PSU help needed.

[Anesthetize]

Hi, first post here, looking for some help choosing the right wattage PSU for a computer I'm going to build in just over a week. Now I'm not too knowledgeable about computer hardware, this is going to be my first build, so please keep any explanations simplified.

So from what I understand, you get maximum efficiency running at 50/60%, so I want to aim for that while under load during gaming (that's what the computer is for).

Here's the specs:

Asus Z68 Pro Motherboard.
i5 2500k OC to 4.7/4.8GHz.
EVGA GTX 580 SC (gonna try and push this a bit more if I can).
8GB RAM (might try and lower the timings a bit on these).
Noctua D14 cooler.
Samsung Spinpoint 1TB 7200 HDD.
OCZ Vertex 2 60GB SSD.
A cheap DVD RW drive.
Coolermaster HAF X case with one or two additional fans.

With all that in mind, what would be the ideal wattage?

Thanks for any replies!

 

[Zap]

Don't worry about the efficiency peak. Just get a PSU that can handle your proposed rig. You'll need a power supply that has a 6-pin and an 8-pin power plug for PCIe. Probably something from 500-650W would suffice. Some 500W units only have two 6-pin plugs so probably avoid those. If you want efficiency, then go for something better than normal 80Plus. 80Plus Bronze is pretty common now, and in order of increasing efficiency there is Silver, Gold and Platinum. Platinum is pretty rare and expensive. What is your budget?

KINGWIN Lazer Platinum Series LZP-550 550W $150 is the only 80Plus Platinum widely available. It is made by Super Flower, and seems to be quite good quality as well as efficient.

Seasonic SS-560KM 560W $125 is a nice 80Plus Gold unit. It is a Seasonic X-series, which is their highest end, highest quality.

Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W $90 is based on older Seasonic series with 80Plus Bronze, but still quite good. Similar units are Seasonic S12II, Seasonic M12II, XFX Core series, Antec HCG, Antec NEO ECO.

 

[Anesthetize]

Don't worry about the efficiency peak. Just get a PSU that can handle your proposed rig. You'll need a power supply that has a 6-pin and an 8-pin power plug for PCIe. Probably something from 500-650W would suffice. Some 500W units only have two 6-pin plugs so probably avoid those. If you want efficiency, then go for something better than normal 80Plus. 80Plus Bronze is pretty common now, and in order of increasing efficiency there is Silver, Gold and Platinum. Platinum is pretty rare and expensive. What is your budget?

KINGWIN Lazer Platinum Series LZP-550 550W $150 is the only 80Plus Platinum widely available. It is made by Super Flower, and seems to be quite good quality as well as efficient.

Seasonic SS-560KM 560W $125 is a nice 80Plus Gold unit. It is a Seasonic X-series, which is their highest end, highest quality.

Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W $90 is based on older Seasonic series with 80Plus Bronze, but still quite good. Similar units are Seasonic S12II, Seasonic M12II, XFX Core series, Antec HCG, Antec NEO ECO.

I was considering a 650w minimum, so I won't be going 500w. And the Seasonic X series were the ones that caught my eye when I originally looked around for 650w PSUs, so I think those would be ideal.

Thanks for the help 😀