Need advice: What PSU and CPU cooler to buy

[bruno0920]

Hi everyone!

I really need advice here on to what PSU should I buy and whether should I get a new cooler for CPU. This is my spec.

Motherboard: P5GC-MX/1333
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7200 @ 2.53GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 3448MB RAM (4GB)Apacer UNB pc2-5300 CL5 2x2GB
HD: Samsung HD250HJ
DVD/CD RAM-writer: Sony optiarc dvd rw ad-7200s

As for GPU, my 8500GT finally crashed, I'm still thinking to buy either of these:
HD: 5770/6770, 5850/6850, 5670, 5570
GF: GTX550Ti, GTX460 1GB, GTS450, GT440


As for my CPU, also thinking to OC it to about 3.2GHz, raising the FSB from 266MHz (1066FSB) to 333MHz (1333FSB) and locking the vCore to 1.35V. Do you think the CPU fan that comes along w/ it is enough or do I have to buy a CPU cooler.

These are the CPU cooler available in our area
CoolerMaster V10, V8, Jet4, Hyper Tx3, Vortex Plus
Thermaltake Frio OCK
Antec25 H2O
Gigabyte G-Power Pro


Power Supplies:
Hec Cougar CM 500W, Rapter II, Raptor Green 500W
Civo Switching 500W
Thermaltake litepower 350w / 600W, TR2 W0379RU 500W / TR2 W0093RU 500W
Acbel CE2 500W
IMaster Pro 600W
Cougar RS 550W
Intex 600W ACCOPIA DUAL FAN POWER SUPPLY
Across ATX 500W
FSP Supersonic 500W
Heatpipe Cooled 500W

Power Supplies Not Available in Our Area That I'm considering To Have
Antec VP-450 450W
FSP HEXA 500w
Corsair CX430 V2
XFX Core Edition Pro 450W
Antec NeoEco 520W

NOTES:
0. I'm not techy person. I've tried to read all the guides about PSU here, but I'm having a hard time swallowing the information. I'm getting information overload! Please as much as possible make it as layman as possible.

1. we're not to discuss what GPU is best for my current PC spec since it's already discussed in one of the threads. I'm asking what would be the PSU to buy that could handle all of these GPU.

2. Also if you think I need a new cpu cooler, please select one before choosing a PSU.

3. It doesn't matter to me if I need to buy a molex adapter, but since you're the masters/experts, I need advice if it's advisable.

4. After you've picked your choice from the "available PSU", please compare it to the "unavailable PSU"

5. Prices doesn't matter on those items listed since all of them are w/in my budget



Thank you for all the feedback!

 

[TemjinGold]

If just reading the guides is info overload and you are not techy, I would not OC. If you absolutely must, get a friend who is to do it for you.

I wouldn't pick any of those available PSUs.

 

[BoomerD]

First, where are you located?

Do you have other options such as mail-order?

IMO, there isn't a single PSU on your "available" list that I'd be comfortable using.

SOME FSP units are OK...not great, but OK.

The Zalman (Heatpipe) unit is FSP built...
The Thermaltake units are:
Litepower 350 = Delta...some good, some not so good.
Litepower 600-Not on my lists, but the rest of the line is either Delta or FSB built.
TR2 0379 = HEC built...avoid, avoid, avoid.
TR2 0093 = ChannelWell built. Some good, some not so good.
AcBel Builds their own...not the worst of the bunch, but not great.
IMaster-unknown.
Cougar = HEC built. they don't review very well...and fail just about all tests.
Intex-Unknown
Across-Unknown


IMO, only buy power supplies that are built on a SeaSonic chassis. While there are other good OEM companies, SeaSonic seems to be the best and most reliable.

Antec
XFX
Corsair
SeaSonic

 

[bruno0920]

If just reading the guides is info overload and you are not techy, I would not OC. If you absolutely must, get a friend who is to do it for you.

I wouldn't pick any of those available PSUs.

Yeah, I'm going to buy in a shop and I'll let the technicians OC and assemble those parts (GPU, PSU, cooler) for me.
But regarding to those PSU that are not available, do you have a pick?

Antec
XFX
Corsair
SeaSonic

Ok so as long as the brand is either of those, the model really doesn't matter, am I correct?


Thanks for all the info!

 

[TemjinGold]

Yep, in that price range, just pick anything from one of those brands. For CPU cooler, I would go with the Antec H2O then.

 

[bruno0920]

Yep, in that price range, just pick anything from one of those brands. For CPU cooler, I would go with the Antec H2O then.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[BrianTho2010]

I would stick to a Seasonic power supply.

 

[BoomerD]

Yeah, I'm going to buy in a shop and I'll let the technicians OC and assemble those parts (GPU, PSU, cooler) for me.
But regarding to those PSU that are not available, do you have a pick?


Ok so as long as the brand is either of those, the model really doesn't matter, am I correct?


Thanks for all the info!

Pretty much. I tend to prefer those PSU's built on a SeaSonic chassis over Delta or the other OEM companies' work, but buying from one of the companies I mentioned will get you a better-than-average power supply backed with a good warranty from a reputable company.

While SOME of their offerings may be "less than stellar," they're all good, dependable units.

 

[bruno0920]

Thanks for all the feedback! Yeah I think I'm all set now! There's actually some shops who do sell order-basis items. Though still items are limited.

This is my list, I'll just let the shop 4 alternatives for each part.

GPU:
1) 6770 (VaporX)
2) 5850
3) 6850
4) GTX460 1G

PSU:
1) Antec (NeoEco/VP450)
2) XFX (Core Edition Pro)
3) Corsair (CX430 V2)
4) Seasonic

HSF:
1) Hyper 212+
2) Tx3
3) Antec H20
4) Frio OCk


Any Final input on the lineup?? #s indicates priority, while parenthesis indicates preferred model

 

[BrianTho2010]

Out of those PSU's I would go with the Corsair CX430. The Seasonic S12II 430 watt is the best choice of all of those, but it is more expensive than the others.

The Antec is of unknown origin and I would stay away from it. The XFX is based on the Seasonic S12 but they made some design compromises that cause the 12v line to go out of spec. The Corsair users some cheaper capacitors, but stays truest to the Seasonic S12 design.


Regarding the heatsink, as long as noise is not a super big concern, the Hyper 212 is just fine. Its a good heatsink, but not the quietest out there.

The video Card: The 5850 is not sold anymore. The 6850 will provide a 50% improvement in performance from the 6770 for 30 dollars more. I would go with the 6850. Additionally the 6770 is actually just a 5770. There are no differences in performance, just the name.

 

[BoomerD]

The Antec NeoEco line are Seasonic builds.
The 450 watt unit should have 34 amps on the 12v. rail That's more than enough for the OP's current build. (be aware, this ships without a power cord. You'll either have to buy one...or use one from another unit)

AFAIK, the Corsair CX430 models (2 of them) are CWT builds. Not terrible, but not Seasonic. Still backed by Corsair with a decent warranty.
(BOTH have 3 year warranties in the USA)

 

[BrianTho2010]

The Antec NeoEco line are Seasonic builds.
The 450 watt unit should have 34 amps on the 12v. rail That's more than enough for the OP's current build. (be aware, this ships without a power cord. You'll either have to buy one...or use one from another unit)

AFAIK, the Corsair CX430 models (2 of them) are CWT builds. Not terrible, but not Seasonic. Still backed by Corsair with a decent warranty.
(BOTH have 3 year warranties in the USA)

The CX430 is Seasonic. Read Jonny Guru review.

From what I could find the Antec is NOT Seasonic, but there is some debate on the matter. One theory is that its a Seasonic based on the fact that the 520 Neo Eco is an S12II Bronze.

 

[BoomerD]

The CX430 is Seasonic. Read Jonny Guru review.

From what I could find the Antec is NOT Seasonic, but there is some debate on the matter. One theory is that its a Seasonic based on the fact that the 520 Neo Eco is an S12II Bronze.

CX430-v2
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=239
(Page 4-Disassembly)

With the lid off the unit, we see a fairly low end Channel Well design inside.

CX430
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story3&reid=214
(page 3- autopsy)

Although one would initially think "FSP" since we're so used to seeing group regulation in FSP based products, the construction of this unit screams CWT to me (green tape on transformers and primary coil).

Of course, the letters "CWT" printed on a number of components helps making identifying this PSU easier.

Re: Antem Neo Eco series:

http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7958

http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6277


While these lists aren't all inclusive, nor are they my only source of information, they've been VERY accurate:

http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/psu_manufacturers

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=205763

 

[bruno0920]

THanks for all the input! Though kinda sad that out from the available PSU, none were picked. I just do hope that those good (w/c are not on stock) would be available using order-basis. W/ the models you have provided me, at least I'll have some room and expand alternatives, I might hit a jackpot and of those "out-of-stock" PSU can be ordered thru order-basis.

 

[BrianTho2010]

CX430-v2
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=239
(Page 4-Disassembly)


CX430
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story3&reid=214
(page 3- autopsy)

I stand corrected, I must have been on crack when skimming that review. Based on that I would stay away from the CX430.

Regarding the Antec, I would still be a bit apprehensive to call it as being Seasonic. Take a look at the internals. they dont match up to the Seasonic S12.

http://translate.google.es/translat....com/doc/0/506/506639_all.shtml&sl=auto&tl=en

 

[BoomerD]

I stand corrected, I must have been on crack when skimming that review. Based on that I would stay away from the CX430.

Regarding the Antec, I would still be a bit apprehensive to call it as being Seasonic. Take a look at the internals. they dont match up to the Seasonic S12.

http://translate.google.es/translat....com/doc/0/506/506639_all.shtml&sl=auto&tl=en

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=317192

Edit: After this review was done Hardwaresecrets.com reviewed the Seasonic S12II Bronze model which is the same design as the Antec Neo ECO

 

[BrianTho2010]

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=317192

Thats the 520. The 520 was already confirmed Seasonic. That said it does seem like all the Neo Eco's are of seasonic design, but with some departure from the S12 design.