What size PSU to buy

[zachthun]

I'm almost ready to buy all the hardware for my first ever gaming pc and I'm not sure if I need to up my power supply. This is my build:

Cpu: intel core I-5 4590

Mobo: asrock z97 extreme 4

Memory: corsair vengeance 8gb (2x4gb) ddr3 - 1600

Storage: pny optima 240 gb ssd
Western digital 1 tb 7200rpm hdd

gpu: sapphire radeon r9 270x

Case: rosewill challenger atx mid tower

Optical: lite-on ihas 124-14 cd dvd

Psu: corsair cx 500w 80+ bronze
certified semi-modular atx

Will 500 watts be sufficient?

 

[i7Baby]

You need a 500W psu. But get a good one per http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html
eg Seasonic 520, XDX 550, Antec HCG 520M

The CX500 has been having problems reported here - poor voltage control (crappy capacitors) and badly moulded 24 pin motherboard connector.

 

[Pondering]

Are you getting a non-k / not overclockable CPU with an overclocking motherboard?

Get the XFX TS 550 for $26 after $25 rebate and $10 coupon: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013 but it is not modular

or get the Antec HCG 620M for $60 after $20 rebate: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371059

Both the XFX TS 550 and Antec HCG 620M have a 5 year warranty compared to 3 year warranty for the Corsair.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

The CX500 isn't Haswell compatible , get this XFX which is.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $25.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[zachthun]

Thanks so much guys. I honestly know nothing about pc's. This is a birthday present for my wife. Her current gaming pc is sold old it needs to be put in a museum. Other than the Psu issue does this look like a decent build?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Change the ram to low profile modules in case you need a cooler down the road , rest looks good.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $97.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[i7Baby]

If you can afford, get the i5 4690k. The motherboard would love it.

For a few dollars more you should be able to get 2 x 4gb 1866 cl9 1.5v ram

 

[zachthun]

Is it worth it to go any higher than 1600 on ram. I read somewhere that it's only necessary if you have an apu or something. Also that graphics wise the only difference from 1600 to 2400 in graphics is 1-3 fps. Is that i5 4690k going to be a good match with my r9 270x gpu or should I change that too. As of now I've changes my Psu to the xfx and the memory to the g skill ares

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

You won't notice a real world difference between the 1600 and 1866 or even 2133.

 

[zachthun]

I've been hearing issues about motherboard bios concerning the i5-4690k. Will I have any issues with the mobo I'm getting?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

No the Extreme 4 is decent.

 

[zachthun]

So if I do get this new unlocked i5 4690k. Should I think about uping my power supply. Oh and i like how the xfx doubled in price overnight haha.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

For sure you can't overclock with a CX500.

 

[zachthun]

You are a gentleman and a scholar blackbird. I've stumbled upon about 100 threads which you've been involved in. I should read all your posts and be done with it. So xfx ts 550 Psu and I'm good to go? And what was this about you saying I might need a cooler down the road?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

If your going to overclock or game heavily you will want to look into a nice cooler.

 

[zachthun]

Well I would like the option to overclock if I'm buying a z97 Mobo and devils canyon cpu. What cpu cooler would you recomend? If I do decide to overclock will I need a bigger psu?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.97 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $84.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[zachthun]

You are friggin' awesome! One last question and I'll leave you alone. With all the changes I've made should I get a better gpu too?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

The 270x is decent , make the other changes and go from there.

 

[zachthun]

Thanks again blackbird. Couldn't have done it without you. Be prepared for some installation questions coming soon.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I'll be here!

 

[zachthun]

Sorry one more super noob question. This cpu cooler will literally replace the one that comes on the cpu? Do I need to by some sort of "thermal compound" or something?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

They come with some , but I prefer this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Thermal Compound: Arctic Cooling MX4 4g Thermal Paste ($5.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $5.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[zachthun]

Alright I'll add that to my list. Just curious, what kind of rig does an expert like you have?