck with the Antec EarthWatts 650W PSU. Have two powering my two desktop rigs, Q9300 @ 3.0, and a GTX460 @ 820.

In fact, for the month of Dec, I had an EA650 powering a Q6600 @ 3.6, and TWO GTX460 1GBs, both at 820. Which is no mean feat. I'm sure that I was close to the limit, but the rig never complained, running F@H on both CPU and GPUs 24/7 for the entire month. Don't think I had any failed units either.

Also, these PSUs are very quiet. Too quiet, in fact. In my current desktop rigs, the temps on the GPU gets up to 76C, and the CPU likewise, and the top of my case gets very very warm. Disturbingly so. I felt the bottom of the PSU, and I can feel air being sucked in, but I don't feel that much air coming out the back. So I don't know what to think of that, other than they seem to run warm for some reason, sacrificing lifetime, in order to be more silent.

 

[ZipSpeed]

I'm using a Antec Truepower New and it's been a great PSU. Also a rebadged Seasonic. I think I paid $130 for the 750W unit.

 

[badb0y]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-011-_-Product
What I am running on, pretty nice for the price.

Review:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/12/13/nzxt_hale90_750w_power_supply_review/
"
The Bottom Line


The NZXT HALE90 750W is the first NZXT power supply we have reviewed and it certainly made a very good first impression. With its very good build quality being accented by a unique, striking, bold, and well done cosmetic treatment the HALE90 750W set out from the get go as a product we would not soon forget. This intriguing, but not over the top, exterior was coupled with very good voltage regulation, excellent efficiency, and very good DC Output Quality. The NZXT HALE90 750W really does hold its own on almost every front with other top power supplies in the ~750W realm. This combination of striking good looks and solid performance numbers the NZXT HALE90 750W gives us as potent a one two punch combination as we have seen since Mike Tyson took the boxing world by storm. Couple all of this with a price coming in at $139 with Free Super Saver Shipping and the NZXT HALE90 750W is right in line with other premium offerings while giving users cosmetic options we have not seen out of quality power supplies since the days of the PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750."
Another one:

http://www.techwarelabs.com/nzxt-hale90-modular-power-supply/all/1
JohnnyGuru also did a review but it was the 850 watt one and I can't find the link.


For the price I think it's a good PSU, high quality and quiet.

 

[CurseTheSky]

I've been very happy with the Corsair AX750. It's the same thing as the Seasonic X-750 (perhaps a few minor changes), but the cabling is fully sleeved, giving far better aesthetics.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9016&Tpk=ax750

 

[klinc]

eh a gtx 580 roughly needs 40A on the 12v. Unless your running 2 580sli why you want to go for a 750w or 800w?

nVidia

GeForce GTX 580 - 40A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 570 in SLi - 55A and a 750W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 570 - 35A and a 550W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 470 and 480 in SLi - 55-60A and a 850W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 480 - 42A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 470 - 38A and a 550W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 465 in SLi - 46A and a 700W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 465 - 30A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 460 in SLi - 42A and a 650W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 460 - 26A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce GTS 450 in SLi - 35A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTS 450 - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce GT 430 - 22A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 295 in Quad SLi - 70A and a 1000W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 295 - 50A and a 700W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 285 - 46A and a 550W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 280 in SLi - 55A and a 800W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 280 - 40A and a 550W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 275 in SLi - 50A and a 800W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 275 - 40A and a 550-600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 260 OC in SLi - 50A and a 700W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 260 OC - 40A and a 550W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 260 in SLi - 50A and a 700W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 260 - 38A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce GTS 250 - 32A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce GT 240 - 35A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce GT 220 - 30A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce 9800 GX2 - 35A and a 550W PSU minimum
GeForce 9800 GTX+ - 32A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce 9800 GTX - 25-30A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce 9600 GT - 26A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce 9600 GSO - 26A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce 8800 Ultra - 35A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce 8800 GTX - 30A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB - 28A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce 8800 GTS 320/640MB - 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce 8800 GT in SLi - 36A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce 8800 GT - 26A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce 8600 GT/GTS - 24A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce 8500 GT - 22A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce 7950 GX2 - 27A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce 7950 GT - 22A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce 7900 GTX - 22-26A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
GeForce 7900 GTO - 22-26A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
GeForce 7900 GT - 22-26A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
GeForce 7900 GS - 22-23A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce 7800 All - 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce 7800 GS AGP - 20A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce 7600 GT - 22-26A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce 7600 GS - 15-17A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce 7300 GT - 15A and a 300W PSU minimum
GeForce 7300 GS - 15A and a 300W PSU minimum

ATI/AMD

Radeon HD 6970 - 34A and a 550W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 6950 - 30A and a 500W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 6870 CrossfireX - 38A and a 650W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 6870 - 28A and a 500W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 6850 CrossfireX - 35A and a 600W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 6850 - 25A and a 450W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5970 CrossfireX - 70A and a 900W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5970 - 50A and a 600W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5870 CrossfireX - 55-60A and a 700W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5870 - 40A and a 500W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5850 CrossfireX - 55-60A and a 650W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5850 - 35-40A and a 500W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5830 - 35-40A and a 500W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5770 - 34A and a 500W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5750 - 30A and a 450W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5670 - 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5570 - 24A and a 350W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 5450 - 22A and a 300W PSU minimum
Radeon 4890 - 32A and a 550W PSU minimum
Radeon 4870 X2 CrossfireX - 1000W PSU minimum
Radeon 4870 X2 - 600W PSU minimum
Radeon 4870 - 32A and a 500W PSU minimum
Radeon 4850 - 30A and a 450W PSU minimum
Radeon 4830 - 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
Radeon 4770 Crossfire - 34A and a 750W PSU minimum
Radeon 4770 - 26A and a 400-500W PSU minimum
Radeon 4670 - 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
Radeon 4650 - 24A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
Radeon 4550 - 20A and a 300W PSU minimum
Radeon X3870 X2 - 30A and a 550W PSU minimum
Radeon X38xx series - 28A and a 450W PSU minimum
Radeon X2900 XT Crossfire - 45A and a 800W PSU is recommended for high-end rigs
Radeon X2900 XT - 35A and a 500W PSU is recommended for high-end rigs
Radeon X2900 Pro - 35A and a 500W PSU minimum
Radeon X2600 XT - 25A and a 400W PSU minimum
Radeon X2400 XT - 20A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
Radeon X1950 XTX - 20A and a 420W PSU minimum
Radeon X1950 Pro - 20A and a 420W PSU minimum
Radeon X1900 XTX - 25A and a 520W PSU minimum
Radeon X1900 XT - 22-25A and a 520W PSU minimum
Radeon X1900 GT - 22A and a 400W PSU minimum
Radeon X1650 Pro - 18A and a 350W PSU minimum

700W - 1000W

Enermax Revolution 85+ ERV1250EGT 1250W - 104A from 6 +12v rails
Enermax Revolution 85+ ERV1050EWT 1050W - 87A from 6 +12v rails
OCZ Z Series 1000W - 83A on a single +12V rail
Corsair TX 950W - 78A on a single +12V rail
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 910W - 74A on a single +12V rail
Corsair HX 850W - 70A on a single +12V rail
Corsair TX 850W - 70A on a single +12V rail
OCZ Z Series 850W - 71A on a single +12V rail
XFX 850W Black Edition - 62A on a single +12V rail
Corsair TX 750W - 60A on a single +12V rail
XFX 750W Black Edition - 62A on a single +12V rail
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W Quad - 60A on a single +12V rail

300W - 650W

Corsair TX 650W - 52A on a single +12V rail
Seasonic X-Series 650W - 54A on a single +12V rail
XFX 650W XXX Edition - 52A on a single +12V rail
Corsair CX 600W - 40A on a single +12V rail
Corsair VX 550W - 41A on a single +12V rail
Corsair CX 500W - 34A on a single +12V rail
Corsair VX 450W - 33A on a single +12V rail
Corsair CX 430W - 28A on a single +12V rail
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 420W ATX - 30A on a single +12V rail
Corsair CX 400W - 30A on a single +12V rail

 

[gevorg]

First, checkout some jonnyguru PSU reviews.

That X750 Seasonic is an excellent choice, but there is a newer model which is not yet available on Newegg (see below). Its fan doesn't even run until usage reaches ~20%:

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-SS760KM

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

IDontcare, I would get one of those 20$ watt readers you plug into the wall first.

e.g.
Reliance
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200321255_200321255
and can be bought at Lowes for ~ 20$

or the, Kill-A-Watt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-001-_-Product
for ~ 17$ @ New Egg

Check your idle & load states and consider any future endeavors held for that box...

The Seasonic X 650w has an efficiency curve above 90% from 135w - 588w and the ripple suppression is outstanding. The XFX Black edition PUSs are also fantastic like mentioned above.

Here is an article on the Seasonic X 650w:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=169

Browse around and look for the XFX review. I think he did the 750w Black Edition XFX which the author professes he and the PSU are getting married - lol

 

[Idontcare]

Thanks guys for all your feedback and helpful insights.

I probably should have mentioned that I was intentionally looking for an outsized PSU that exceeded my existing needs.

The 620HX I have now was bought to enable 4GHz OC'in on an old QX6700 B3 (remember those B3 power monstors?) using vaporphase cooling back in 2006 with those 54nm kentsfields first came out.

I do/did have a kill-a-watt and my loads at the wall would reach 500W and that was without me doing anything that touched gaming, but I wasn't using that rig for gaming or CUDA. Now I do both.

Right now I've got the questionable PSU in a rig that has the cpu at stock, but when Bulldozer comes outs I am upgrading to either a Sandy Bridge or Zambezi and the VapoLS is coming out of storage.

That is why I am more just setting a budget ($175) and looking to buy a solid PSU for the price because eventually it'll be tasked with handling a ~300W OC'ed CPU plus whatever I'm doing with my GPU.

But I won't be doing 2x GPU cards, got no desire for that.

 

[Big Lar]

Quote
"700W - 1000W

Enermax Revolution 85+ ERV1250EGT 1250W - 104A from 6 +12v rails
Enermax Revolution 85+ ERV1050EWT 1050W - 87A from 6 +12v rails
OCZ Z Series 1000W - 83A on a single +12V rail
Corsair TX 950W - 78A on a single +12V rail
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 910W - 74A on a single +12V rail
Corsair HX 850W - 70A on a single +12V rail
Corsair TX 850W - 70A on a single +12V rail
OCZ Z Series 850W - 71A on a single +12V rail
XFX 850W Black Edition - 62A on a single +12V rail *< 70A on 12v Rail*
Corsair TX 750W - 60A on a single +12V rail
XFX 750W Black Edition - 62A on a single +12V rail
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W Quad - 60A on a single +12V rail"


Just an adjustment to the above as to the XFX 850 Voltage. Also I run this unit and it is stable and quiet.

Larry