Need a new PSU?

[Matinc]

Hey everyone,

I recently bought an EVGA Gtx 660 (non-Ti) "superclocked" for my medium end gaming pc. So after checking several threads I was convinced that I must be very careful when picking a PSU.

Right now, I have some BRB 500w power supply that looks generic and probably not very efficient when my new graphics card will require at least 450w. Should I get a new PSU? I don't really want to spend over $50, maybe $60 if necessary. If so, I'd glady accept any suggestion you guys have.

My current PC:

PSU: BRB 500w

CPU: Intel i3 2120 @ 3,3 ghz

HDD: WD 500MB 3.5 inch Internal Hard Drive - Caviar Blue

Ram: 2 x 4GB Kingston 1333Hz

Motherboard: P8H61M LX (New b3 revision)

Gpu: EVGA GTX 660 Superclocked 2048mb.

 

[geofelt]

If your current psu has the required single 6 pin pcie connector, I would go ahead and plan on using it.

BRB is unknown to me, but if it has been working for you, it should be ok.

If you want guidance on a better quality psu, here is one list:
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

 

[millwright]

If it is a non brand name there are 2 problems, it probably won't put out 500watts, and it probably won't have circuit protection, so if it fails, it could take all or part of your computer with it

I'd go with a Corsair 450watt
It most likely has more power that you present 500w

In fact a Corsair 430w would be more than enough, but I don't like to go under the recommended, even though, the requirements, are inflated, because the manufacturers know people buy crappy power supplies.

Edit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371045

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194090

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

 

[leo2kp]

I am not familiar with that brand. With your configuration, 500 watts should be just about perfect. However, look at +12v amps and make sure that it exceeds the required amperage for the GPU. You'll want a power supply with lots of protection (Active PFC is more expensive but worth it), with endorsements from UL or similar entities. 80plus certification is one indicator of higher quality internals, and the better the rating, the better the internals. I typically don't buy anything with less than a 5 year warranty. Actual brand isn't a great way to measure quality, as many brands use different companies to make the guts for their PSUs, but that's not to say that there aren't any brands that are typically better. There are, such as FSP Group, PC Power and Cooling, and a few others. Independent reviews and looking at the specs are usually a good way to find something solid.

 

[Matinc]

Thank you for the answers. I just checked and the GTX requires 24 amps. This is what my power supply has:

+5V: 10A
+12V: 10A
-12V: 0.5A
+3.3V: 6A
VSB+5V: 1.2A

 

[millwright]

That can't be right, even on a cheap power supply.

There must be another +12v rail or 2.

A 500 usually has close to 40 amps on the 12v rail.

Edit
Even the Corsair 430watt has 32amps, on the 12volt rail.

 

[Matinc]

Sorry for the delay, I took a picture of it just to be 100% sure:

http://oi58.tinypic.com/s3ztzl.jpg

 

[millwright]

OMG, get rid of that this second.

That isn't even a 300watt.