Which power supply do I get?

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UnsolvedCypher

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Mar 10, 2012
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Hello,
I'm doing my first build of a computer, and have chosen these parts so far: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1cXHxu9p9o6U2J6QnVlQ3dRR1M2TEQ3T3hLRF9SZw

My problem is that I'm not sure what kind of power supply I need. Also, is the video card I chose appropriate for some Photoshopping but not much gaming? I don't intend to play games on my PC. Could you please give me some feedback on my parts (what needs rethinking). Also, I'm thinking of getting an Antec P280 for a case, but it's out of stock so I can't include it on my wishlist right now. Am I missing any parts?

Thanks, ~Unsolved Cypher
 
Solution
550D
i3 2120
ASUS P8Z68 PRO
Vengeance 8GB
7750
430w

A List of Recommended PSUs
The Corsair 550D is far more superior than the P280. The i3 will beat out any AMD CPU, even the Phenoms and the 8150.
Why spend so much on memory when you could get a cheaper, one slot 8GB DIMM? The 7750 is dead silent and will play some of the medium games maxed out, and it beats the 6770. The Rosewill 430w will provide more amps and is much quieter than the CX430. There has been many complaints about the CX430 making a loud, annoying whine.
I never said 1.5v would overheat but 1.6v+ will.
The Antec is using an outdated PSU method. The Rosewill will also give you one more amp oppose to the 32 Amps Antec gives- not much but at least it's using an up to date method.

 


So about the RAM, you said that the low power will make the system cooler. But if I'm using 2x4gb, that means that I have two 1.25v (or whatever the voltage is) sticks. If I buy 1 8gb regular power stick, then I still only have one 1.5v, which is less than 2x1.25. So does the lower voltage RAM actually make my system cooler over the 1 stick? And thanks for the PSU tip, I'll stick with Rosewill.
 
Not by any margin, but it's up to you which one you prefer.
 



The voltage doesn't really matters. In the BIOS you can always choose the "XMP"profile for the RAM which automatically switch to default RAM voltage.
 

So you're saying that using 1.6V RAM will overheat and in your words: "could severely damage the motherboard and the CPU"?

What is the outdated PSU method that Antec is using in its Earthwatts PSUs? What makes the Rosewill Green series you suggested superior to an Antec Earthwatts? Please provide specifics or links.
 

There are more trustworthy brands than this...Seasonic, FSP, XFX to name a few. The Rosewill Capstone's are excellent PSUs made by a quality OEM, Superflower. Generalizations are useful, but only to a certain point....
 
The Outdated Design
I'm not saying 1.6+ could severely damage the motherboard but it voids Intel's warranty and it's more likely to happen with 1.6+ than any other low voltage.

And why are you trying to start a flame war?
 
Can we please stay away from the low voltage RAM argument? I'm going to go with the 1 Mushkin 8gb stick. Does anyone else have any thoughts as to what looks good and what needs to be rethought?
Thanks guys! 😉
 
Sorry. The RAM is fine but you could get faster ones at a lower price.
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB
G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB Low Voltage
RAM just works like it's suppose to so it's really a matter of personal preference.
 

I'm not trying to start a flame war. It's just that your post read like you were saying that non-low voltage RAM would damage his motherboard...I didn't want the OP to get misled about RAM. :)

The Rosewill must have the same outdated design as the Antec...they both have most of the power on the 12V rails. The Rosewill does have 396W while the Antec has only 384W, but that doesn't mean the Antec is an outdated design. 😉

Cypher: If you don't plan on OCing, then the least expensive, compatible RAM from a good manufacturer will work well for you and save some money. I personally prefer the Corsair Value Select: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233269 but I've also like Mushkin http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226256 and Patriot http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220620
The 2x4GB sets that e56 linked are good sets, too, and they are less expensive than than buying single 8GB sticks.

IRT the PSU, I didn't see one in your wish list link above. What PSU was it? BTW both the Rosewill Green that e56 linked and the Antec Earthwatts that I linked are good quality PSUs with sufficient power for your rig and headroom in case you want to add a low to moderate GPU later.
 


I've read that the difference between 1333 and 1600 is almost unnoticable, so I don't know if it's worth it. I'm also looking for 1 8gb stick, so that I can upgrade in the future. But thanks for the tips!
 


The one in my wishlist was the Rosewill, and since you both recommend it I'll keep it. I like it a bit better than the Antec just because of the Antec's green color, since that seems to be the only difference. As for the RAM, I just changed my mind (sorry, I'm contradicting my previous post). I'll get a 2x4, the low power one that e56 suggested.
Thanks, ~Unsolved Cypher