New PSU for GTX 770?

[tsupersonic]

Current Specs:

• i5 4670 (stock)
• 2x4GB DDR3
• GTX 560 Ti
• 2x Samsung 840 Pro SSD
• 1TB WD Blue
• 4x 140mm case fans
• 1x 120mm case fan
• ARCTIC Freezer 7 Pro Rev. 2
• Seasonic SS-620GM (620W PSU - 80+ Bronze)

I just built this when Haswell came out early Summer. I would like to upgrade to a GTX 770 down the road, along with a new CPU cooler, and 2x8 GB RAM. For CPU cooler, I'm thinking a Noctua NH-U12S. I'm looking for something quieter - trying to go for a near silent build. This is all housed within a Fractal Design Define R4.

1) Do I need a new PSU? As per above, I have the Seasonic M12II Bronze 620W 80+ Bronze PSU. The nice thing is it is modular, but only semi-modular. I guess I want a new PSU with full modular capabilities (makes for even easier cable management).

I ran through the PSU calculator, with the new components, the minimum PSU wattage is 466 W, and the recommended PSU wattage is 516 W (at 100% load). If I run through it with new components minus the graphics card, the minimum PSU wattage is 405 W, and the recommended PSU wattage is 455 W. It's a difference of just 61 W. I don't plan on overclocking at all, the CPU is plenty fast for my needs.

I don't mind splurging on PSU. I had an OCZ Modxstream Pro 700W that killed my old system with an i7 860 (I would've kept that going, as it was plenty fast, and built in Fall '09). Since the PSU died, I used that opportunity to build this current Haswell build.

2) Recommendations on CPU coolers? I would prefer something that runs quieter.

3) RAM recommendations. I am rocking Patriot 2x4GB DDR3 @ 1066 MHz CL7. I have been looking at this Anandtech article, and been drooling over some high speed low CAS latency RAM.

So what do you guys think?

 

[thedosbox]

Current Specs:

• i5 4670 (stock)
• 2x4GB DDR3
• GTX 560 Ti
• 2x Samsung 840 Pro SSD
• 1TB WD Blue
• 4x 140mm case fans
• 1x 120mm case fan
• ARCTIC Freezer 7 Pro Rev. 2
• Seasonic SS-620GM (620W PSU - 80+ Bronze)

I just built this when Haswell came out early Summer. I would like to upgrade to a GTX 770 down the road, along with a new CPU cooler, and 2x8 GB RAM. For CPU cooler, I'm thinking a Noctua NH-U12S. I'm looking for something quieter - trying to go for a near silent build. This is all housed within a Fractal Design Define R4.

1) Do I need a new PSU? As per above, I have the Seasonic M12II Bronze 620W 80+ Bronze PSU. The nice thing is it is modular, but only semi-modular. I guess I want a new PSU with full modular capabilities (makes for even easier cable management).

It's worth noting that PSU is rated at 40C. Given that the TDP of a GTX 770 is only 230W, you should be fine. But if you're looking for full-modular and a quiet unit, it might be worth springing for the Seasonic X-650. The fan on it doesn't need to spin up until the load exceeds 300W.

 

[tsupersonic]

It's worth noting that PSU is rated at 40C. Given that the TDP of a GTX 770 is only 230W, you should be fine. But if you're looking for full-modular and a quiet unit, it might be worth springing for the Seasonic X-650. The fan on it doesn't need to spin up until the load exceeds 300W.

That is an interesting concept - how reliable are these types of PSU's? Time to start reading reviews too!

Also, thank you

Edit: I just read a review that said the X650 is great, and another PSU to consider is the Seasonic Platinum 660W (similarly priced), and also very quiet.

 

[thedosbox]

That is an interesting concept - how reliable are these types of PSU's? Time to start reading reviews too!

Also, thank you

Edit: I just read a review that said the X650 is great, and another PSU to consider is the Seasonic Platinum 660W (similarly priced), and also very quiet.

Let's put it this way, the X series have a 7-year warranty.

Depending on the price difference wherever you're shopping, I'd stick with the X-650. The current KM3 version almost hits 80Plus Platinum levels of efficiency.

 

[tsupersonic]

Let's put it this way, the X series have a 7-year warranty.

Depending on the price difference wherever you're shopping, I'd stick with the X-650. The current KM3 version almost hits 80Plus Platinum levels of efficiency.

Ha fair enough! The 660 Platinum also has a 7 year warranty, pretty nice that SeaSonic will stand behind their products for that long. So far at the top of the list is the X650.

 

[Teizo]

You will be fine with that PSU.

 

[lehtv]

I don't see any reason to upgrade to X series for what, 30 watts more capacity? Your build needs a 500W unit, 620W is already more than enough.

If you want to make your build quieter, first determine what it is exactly that is making the most noise, and what isn't making noise enough to notice/care about.

I don't understand why you're considering 1066MHz RAM. The default for your CPU is 1600MHz.

 

[tsupersonic]

I don't see any reason to upgrade to X series for what, 30 watts more capacity? Your build needs a 500W unit, 620W is already more than enough.

If you want to make your build quieter, first determine what it is exactly that is making the most noise, and what isn't making noise enough to notice/care about.

I don't understand why you're considering 1066MHz RAM. The default for your CPU is 1600MHz.

This is true. I might just keep the PSU to save money.

I am re-evaluating the fan situation. I have mix and match fans. Two of them are the standard Fractal 140mm fans that came with the case. The other two are Noctua 140mm fans that are quiet. I should just get two more Noctua 140mm fans to match it.

I'm not considering 1066MHz, it's what I currently have, and would like to get away from that "slow" speed. I would like to upgrade to at least to 1600MHz, if not more.

 

[lehtv]

If you want a nice balance between noise and cooling and don't mind paying up, I'd recommend trying four low RPM PWM fans tied to one PWM-hub that gets the PWM signal from the motherboard and the power from the PSU. I've equipped my Define R4 with just such a setup and I can't hear it even from my bed (but not asleep) 3 meters away from the PC; I'm using BeQuiet Shadow Wings max. 1000RPM. When stressing the CPU heavily, they will spin up to about 700 RPM at the Asus motherboard's Silent fan setting.

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1..._Splitter_-_Smart_Fan_Cable_AK-CBFA03-45.html
3-4x http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835608044

Probably not worth the money but hey, 6 year warranty and excellent noise to cooling at varying loads. Silent when idle.

I'm not considering 1066MHz, it's what I currently have, and would like to get away from that "slow" speed. I would like to upgrade to at least to 1600MHz, if not more.

Currently the best deal, IMO: Crucial Ballistix 2x8GB 1600MHz 1.35V low profile $129. Overclocks to 2133.

 

[tsupersonic]

Well, I have three of the fans (all 140mm) hooked up to the R4's built in fan controller (Low/Medium/High settings). The other two fans are hooked up to the motherboard's PWM fan headers. I believe the rear exhaust fan (120mm) is a quiet Scythe that I reused from my last build.

Thanks for the RAM recommendation.