New PSU for Asus Essentio CG527 (PSU the problem?)

[TarHeel]

First off, am I correct to assume I need a new PSU?

Last night I was hearing loud noises coming from my PSU, randomly with a light load running. Loud like fast grinding that's louder than an average vacuum, I suppose... Restarted and still there. Left it off overnight, cleaned out the PSU fan with compressed air, started it back up, and suddenly my computer wouldn't load past the Windows screen (first time that has happened). It wouldn't load as in, it was stuck at the Windows loading screen before the desktop appears for 10+ minutes before I gave up. My computer usual takes about a minute to boot.

I'm new to most of this, so I googled around. Tried the PSU paperclip test and everything worked. It also confirmed that the noise was coming from the PSU. I then removed my hard drive and placed it in an old computer to check if it was the problem. It booted up.

So that's where I am now, and I am guessing I need to replace the PSU. Should I check anything else?

Using a 3 or 4 year old, Asus cg5275-ar003, which I purchased from Best Buy. I believe these are the specs since it's the same computer and I haven't upgraded anything:
http://techwiki.hardwarecanucks.com/product/1OTEyNzQ3MTExNTgxNzM/ASUS-Essentio-CG5275/#spec

And since I'm, presumably, going to upgrade the PSU, any suggestions on a mid-level graphics card to go along with it? Ideally, anything that can play any game on average settings or better. Not sure on the budget right now, but probably around $120-ish for the PSU and just an idea on the graphics for now.

I tried looking around and I don't understand how to find what is compatible, what will fit, and then I came over someone saying that NVIDIA graphics cards conflict with that model of computer... Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Tradesman1]

I'd look at the Seasonic here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094

On the GPU, you have a PCI-E slot, so could go with most any, the PCI-E 2 and 3 cards are backward compatible, so they'll work...not sure of budget on GPU but wouldn't put a ton into it, prob keep it under $100, maybe something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150587

 

[mastrom101]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096
All you need.

For the GPU?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127663&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130938&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59615

XFX 550W PRO550W Core Edition Single Rail ATX 12V 44A 24PIN ATX Power Supply 80PLUS Bronze

Our Price: $54.99 USD

Savings Code 59615-1213. SAVE $15.00 off our regular price of $69.99 if you buy today! Special price ends 07/10/2013.

After Mail In Rebate: $44.99

 

[TarHeel]

I was actually looking at that 620w Seagate from the second reply.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096

Is there a reason why the 520 and 620 are the same price (besides the 1 dollar more for shipping)? And I assume it will have no problem connecting to my computer since it's been suggested twice, right?

Say I purchase the SeaSonic S12II 620 Bronze 620W, how about ~$140 for the gpu then. I don't need anything particularly strong, just something that I don't have to reduce to the lowest settings to play games. ...Like I have no with my integrated graphics card.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Tradesman1]

Might be overstock on the one, or they may have a model change coming in and want to clear all the older version, who knows on the price? Can get a good GPU for that amount, there's some 650TIs, 7770, and 7790s out there

 

[TarHeel]

I don't really know what I'm looking at. This is so far out of my realm. How's this?
MSI R7770-PMD1GD5 Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127687

or this:

MSI N650-MD1GD5/OC GeForce GTX 650 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127703

Anyone know if it would work with the SeaSonic 620 and the rest of my computer? Don't know if there's any truth to this, but I heard MSI is reliable.

 

[Tradesman1]

Either should be fine with your rig, Haven't really ever had trouble w/ their GPUs, mobos are a whole nother story, won't touch 'em

 

[TarHeel]

Going to go with the Radeon HD 7770 and the SeaSonic 620w. Thanks.

 

[Tradesman1]

Drop us an update when you get it together

 

[TarHeel]

I received the parts this afternoon and installed them successfully. The PSU was indeed the reason for Windows no longer starting up and the GPU reads fine.

Although I have this half inch black border around my monitor now. Some guy seemed to have had a similar problem after installing a new gpu and fixed it in the CCC, so I'll play around in there until I correct the issue.

Also my Windows performance score (or whatever it's called) significantly improved as expected. Except the "Disk data transfer rate" is at 5.9, which from what I have read I need purchase a new HDD if I want to improve that? It's no big deal either way for me, but when I see 7.0, 7.1, 7.5, 7.5, and then 5.9... It's a bit of annoyance.

Hopefully I fix that border problem. Thanks for all the help from everyone who posted in here.

 

[Tradesman1]

The HD is prob a platter Drive - they won't go over 5.9, not even the fast Raptors - but worry about WEI, system folks don't even look at it because it's so worthless