Need advice for replacing a power supply.

[Danae]

I need to purchase a replacement power supply for my 3 year-old Cybertron built computer and could sure use some advice. Here are the specs:

AMD FX 8350 4.00 GHz C8 AM3+ RET (FD8350FRHKBOX)
GIGABYTE AM3+ V X16 4D3 M32 GL R MATX (GA-78LMT-USB3)
Crucial 8 GB DDR3-1600 PC3-12800 Ballistix (BLS8G3D1609DS1S0)
Toshiba 500 GB SATA3 7200 RPM 32 MB Cache (HDKPC01)
LG DVD+RW DL 24x SATA Black (GH24NSBOB)
ZOTAC GeForce GTX770 2GD5 X16 2DVI HDM (ZT-70301-10P)
Ultra 650W PSU (ULT-LSP650)

Specific brands and model #s would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[the nerd 389]

I'm going to make an admittedly shaky assumption and say that your case supports a standard ATX PSU.

That said, the Seasonic S12II 630 is a solid choice if you're on a tight budget.

The EVGA 650 G2 is the best at it's price point, and is worth considering.

If you have room in the budget, I recommend the Corsair RM650x. It's more reliable and quieter than the other two.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

wouldnt a 550w psu be enough for that? there is a great deal on corsair cx55m for 39.99 bucks !

 

[the nerd 389]

550W is enough. I recommend the Seasonic over that Corsair, as a rule, as while both are decent, older model CXms are not very good, and the Seasonic has better ripple control and regulation.

On a very tight budget, the CX550m will get the job done, though.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

fairly certain that its the new grey label cxm.

 

[the nerd 389]

fairly certain that its the new grey label cxm.

I am too. The Seasonic still offers better regulation and ripple control.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

^ thats true. i think the s12 620 is ~47 bucks. the advantage is cxm is semi modular. the s12 620 is not. so cable management comes into play here. anyways, both will do the job here as u said.

 

[Danae]

Thank you for your responses. I have narrowed it down to the following:

Corsair RM650x ($114.99)
Corsair RM550x ($99.99)

EVGA SuperNOVA 650 G3 ($91.85)
EVGA SuperNOVA 550 G3 ($84.99)

Unless someone says otherwise, I assume the EVGA G3 is better than the G2. Since the prices are just about the same now (on Amazon), I did not include the G2s. All of the above are fully modular.

Also, even though my computer may work with a 550w, it currently has a 650w. Is there any risk in lowering the wattage? Is there a benefit to getting a 650w? Cybertron recommended that I stay with a 650w, but an EVGA rep said 550 and even 450 would be sufficient.

This will be my first (and hopefully last) time having to replace a PSU. I am kind of annoyed that Cybertron put in such a crummy one. So whatever I get, I want it to be cool, quiet, efficient, and long-lasting.

Again, your input is greatly appreciated.

P.S. The case is a Coolermaster Elite 311 Mid-Tower (RC-311B-BWN1), and I was told it would support a standard ATX PSU.

 

[the nerd 389]

You can safely use a 550 watt power supply without issue, provided that the PSU is a half-decent model. The Cybertron PSU does not count. Practically all prebuilt computers use terrible PSUs. Practically no one on this forum would be caught dead putting one of those in a custom PC unless they truly had no other choice.

The G3 is roughly the same as the G2. There is no reason to pay more for the G3.

I would personally recommend getting the RM550x if you want a quiet PSU. All of the PSUs mentioned are reasonably quiet, but the RMx series is noticeably quieter than the EVGAs.

 

[Danae]

Thank you!

 

[Danae]

Help again, please. On Saturday I installed a new Corsair RM550x power supply. Today (Thursday) I started having other issues with my computer. It runs, but the screen shows nothing but a No Signal message. When I called the manufacturer, I was told it could be a bad graphics card or motherboard or psu. Now I don't know what to do.

 

[the nerd 389]

Do you have another machine to test the parts in?

If so, start with the GPU, as it's easier to swap. If that works, try the PSU without the 770. That PSU should support the 770 just fine, though. Your build only draws 450 watts, and that PSU is able to supply almost 600 when pushed.

If you don't have a second machine on hand, make sure all of the power cables are properly seated and the GPU is plugged in.

Also, if you can still return it, there are much better GPUs around for the money. I assumed you already had the GPU. I wouldn't recommend it for a new build or as an upgrade for an old build.