Looking for a cheap PSU

[ithehappy]

I was using a Corsair TX650 PSU since December 2010. I used it on my Nehalem system, when i upgraded to Skylake in 2016 i still kept it and used it. But unfortunately just few days ago the PSU became dead. Well i suppose seven and a half years was enough from it. The exact model was CMPSU-650TXUK, Rev: B4W. If it didn't die on me i would obviously keep on using it.

The thing is i have very short cash at the moment to go on buy a new one. I checked my system specs on seasonic wattage calculator and it showed like 475 watt under load, so my first question is can I buy a 550 watt unit and be safe with it?

Second and most important question is, can I buy a cheap one like the Corsair CX550? I mean in comparison with my old 650TX the CX550 is a bit better isn't it? Or should I absolutely push my budget and get a TX550M? I have checked the Tier list of PSU and found that CX550 is in Tier 3 and TX550M in Tier 2 and all that.

My system spec is in my signature but still mentioning separately:

CPU: 6700k
MoBo: Z170 Pro Asus
RAM: 2x8 GB Ripjaws
GPU: Asus GTX970
HDD: WD Black x1
SSD: 850 Evo x1
6 fans in total, 2 with LED
One gaming mouse, one mech keyboard

All run at stock freq., no overclocking will be done either.

Thanks in advance.

 

[UsandThem]

550w is fine for your system.

Another good budget PSU is this Seasonic ($39.90 after $20 MIR):

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095&Tpk=N82E16817151095

It comes with a 5 year warranty, and hard to beat when on sale.

 

[ithehappy]

550w is fine for your system.

Another good budget PSU is this Seasonic ($39.90 after $20 MIR):

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095&Tpk=N82E16817151095

It comes with a 5 year warranty, and hard to beat when on sale.

Thanks. I live in India. That PSU you mentioned costs like 6500 over here, which is the same price for which a TX650 (new model) sells ROFL.

It's all about marketing, only Corsair, Cooler Master and Antec sell here at discounted prices. Seasonic models are crazily priced.

 

[UsandThem]

Thanks. I live in India. That PSU you mentioned costs like 6500 over here, which is the same price for which a TX650 (new model) sells ROFL.

OK, then if the CX550 is cheaper in your area, it's a good budget unit as well.

 

[Campy]

As others have commented, the CX550 will be fine. I don't know how the Seasonic calculator works, but your system won't draw anywhere near 475W under load. It's probably recommending that wattage because it has a huge safety margin, which is wise. I estimate your system probably pulls somewhere around 250W during gaming.

 

[ithehappy]

I bought the TX650M. One question I have, should I place the fan up or fan down? This is a typical Indian home with cemented floor and cabinet is 500R. So if fan is faced down then from floor it'll have like 1 inch gap. If faced up though it will face the GPU fans which are faced downwards, towards the PSU fan. So in cases when GPU heats up it'll release the hot air to the PSU, and vice versa.

 

[UsandThem]

1" clearance on the bottom is not very much, so either get something like sliders for the bottom of chairs to raise it off the floor some, or face it up.

All of the GPU heat will not go into the PSU unless you have extremely poor case airflow. It would be balanced with the cooler air coming into your case from your intake fans.