Minimum PSU needed

[genesis777]

Hey guys,

So my current PSU is spazzing out and I am looking to get a new one. I know I want it to be modular and at least bronze certified. My only question left is how much wattage should I get. I currently have a 750w PSU (Ultra brand) and it seemed to be working fine, but since I am buying a new one I want it to last me through future upgrades. My current system is seen below. If i were to upgrade my graphics card to GTX 680 or something around that level of graphics, what would be the minimum wattage that I would need. Am I still cool with 750w or do I need to upgrade to 850w? Also if you could recommend a brand that would be awesome (kind of new to this). I hear Cosair, Seasonic, and Antec are good, but they are also pricy. Budget is preferably >$150. Thanks in advance.


CPU: Intel i5 2500k
MOBO: ASUS Z68 Gen-3
RAM: 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600 mHz
GPU: EVGA GTX 460 768 MB
PSU: 750w Ultra brand
HDD: 1x80GB, 1x500GB
Optic: Standard DVD reader
Case: NZXT Phantom 410
Fans: 3x140mm, 3x120mm fans

 

[nikorr]

The published PSU requirements are 550W.

http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-680/specifications

So although it's recommended to have a 550W PSU for a single GTX 680,

so 750W will do just fine for u.

This one is great for the budget buyers...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027

Bit better from Antec....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371051

And here is gold cert. from Seasonic...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087

 

[Guest]

MINIMUM
Rosewill HIVE Series HIVE-550 550W Continuous @40°C, 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified$69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182131
15% off w/ promo code RW15PSUM, ends 5/21
review:
Rosewill Hive 550W

 

[amuffin]

I would not trust that psu! A quality 500w will run that system easily!

 

[aebome]

Since the minimum recommended power for a GTX 680 is 550W, a 750W would be fine, but you could also use a 650W PSU, as long as going the SLI is not something you think you will pursue.

I say this because Newegg has a great deal on the Seasonic X650 Gold, which is the 650W version of the Seasonic posted by Nikorr. It is $140, with a $40 off promo code active through tomorrow. I would seriously consider this power supply, as it will more than meet your needs, is very efficient, and is such a good quality unit.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088

If you would prefer the extra capacity afforded (but not needed) by a 750W, Nikorr suggestions are very good, and I would also toss in there the Corsair TX750M
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139030 and the XFX Core 750W, even though it isn't modular: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207015

 

[Guest]

I would not trust that psu! A quality 500w will run that system easily!

if your scared, say your scared

 

[nikorr]

Its not a bad idea to leave some overhead and reserve some Watts for some upgrade.

And its also good not to run the PSU almost at max. capacity.

 

[Guest]

i am not disagreeing with that philosophy. ran his rig through the psu calc in my sig and came up with 425 watts max (77% of 550) doubtful it stays that high gaming.

just gave the "low ball" doubt it gets picked with the larger budget.

 

[delluser1]

Gaming power consumption of an overclocked I7-965 / X58 / GTX680 system, with extra bling
307 watt AC
~89% efficiency
272 watt DC load on the psu
Hmm, that would be 50% load on a 550 watt psu when running a game like application, plenty of overhead
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-680-sli-review/4

Power consumption difference between I7-965 and I5-2500k ( AC )
65 watts idle
93 watts load
http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Reviews/Intel_Core_i7_3770K/12.html

Unless you're planning on running F@H or power viruses like Prime and Furmark 24/7, the 550 watt reccomendation for the GTX 680 is plenty, as long as it's a good quality psu

 

[aebome]

Not that a good 550W PSU wouldn't suffice (it would), but I still think that the Seasonic X650 Gold for $100 is a heck of deal, considering the OP set the budget at $150, and not much can touch that class of Seasonic.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088