What PSU should I choose? I have two options.

apoc2020

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Aug 14, 2007
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Decisions... decisions.... What shoes should I choose? I would like some wisdom from you guys that know your craft. Building a new rig, the theme of the build is to keep it cheap an efficient but proficient for my needs. I ordered 2 psu's from newegg an one of them is going back. Please help me decide which is most ideal for my use.

1st PSU. Thermaltake 650w 5 year warranty 35 dollars after rebate.
2nd PSU Corsair Cx430 3 year warranty 18 after rebate
both 80 plus bronze

5 year warranty hints to me the the thermaltake is better quality, yes?

Interesting tidbit, the corsair is longer an just as heavy as the thermaltake.

PSU calculator says I have a load wattage of 233 watts, So the 430 watts should be more than sufficient, correct? I may add a more powerful gpu (950gtx) in the future an that only bumps load wattage to 295 watts. So again 430w should be more than sufficient, right? It still gives me 135 watts leftover an really shouldn't be taxing the lower wattage PSU. I think the biggest con with the larger one is it could be more wasteful cause its not even using 50 percent load but supposedly 20-80 percent is ideal for efficiency so it should be just as efficient, right?

Thoughts an opinions please?
Happy Holidays!


Here is the results from the psu calculator I used.
http://
 
Solution
The PSU is the most important component in the system in my opinion. It's crucial you have a good quality one, as you'll regret it if and when it brings down the rest of your system and costs you a small fortune!


It is, "Smart Series". An I see they both fall under 4th tier PSU's. I didn't know their was all these quality concerns when it comes to PSU"s. Now I am thinking sending them both back an getting a higher tier.
 


Off the top of your head do you know a decent PSU that fits my needs?
 


Thanks for input but I would rather be safer than sorry unless you can provide with link or info about the higher quality of the new white series.
 
I never thought the PSU would have been one of the more time consuming or pricier choices when putting together my PC. Like "Multipack" said it is probably the most important part of the pc an shouldn't be skimped on. So at this current time I recommend anyone with similar power needs (220-250w) to go with EVGA SuperNOVA 550. You can get at newegg for 70 after 10 dollar rebate. It is probably the highest rated PSU for the price has 7 year warranty an is your safest bet.