Should I upgrade my PSU?

[srdit]

Hi,

I'm considering upgrading my GPU soon and I'm not sure whether I would need a new PSU as well.

My system currently:

PSU: be quiet Straight Power E8 500W
Mainboard: Asus Z87-Plus
CPU: i7-4770k
RAM: G-Skill Ares 1866 2 x 8 GB
GPU: Gigabyte 560Ti OC
CPU cooler: Scythe Mugen
Case fans: 2 120 mm fans from be quiet (no leds or anything)
a Crucial m4 128gb SSD, Seagate SATA HDD, a DVD-ROM RW drive, a PCIe wireless card, a Sound Blaster Audigy SE (PCI), and several devices plugged in on usb-ports:

Wireless Mouse + Keyboard set (Logitech) used constantly, and several others used occasionally:

Inkjet Printer
External HDD
IPad
Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet
Webcam


I'm thinking of upgrading to a gtx 780, EVGA superclocked with ACX cooler, or MSI Twin Frozr. Now I suppose it's really close to the limit, but I just can't see much sense in upgrading to merely 50 or 100 W more, since I can't imagine I would need more than 600 W altogether. I don't plan on overclocking, neither the CPU, nor the GPU. The only other thing that I would add to the system might be another SSD. Could I keep the PSU I have now (3 years old) and be calm or do I definitely need a new one?

 

[Adrian Ocampo]

no you can use that 500w still 😀 it can handle the 780 just fine with that 😀

 

[HiTechObsessed]

Yeah, I would. 500w would be pushing it even with a high quality PSU. I would look for a 600-650 watt for that combo. Check here to see good brands, and try to stay in tier 1, 2, or 2b, but 3 would still be acceptable:

http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

 

[VolvoDoto]

Yeah your psu is decent even if it is old.

 

[srdit]

Yeah, I would. 500w would be pushing it even with a high quality PSU. I would look for a 600-650 watt for that combo. Check here to see good brands, and try to stay in tier 1, 2, or 2b, but 3 would still be acceptable:

http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm still not sure what to do however. Also HiTechObsessed thanks for the list, although, how is Be Quiet only in Tier 3? I've had none problems with my PSU for three years and it's also very silent.

If I am to upgrade, how much of an upgrade will not be an overkill? I'm thinking, when already upgrading, to upgrade to a PSU that might give me enough space for eventual further upgrades - OC the CPU or the GPU, adding another HDD or SSD, etc. I'm considering the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 10 650 W or even the 750 W. It's certified as 80 PLUS Gold.

 

[HiTechObsessed]

Tier 3 is still a solid PSU, nothing wrong with them - especially for single GPU builds. I just recommended a little more power, but 500 is still fine. I just know that PSUs degrade over time, and it won't put out that amount of power any more lol You'd be fine with a 550w, that's what I use. A 650w wouldn't really be too overkill, just gives more headroom for adding more stuff and overclocking. 750 would be overkill though.