Looking to replace my PSU, which one would you recommend?

Bad Dude

Diamond Member
Jan 25, 2000
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Hi guys,
It's been 5 years since I decided to upgrade my PSU. Let's start with my full system specs.

-Intel i7 920 overclock to 4Ghz with stock voltage, air cooling.
-Gigabyte Radeon 4890 1Gig RAM.
-12GB RAM DDR3, 6 sticks Buffallo Technology.
-X-Fi Xtreme music sound card.
-5 Antec Tricool Color 120mm Fans. With Sunbeam 4 controller knobs for fans.
-Cooler Master M690 case.
-Hard drives: 2X1.5TB WD green, 2X1.5TB Seagate 7200.11, and 3X1TB Seagate 7200.11.
-Right now I have the OCZ GameXtreme 850W, it lasted about 5 years now.

The OCZ that I have now, according to most reviews, it has a somewhat poor noise ripple on the 12V lead. According the software it's reading 12.59V. I thought about buying those refurb OCZ at SVC but not sure I want to risk my hardware.

With the new PSU, I would like something that is a little better quality with lower noise ripple. Prefer LED fan but not really needed. I would love to have it modular as cable management seems to be my problem right now.

The questions that I would like to ask are the following:
1) What is the minimum that I can run my system stably right now? Would a Corsair 650W HX do? Budget is my big concern as most are.
2) I had bad luck with Antec EarthWatt lately so I am not too considering with the Antec TP 750W blue right now. What do you guys think of the ABS brand, and the Silverstone brand?
3) I plan on adding the Corsair H50 just for processor to get a more temperature stability with stress. I read that with the H50 most people are stressed with up to 70C. With my Tunig Tower 120, it goes up to 90C which is too hot. Now that's only running for 2 minute prime95.

So I guess I am looking for minimum power vs. cost that I can buy right now with clean power, and modular. I am looking to upgrade anything any time soon. Maybe adding some more hard drives but that's about it.

Fry's is having a sale on the Antec Quatro TP 1000W for $129.99, is this worth it guys? Should I buy that? Which one would you buy, the Quatro or the Corsair 750W HX?

Thanks for any input.
 
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HOOfan 1

Platinum Member
Sep 2, 2007
2,337
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650W would be more than enough for your setups.
What problems did you have with the Antec Earthwatts? They are good PSUs...there will always be some bad units for every line...that is just the way it is with electronics.

ABS has some good stuff and they have some crappy stuff. Most of Silverstone's stuff is good, and some of it is not so great.
 

Bad Dude

Diamond Member
Jan 25, 2000
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The EarthWatts just die within 3 days and won't power up any more. I just bought another one from Fry's as a backup and want to get a good one for my main system. I might go with the Corsair 750HX.
 

HOOfan 1

Platinum Member
Sep 2, 2007
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You shouldn't have had to buy another Earthwatts...if it died within 3 days it would be under warranty and you can RMA it.
 

v8envy

Platinum Member
Sep 7, 2002
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Really? A 4 ghz i7 can draw over 100 watts even at stock voltage. The 4890 can and does draw over 200 watts at load. Add in the 5 120mm fans with rheostats (15 watts) and *7* hard drives (70+ watts) plus optical drive, soundcard and USB devices and you think that PSU would be completely happy, even on a hot summer day after a year or two?

The 550 could be enough for today, but cutting it waaay too close IMO.
 

Bad Dude

Diamond Member
Jan 25, 2000
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Fry's is having a sale on the Antec Quatro TP 1000W for $129.99, is this worth it guys? Should I buy that? Which one would you buy, the Quatro or the Corsair 750W HX?

Also the dead Earthwatt 650W was exchanged out at Fry's so now I have it as a backup.
 

ChaiBabbaChai

Golden Member
Dec 16, 2005
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The best you can do is the Seasonic X-Series 650w. ~$180 @ newegg. Other less expensive options are the Enermax Revolution 85+ series and the Seasonic M12D or S12D.
 

Bad Dude

Diamond Member
Jan 25, 2000
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Well, my PSU seems to be doing fine. On top of that I have the Antec EarthWatt 650W as a backup.
My OCZ is not producing a lot of heat. No real signs of failure. I'll wait for a great deal on the Corsair HX.
 

RaistlinZ

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 2001
7,470
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Fry's is having a sale on the Antec Quatro TP 1000W for $129.99, is this worth it guys? Should I buy that? Which one would you buy, the Quatro or the Corsair 750W HX?

Also the dead Earthwatt 650W was exchanged out at Fry's so now I have it as a backup.

I'm personally leery of a 1000w PSU for only $129.99. I thought the whole reason you're upgrading is because you wanted better quality. ^_^ Quality > wattage, IMO.

From the reviews I've seen the 750HX has terrific 12 ripple performance and excellent efficiency to boot. 1000w is WAY overkill for your system. I'd go with the 750HX. You won't be disappointed.
 

jterrell

Senior member
Nov 18, 2004
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ironically i am here because my antec earthwatts died as well... i am getting the corsair 650.