Mid-grade PSU recommendations

Orbit Storm

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Dec 24, 2014
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Since I don't see any specific section dedicated to power supplies, I figured I'd post this here.

Relevant specs:
Case: (off-brand, supplied by system builder, Micro-ATX form)
Motherboard: MSI 760GM-P34
CPU: FX-6300
GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 950 OCV1
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1600
Storage: Toshiba 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM

Yes, I am aware that the motherboard and HDD are garbage and fully intend to upgrade both in the future (as well as the case and inevitably, the CPU too).

I'm looking for a mid-grade power supply that will sufficiently power my current build and allow room for reasonable upgrade in the future. My current unit (Corsair CX430) is allegedly not as good as advertised and as a result, I'd like to explore my options for upgrading.

I don't have any specific requirements for the new unit but I would like a unit that will fit either a Micro-ATX or full-form case and don't want to spend in excess of $100 (would prefer closer to $50). I'm also open to modular designs too.

Thanks!
 
Solution
Since you already have a CX430 and it is doing the job, I do not recommend you replace it.
Yes, it is a bit more prone to failure, but Corsair has been very good about replacing it under warranty.( I have had 2 replaced over the years)
If it fails, it is not likely to damage parts like a truly crappy psu might.

When the time comes that 430w is no longer sufficient, look for a tier 1 or 2 unit from a list such as this:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

j3ster

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May 23, 2016
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Since you already have a CX430 and it is doing the job, I do not recommend you replace it.
Yes, it is a bit more prone to failure, but Corsair has been very good about replacing it under warranty.( I have had 2 replaced over the years)
If it fails, it is not likely to damage parts like a truly crappy psu might.

When the time comes that 430w is no longer sufficient, look for a tier 1 or 2 unit from a list such as this:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html
 
Solution

Orbit Storm

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Dec 24, 2014
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I was inclined to stick with the CX430 but after experiencing some bottleneck issues (GPU usage dropping to 0% randomly), I've been told in a support thread that my power supply is the problem. Now, I don't have any way to verify that outside of standard troubleshooting steps (checking voltage in BIOS and watching power consumption) but if that's truly the issue, I'm open to replacing it if need be. There have been no other indications that my power supply is faulty but I'm not an expert either.
 
I think you were told wrong.
If a psu does not deliver sufficient power, the symptoms are likely to be display artifacts.

I might suspect an occasional stoppage might be caused by game accessing the hard drive.
Perhaps for a checkpoint or to load textures.
A ssd is very helpful there.

Then, the FX is not exactly a fast chip either.

You can try a couple of experiments , here is my stock approach:

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To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You should also experiment with removing one core. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option. You will need to reboot for the change to take effect. Set the number of processors to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
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