Help choosing a PSU

[NoodleTech]

Hello, I am building a new computer in the near future and I need help picking out a PSU.

My new rig is going to have these components:
Intel Core I7 CPU (when it comes out)
X58 chipset mobo (when it comes out)
2GB-4GB DDR3 RAM
WD 300GB Velociraptor
ATI HD 4870
DVD Burner

I don't know how much power the new nehalem chips are going to draw but I am aiming for a PSU somewhere from 500W-600W. I don't want to waste energy with a crazy 800-1000W PSU that I don't need.

I've been reading this tiered PSU manufacturer listing and I'm trying to go by the brands it recommends.

Here's my list of brands of contenders: Enermax, Silverstone, Seventeam, Seasonic, Corsair.

All those brands seem to be top notch get a lot of praise. Is there any brand in that list that offers a model that outperforms and distinguishes itself from the rest?

I have a pretty large budget, so price is not a concern. Please help me choose a PSU.

I hear Corsair HX series are rebadged Seasonics. If this is true, is the Corsair HX better than it's Seasonic counterpart or vice versa?

Thanks!

 

[Quiksilver]

Here's my list of brands of contenders: Enermax, Silverstone, Seventeam, Seasonic, Corsair.

All those brands seem to be top notch get a lot of praise. Is there any brand in that list that offers a model that outperforms and distinguishes itself from the rest?

I have a pretty large budget, so price is not a concern. Please help me choose a PSU.

I hear Corsair HX series are rebadged Seasonics. If this is true, is the Corsair HX better than it's Seasonic counterpart or vice versa?

Thanks!

Not quite, the Corsairs have better quality components in them compared to the OEM seasonic counterparts.

Seventeam PSU are hard to come by around here, also throw enermax out the door; all their PSU's seemingly put up amazing numbers & reviews; but like 1 to 3 years later it blows up. Kinda hoping they finally fixed that...

There's a quite a good number more decent PSU's and that list hasn't been updated in a while.

 

[HOOfan 1]

Originally posted by: Quiksilver

Not quite, the Corsairs have better quality components in them compared to the OEM seasonic counterparts.

.

just barely. We are talking 85C rated capacitors versus 105C.

BTW you won't be wasting energy just because you buy a higher output supply. The supplies only use as much power as the components will pull. The efficiency is what determines if you are wasting energy and currently, it is the higher wattage units that are breaking efficiency records.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: HOOfan 1
BTW you won't be wasting energy just because you buy a higher output supply. The supplies only use as much power as the components will pull. The efficiency is what determines if you are wasting energy and currently, it is the higher wattage units that are breaking efficiency records.

On the other hand, a system that uses 150W at idle powered by a 100W PSU probably is less efficient due to low load than the same system running off a 400W PSU.

Either way, the difference in power consumption is pretty small.

Edit: Why choose a PSU now? It will still be several months before you're buying the PC. Wait for more accurate information about the Core i7 platform. Besides, your video card choice may change by then, and there may be new PSU models out.

 

[z1ggy]

Not sure how much the new board and chip will draw as far as power goes..but I would say going into the 600w range atleast...maybe get one that supports CF incase you want to put in another 4870 on your board in the future.

 

[RallyMaster]

Originally posted by: DSF

Originally posted by: HOOfan 1
BTW you won't be wasting energy just because you buy a higher output supply. The supplies only use as much power as the components will pull. The efficiency is what determines if you are wasting energy and currently, it is the higher wattage units that are breaking efficiency records.

On the other hand, a system that uses 150W at idle powered by a 100W PSU probably is less efficient due to low load than the same system running off a 400W PSU.

Either way, the difference in power consumption is pretty small.

Edit: Why choose a PSU now? It will still be several months before you're buying the PC. Wait for more accurate information about the Core i7 platform. Besides, your video card choice may change by then, and there may be new PSU models out.

I see this type of stuff all the time. They always ask about what PSU to get months before the technology is even released. Makes me wonder what their logic is...