Question 500-650W PSU recommendations?

[Cellie]

I got gremlins in my computer and I've been eyeing my PSU with increased suspicion. It's an 8 years old Corsair CX430 and even if it turns out to not be the culprit it's about time I replace it.

I'll upgrade my GPU sometime in the future and according to Recommended PSU capacities for gaming graphics cards I'll need 500 to 600W. Not sure yet because, well, most of them can't fit my case anyway.

The PSU needs to be rated at 40ºC (ambient temperature in summer is often over 30ºC), can't be larger than a standard ATX, ideally SFX and modular (a gal can dream). I never saw a modular unit up close so I don't know if it requires extra clearance for the connections on the PSU itself. This is a concern because a normal ATX is a bit of a tight fit already in my case, a modded mini-ITX. It has 8cm of room at best for the cables. It'd be nice to get something with a low incidence of coil whine, because I can deal with loud fans but not this.

I'm outside the US but I'll buy it on amazon US and have someone collect it from a locker. Maximum budget $150.

I'd like at least 5 years warranty, but feel free to just throw suggestions at me and I'll check the coverage in my country. Thanks!

 

[COLGeek]

For your consideration:

Amazon.com

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

I would suggest an ATX 3.0 power supply that includes the new PCIe 12+4-Pin 12VHPWR connector for some of the newer graphics cards.

Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 - TT Premium Edition 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)

EDIT: Some ATX power supplies are longer than others. The SFX is 125mm long. The shorter ATX are 140mm long. The longer ATX are 160mm long. Be sure whichever one you choose will fit in your case.

Also, the reason for the 750W we recommended is because the price difference is either minimal or non-existent for a lower wattage unit of the same quality.

 

[--SID--]

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/jZ...ular-atx-power-supply-corereactorii650g-bkcus is the best quality you can get for the price and 650w ATX3.0 is plenty for any system with recent midrange GPU.

 

[35below0]

Modular PSU means that instead of all the cables being hooked up to the PSU, and inside the case, you only hook up the neccessary ones. So that'd be CPU, Motherboard, GPU and possibly a HDD or DVD.
It's true that you lose a couple of cm of space to connectors, but you don't have a stranglevine jungle inside either.

Semi-modular might be your ideal PSU, because the CPU/Motherboard cable will be permanently connected to the PSU and thus you'll have a tiny bit more space. GPU and other cables will need to be connected.


As for SFX PSUs, don't bother. They are always more expensive and are more difficult to find. There are good units but they will cost a lot more.
Their advantage is size. So you can use a fully modular SFX PSU without a problem.
But if you take a look at this list of quiet PSUs: https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/the-quietest-psu-picks-hardware-busters/ you can see SFX models do not fare too well.

I would suggest getting a cheap mid-tower case and an ATX PSU. Together they will cost less than a good SFX PSU. :/


I hear ya on the coil whine. I can't stand it either if the PSU/case create that drone.

 

[Satan-IR]

With the size restriction you mentioned I would think about a good SFX unit like the Seasonic Focus SGX-750. It has a 10-year warranty.

Considering you asked for a 500-650W unit I'm thinking you're not going to get a very demanding graphics card in the future? So you won't probably need the PCIE 12-pin header/connector. Because the unit I mentioned doesn't have that.

 

[Cellie]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I've got a lot to think about.

I've been looking up how the warranty works for the brands from the suggestions and I wonder: What about Power Flowers? They got one of the best coverages/least complicated RMAs around here, behind only Corsair (unfortunately overpriced).

EDIT: Some ATX power supplies are longer than others. The SFX is 125mm long. The shorter ATX are 140mm long. The longer ATX are 160mm long. Be sure whichever one you choose will fit in your case.

Yeah I know, I should have mentioned proper dimensions.
It can't be any bigger than the shorter ATX: 150mm x 86mm x 140mm

I would suggest an ATX 3.0 power supply that includes the new PCIe 12+4-Pin 12VHPWR connector for some of the newer graphics cards.

Considering you asked for a 500-650W unit I'm thinking you're not going to get a very demanding graphics card in the future? So you won't probably need the PCIE 12-pin header/connector. Because the unit I mentioned doesn't have that.

No card I'm eyeing needs 12, most of the newer options ask for 16. My choices are limited to 2-slot 2 fan cards, 255mm maximum length give or take, the more efficient the better. That doesn't allow for too many power-hungry beasts. And I won't upgrade any time soon, I'll wait and see if new releases make current overpriced offerings drop to more reasonable levels.

Modular PSU means that instead of all the cables being hooked up to the PSU, and inside the case, you only hook up the neccessary ones. So that'd be CPU, Motherboard, GPU and possibly a HDD or DVD.
It's true that you lose a couple of cm of space to connectors, but you don't have a stranglevine jungle inside either.

Semi-modular might be your ideal PSU, because the CPU/Motherboard cable will be permanently connected to the PSU and thus you'll have a tiny bit more space. GPU and other cables will need to be connected.

As for SFX PSUs, don't bother. They are always more expensive and are more difficult to find. There are good units but they will cost a lot more.
Their advantage is size. So you can use a fully modular SFX PSU without a problem.
But if you take a look at this list of quiet PSUs: https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/the-quietest-psu-picks-hardware-busters/ you can see SFX models do not fare too well.

I would suggest getting a cheap mid-tower case and an ATX PSU. Together they will cost less than a good SFX PSU. :/

No! You'll have to pry my mini-ITX out of my dead hands!

SFX PSUs are more expensive and pretty rare around here, that's why I got a case I knew could fit an ATX with minimal changes. An SFX would be nice, a little extra space between the PSU and everything so there's less heat exchange else should be healthier for all parts involved, but anything modular or even semi (as long cables aren't ridiculously long) helps. I can fit everything from a fixed cable ATX out of the way of the airflow, but let's say the mass of excess cables is straining against case's ceiling with the same zeal the little girl did in the exorcist.

I hear ya on the coil whine. I can't stand it either if the PSU/case create that drone.

I'd rather not, but I can live with an airplane of a fan taking off by my side, but high pitched noises and rattles... <o>

 

[35below0]

Did you mean Super Flower? Excellent PSUs.

The cheapest one that fits the 150mm limit is: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/s8...ed-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-sf-850f14pe
Happens to be quite a good model. And not too expensive.

This SeaSonic may just beat it though: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Wr...fied-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-ssr-650fx
140mm + fully modular + 10y warranty.

 

[Cellie]

Did you mean Super Flower? Excellent PSUs.

The cheapest one that fits the 150mm limit is: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/s8...ed-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-sf-850f14pe
Happens to be quite a good model. And not too expensive.

This SeaSonic may just beat it though: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Wr...fied-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-ssr-650fx
140mm + fully modular + 10y warranty.

*facepalm* I'm not very familiar with the brand, should have checked the name.

Both look good.

I've sent emails inquiring about how warranty would work here, now it comes down to the replies. I've heard very good things about Seasonic, top-notch thoughtful customer care, but their RMA required shipping directly to the US which comes with its risks. I'd be very happy if they happened to find a closer representative in last years.