Which PSU would be better for me?

[jwhiteney]

Hi,

My system currently has a CX600 which I want to upgrade now that I know a bit more about PSUs and know the CX600 isn't the greatest.

The two I am looking at are the CX650M for $70 or the EVGA 550 G2 for $100. Keeping in mind that I am thinking of possibly upgrading to a 1070.

My system is...
z97-a
i7-4790K (not overclocked currently)
4x4GB DDR3
GTX960
SSD
regular HD
4x case fans

 

[DRagor]

For single GPU setup, 550 W unit would be enough, even with 1080. Both your choices are good, EVGA is better overall, but CXM (grey label) will do too. How about that Seasonic, how much it would cost you? https://pcpartpicker.com/product/bkp323/seasonic-focus-plus-gold-550w-80-gold-certified-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-ssr-550fx

 

[jankerson]

You have a lot of choices in the 550W range that are good.

Corsair TX550M

Seasonic G-550W

Seasonic Focus 550W

EVGA G2 550W.

Or the 650W models of each are also good.

 

[Zerk2012]

The CXM 650 is acceptable quality the G2 is better quality either would run your PC fine after the video card upgrade even overclocking the processor.

 

[geofelt]

500w will run a GTX1070.
It is hard to beat this deal on a Seasonic 550w focus(rated 9.8/10 by jonnyguru) for $60 after rebate.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151189
650w is only $10 more.
If budget is a big issue, back off of gold rated and modular.
This tier 2 Seasonic S12II 620w unit is $50.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096

 

[jwhiteney]

Thanks for the suggestions. Last question... so for me, having a 650w has absolutely no benefit? I would be better of getting a higher quality 550w than a slightly lesser quality 650w?

 

[DRagor]

Thanks for the suggestions. Last question... so for me, having a 650w has absolutely no benefit? I would be better of getting a higher quality 550w than a slightly lesser quality 650w?

Correct. It does not hurt at all to have slightly more powerful unit OF SAME QUALITY, but it is better to have high quality 550 W then slightly lesser quality 650 W.

 

[geofelt]

^^^ true.
One benefit of a stronger than needed psu is that it will run at less than max capability.
A psu is usually most efficient in the middle third of its range and therefore will run quieter.

Add to that the capability of handling a card stronger thant he GTX1070 in the future.

 

[jwhiteney]

Thanks all for the suggestions... I went with the Seasonic Focus 650w. Everyone seems to suggest the seasonic and for $15 more i went with 650 over 550.