PSU and graph. card

[CobaltPhoenix]

Hi everyone!

I am planning to buy a custom-components PC. Here's the build:

-Fractal Design Define R5 case
-Intel Core i7 4790K (4 Ghz), probably not gonna' overclock it
-Asus B85 "Pro Gamer" mobo
-Corsair Dominator 16Gb (2x8) RAM
-Corsair CS550M PSU (80+ Gold)
-WD Green 1TB HDD
-Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo (processor cooling)

Now, I'm hesitating for the graphics card. I thought the Asus STRIX GTX 960 2GB was a good choice at first, because it seemed good for the price, it is power-saving and silent. But I then understood that it's not the most competitive out there.

I found out that Sapphire sells a R9-290 for a near price, the orange Tri-x 4Gb one, and I have seen everywhere that my lil' 550W PSU won't be enough for it. I would appreciate a confirmation on this.

I also saw the R9 280x (Vapor-X 3Gb) but again I would like to know if my PSU would be sufficient for this one, and if it's better than my planned GTX960 (benchmarks apparently show it is but idk..)

So here's my question, are these really better than the planned GTX960 and can my PSU allow me to use them ? What about the noise ?

Or, does anyone know other better, silent, good quality cards in a near price range that my PSU would allow me to get ? (No NVIDIA/AMD preference, but I prefer ASUS/Sapphire/Gainward)

Thanks in advance.

 

[CobaltPhoenix]

Found an interesting ASUS R9 270X -DC2T with 4Gb. Might this be better and can my PSU allow me to use it ?

 

[RaDiKaL_]

If possible go with the R9 290 since its the most powerful among the ones you listed, (though if you can stretch your budget for a GTX 970 then go for it!).

While the Corsair CS series aren't the greatest PSUs out there, being Gold rated it should be enough for either of the cards you listed, as long as you don't intend to OC anything in your pc you shouldn't have any issues with it.

 

[Rebu]

I'd go for the GTX 960 and RM 550M PSU. The CS 550M might have problems with coil whine. The R9 280X Tri-X is more powerful than the nvidia but I suposse that you will use the graphic card for gaming... then go to the nvidia.

If you dont like the RM 550 you can see another PSU in this list. I always recomend Tier Two Class B or better.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html