Power Unit upgrade

PwnFrnzy · 28 Dec 2011

linnemeyerhere said:

That SeaSonic looks great and should handle the power needs for years, keep in mind that PSU's lose a percentage of there capacity as they age so over purchasing only allows for more upgrades and time to pass before failure.

What do you mean by that? Please explain.

ignatzatsonic · 28 Dec 2011

If you look at the lower right section of this link:

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator

You will see a control for capacitor aging.

How much of a factor it is in real life is subject to debate. You can google for endless discussions.

If you think 600 of something is necessarily better than 500 of something, you would probably pay attention to it. Otherwise, maybe not.

pparks1 · 28 Dec 2011

Your hardest draw on a power supply is a powerful graphics card, not really the CPU in your system. I'm running a Corsair HX620, with an Intel Q9550 quad core, 8GB of RAM, SSD, HDD, DVD Burner, eVGA GTX570 and I have no problems whatsoever with having adequate power.

When dealing with power supplies over about 750W, you really need to be running multiple video cards and such to really warrant the need.

PwnFrnzy · 28 Dec 2011

Any other specific brands/models I should look for when browsing the inventory?

pparks1 · 28 Dec 2011

I always stick with SeaSonic, Corsair and Antec.

ignatzatsonic · 28 Dec 2011

Seasonic is preferable because you know Seasonic made it.

Certain Antec and Corsair models are made by Seasonic, but you can't be certain since that could change at any time without notice.

You can browse these links:

Maximum PC | How to Pick the Right Power Supply

http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/psu_manufacturers

and jonnyguru.com for actual reviews.

There aren't many high quality PSU makers. Most brands you see were made by someone else under a subcontract.

PwnFrnzy · 28 Dec 2011

Okay, thanks everyone, SeaSonic USA will be my choice. I'm surprised of how SeaSonic USA manufactures their own units while all the other companies have so many sub-contracts.

PwnFrnzy · 31 Dec 2011

UPDATE::
Okay, I've narrowed down two units I like, should I go with option A since it's final price (including tax + S&H) is $95 (is discounted $45)?
Newegg.com - SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Or should I go all-out and go with option B (Final price being $154, currently discounted $40)?
Newegg.com - SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Ivan the SoSo · 31 Dec 2011

$60 for 30 watts is a little steep.....

ignatzatsonic · 31 Dec 2011

PwnFrnzy said:

UPDATE::
Okay, I've narrowed down two units I like, should I go with option A since it's final price (including tax + S&H) is $95 (is discounted $45)?
Newegg.com - SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Or should I go all-out and go with option B (Final price being $154, currently discounted $40)?
Newegg.com - SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Get the cheaper one. It has plenty of power, much more than you need.

Use the saved money toward some other upgrade or blow it on your girlfriend.