PSU for my new build

[goober81]

Hey, im new to computer building and will be putting this together with my kid. Here are the specs

AMD Phenom 960t
Asus m4a87TD EVO AM3
AMD Performance Edition 2x2gb DDR3 1600
XFX HD Radeon 6770 677X DDR5 1gb
Cooler Mater Elite 430
Seagate HDD 500 gb 7200 SATA
Western Digital 320 gb 7200 EIDE
HP 24x double layer dvd rw/dvd +rw
Microsoft Windows 7 home edition OEM 64bit
Cooler Master Elite 500 watt PSU

Many sites say for the graphics card I need a minimum 450 watts, but dont know if that includes other items. When using PSU calculator, it only says 365 watts or in that range. Is 500 watts going to be enough for this build? Toms Hardware has been very informative in my decisions and I dont want my kid to be dissapointed if it doesnt start up. Thanks for your feedback.

 

[ohyouknow]

I would pick up a 80+ certified PSU just for longevity and consistency such as this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

The PSU you picked out will work though should you choose to stick to it. But keep in mind that a solid PSU is the heart of the PC and most important (IMO) component. Good Luck.


Also, do you have any plans to upgrade/extra vid card or overclock that computer as well?

 

[Rustyy117]

Hi

Yep, when AMD/ATI or nVidia list a minimum power supply requirement they include a basic system aswell, so its the card + the rest of the PC.

A quality 450W or greater PSU will be ample.

 

[goober81]

I dont plan on overclocking this rig yet until I get a better psu. I am on a tight budget and was able to put this together after a lot of looking around and shopping.

Now that I see the Corsair is priced the same as the one I have now I will consider it. What are some of the concerns I should have withe cooler master psu I am planning on putting in? Thanks for your input!

 

[ohyouknow]

I read a review on the 460watt Elite one and they basically changed the wattage on the box even though it performs exactly the same as the 400 wattage one. Bad ju ju business practice.

Coolermaster's silent pro, I believe, is their better line. Their 500 watt elite PSU only has 70% efficiency according to their own site.

 

[Rustyy117]

If you ever need to find out what a PSU is made of check out http://www.jonnyguru.com/

Their reviews are excellent, very in-depth and informative.

 

[dish_moose]

^ +1 also check out:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page541.htm
-Bruce

 

[knightdog56]

Also a good source of information is www.hardwaresecrets.com they actually test the power suplies. Just click on power on the top of the page and a whole list of power suplies is their.

 

[Guest]

it looks like you may be using amazon. looking at the 6770 card there:
http://www.amazon.com/XFX-Radeon-HD6770-PCI-Express-HD677XZNLC/dp/B004Z5GRVW
there is a "bundle" if you scroll down a bit:
Frequently Bought Together Price For All Three: $202.99
the card (6770) a corsair CX500 and DVD burner looks good for your build. not sure if it saves you any money though. but point being is that would be a VERY sufficient PSU.
i do doubt if that system as spec'd NOW will run over 350 watts. but you need a PSU with 1 six pin power connection for the graphics card.

 

[goober81]

Thanks a lot guys, plenty of resources out there! Im so psyched for all the stuff to come in, still thinking about the psu. Decisions, decisions, decisions. I guess I will need to order a better one and wait a few more days, the anxiety is killing me!