Do I need to get a new PSU?

[twister886]

Hello,

I currently have a custom build computer that I use regularly. All parts are under 2 years old, including my CX 500M PSU.

My current build is: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qp9xkL

I will be upgrading to this processor and mobo shortly: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/LDTkxr

My current wattage is 423W. With the upgrade I will be running at 441W~ and I plan on overclocking.

Can I keep the same PSU for awhile, and upgrade it when I upgrade my GPU near the end of the year or so? I was told yes, and I was hoping yes, but I thought I would ask around.

Thank you!
Ryan

 

[AridTalons]

Well its a little tight on power but if you have been using it without any hiccups you mine as well keep using the 500W.

I would grab a 650W PSU next time

 

[hennybeartech]

As long as you dont overclock, your PSU can still be with you for around sometime, just remember that its ideal efficiency is supposed to be at 80% at the most thats why they have that 80+% certification. but if you are going to get an amd card above that card's level, you might want to go and get at least 600w 80+ bronze in the future. if you're gonna upgrade to an nvidia graphics card under gtx 970, you can still keep that PSU, or if you are gonna go higher, get the same upgrade in the PSU for amd.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

The CX series is not good under much load. These calculators tend to exaggerate a bit on the power draw, and they represent worst-case scenarios. The CX 500W only has 34A on the 12V rail, meaning 408W for that rail. Seeming as you're overclocking the CPU, and if you consider max wattage is rarely ever achieved, and realistically it'll be lower than 408W on the 12V rail, I'd get a different PSU. Corsair CX are not that good in the first place, so I wouldn't overclock a 4790K on it.

 

[targetdan]

+1 for cx series being bad. Choose one from tier 1 or 2 on this link:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

 

[turkey3_scratch]

The CX 500 should be rated somewhere as a 425W unit TBH. Good quality units usually have the same number of watts on the 12V rail as the labeled wattage on the unit.

 

[twister886]

The CX series is not good under much load. These calculators tend to exaggerate a bit on the power draw, and they represent worst-case scenarios. The CX 500W only has 34A on the 12V rail, meaning 408W for that rail. Seeming as you're overclocking the CPU, and if you consider max wattage is rarely ever achieved, and realistically it'll be lower than 408W on the 12V rail, I'd get a different PSU. Corsair CX are not that good in the first place, so I wouldn't overclock a 4790K on it.

Providing I don't overclock my CPU, will I be able to game and use my pc regularly w/o problems?

I am being told by multiple people that I will be fine, and I am being told by others than I need to upgrade.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

Honestly, no I don't think you will be able to overclock without facing difficulties.

 

[twister886]

Honestly, no I don't think you will be able to overclock without facing difficulties.

No, I am asking if I can run the CPU at stock clock without problems.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

Yes, you will be fine. You don't "need" to replace the power supply, some people just recommend you do. You're fine, just use the PSU.