Do I need a modular PSU?

[GetOwnedGaming]

Hey guys! This is my first build and I was wondering if I need a fully modular power supply? I would like to stick with a good brand that is not crazy expensive.
Here is my build!

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3tIMw

Thanks!

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

You don't NEED one but they are much MUCH easier to work with. Also, I recommend that you get more wattage. What are you looking to do with this PC?

 

[PepitoTV]

Modular is nice to have but not necessary, It helps a lot with cable management as the cables you don't need don't get just hanging there, but not really much more.

As for your build, you're not getting an unlocked processor so you won't be able to overclock it should you want it so, either get a i5 4670k or then you can downgrade the motherboard.

Also, 12GB of RAM is a weird number to have, I suggest getting just 8GB (2x4GB). With the savings in the RAM you can get a better GPU, maybe a R9 270x or a GTX 760.

Finally, I think you're overpaying with that PSU, you can get a cheaper one:

So, here's your build with some modifications:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-K ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($78.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair CO-9050017-BLED 66.4 CFM 140mm Fan ($11.34 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Corsair Raptor K50 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1256.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-18 22:36 EDT-0400)

Basically I downgraded the case a little and the RAM, and with that I got an unlocked CPU, an aftermarket cooler and a better GPU.

Also switched the PSU for an equally good one, although not modular.

 

[GetOwnedGaming]

Modular is nice to have but not necessary, It helps a lot with cable management as the cables you don't need don't get just hanging there, but not really much more.

As for your build, you're not getting an unlocked processor so you won't be able to overclock it should you want it so, either get a i5 4670k or then you can downgrade the motherboard.

Also, 12GB of RAM is a weird number to have, I suggest getting just 8GB (2x4GB). With the savings in the RAM you can get a better GPU, maybe a R9 270x or a GTX 760.

Finally, I think you're overpaying with that PSU, you can get a cheaper one:

So, here's your build with some modifications:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-K ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($78.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair CO-9050017-BLED 66.4 CFM 140mm Fan ($11.34 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Corsair Raptor K50 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1256.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-18 22:36 EDT-0400)

Basically I downgraded the case a little and the RAM, and with that I got an unlocked CPU, an aftermarket cooler and a better GPU.

Also switched the PSU for an equally good one, although not modular.

Thanks so so much! I think I will stick to what you said here!

 

[JackNaylorPE]

No, not at all..... 100% modular is actually a disadvantage if you are not resleeving all ya cables. Each modular connector adds resistance, decreases efficiency, increases cost and adds a failure point. Now this tradeoff is well worth it **if** you get something in return. But what do you get in return for modular connectors on :

-24 pin main cable
-8 pin EPS cable
-1st SATA cable

Now granted, who wants to have 3 PCIE cables stuffed in ya case if you are not using them. So what industry leaders have done is advance the concept of "hybrid modular". This is for example what you get with the Corsair HX850, probably the best PSU (10.0 jonnyguru performance rated) to ever bear the Corsair label (has better voltage stability and lower ripple than newer Ax series). Hybrid modular units "hard wire" the absolutely necessary cables and make all the "maybe you will use these" cables modular.

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/power-supplies-psu,8016.html

To make matters worse, because of the perceived value of modular, vendors have been pushing 100% modular units into their 2nd tier consume lines sacrificing component quality in order to maintain the same price point and cover the cost of all those extra connectors. If ya check jonnyguru, these new modular versions score significantly lower than their original versions.