Help in choosing a psu (and any other advice)

[dannyritz]

Hello, I'm building my computer and its my first time. I'm a little nervous about choosing something that won't be compatible. Here's the brief:

Purchasing the components this week

budget is 1400-1500 usd

building a gaming system

will be buying a monitor (not sure about resolutions, probably 1920x1200

will be buying an OS (probably windows 8)

will probably overclock in a few months once I'm sure everything is running smoothly

no windows or bling for me. I'm not looking for a silent system but it shouldn't be a jet engine either.


These are the components I have chosen

1. case: cooler master haf xm
http://www.coolermaster.co.uk/product.php?product_id=6820

2. motherboard: asus sabertooth z77
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/SABERTOOTH_Z77/

3. cpu: intel i5 3570k

4. gpu: amd sapphire 7970 hd OC 3 GB
http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/?cid=1&gid=3&sgid=1157&pid=1679&psn=&lid=1&leg=0#

5. hdd: 1tb seagate

6. ram: corsair vengeance 2x4gb
http://www.corsair.com/en/memory-by-product-family/vengeance/vengeancer-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a2400c10.html

7. dvd writer: LG

8. screen: 1920x1200? to be decided (whichever one fits the budget)

9. a custom cooler for the cpu, thinking of the cooler master hyper 412 slim.
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6796


The psu calculator I visited on a site (I forget the name) told me that I needed 450 watts. This seems really low to me. I'm thinking I'll get 650 to be safe. I'm also thinking of getting a modular psu to help me minimise cable clutter.

This is the first time I'm building my own computer. I've taken my 8 year old one apart and put it back together and seen many youtube tutorials so I know how to assemble it, but I'm still worried about choosing a power supply that won't work with these components. Especially a modular one that I'll have to plug in both ways. Any advice on brands and size will be appreciated. I'm thinking of the corsair ax series.

Anything about the above build that could be improved or suggestions of any kind are welcome. Thanks

 

[MichaelSP]

Corsair AX are great but a HX is partially modular with only the essential motherboard and CPU power cables not detectable. They still can have 80+ Gold standard power efficiency and quite a few modular cables. Best thing - they cost a bit less for still great performance.

 

[camohanna]

If your budget is that high, get an 120gb ssd. I wouldnt get windows 8 though, if you are using it only on desktop view, the desktop is crippled.

 

[dannyritz]

If your budget is that high, get an 120gb ssd. I wouldnt get windows 8 though, if you are using it only on desktop view, the desktop is crippled.

@ camohanna
I was thinking I could save some money and live with a 7200 hdd I'm still thinking about it. I remember reading (article linked below) that windows 8 runs faster than 7 on the same hardware. Even if the desktop is messed up do you think that would compensate? Why do you say its crippled exactly?

Windows 8 review
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/windows-8-1093002/review/9

 

[dannyritz]

Corsair AX are great but a HX is partially modular with only the essential motherboard and CPU power cables not detectable. They still can have 80+ Gold standard power efficiency and quite a few modular cables. Best thing - they cost a bit less for still great performance.

Thank you. That does sound much better. I wouldn't need to disconnect those cables.

 

[dannyritz]

I have 2 more questions

1. will the "CORSAIR Professional Series HX650 650W" work with my graphics card?

This is the link to the corsair psu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139012

this is the link to the sapphire amd 7970 hd OC 3gb video card I plan on using.
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1962/1/

the review above says that the Radeon HD 7970 OC requires a 500W or greater power supply with one 75W 6-pin PCIe connector and one 150W 8-pin PCIe connector for proper operation.

will this psu give me a 75W 6 pin and 150 w 8 pin pci-e connector? I can't seem to find this information anywhere.



2. The CM HAF XM case fans only come with 3 pins. Does this mean that they won't be regulated by the motherboard temp sensors? Should I be going with a case that has 4 pin case fans?

CM HAF XM review
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/printpage/Cooler-Master-HAF-XM-Case-Review/1539
excerpt : "The case comes with one 200 mm fan on its front panel, using a three-pin fan connector."

 

[MichaelSP]

1. I would imagine the PSU would be sufficient. If you go to corsairs page about it ( http://www.corsair.com/en/power-supply-units/hx-series-power-supply-units/hx-series-hx650-power-supply-650-watt-80-plus-gold-certified-modular-psu.html ) and download the manuel, it lists the wattages on each line. The GPU is run from a 12V line which is states as runs 648W potentially which seems sufficient. It also has the correct fittings if you watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n5gRekRdKw .

2. three pin fans still can be controlled form 4 pin motherboards they just use voltage modulation as opposed to PWM technology. You may have to set this up in BIOS but I am not sure.

Hope some of this helps

 

[dannyritz]

Thank you, it sure does!

 

[dannyritz]

Best answer selected by dannyritz.