SB-E overclocked PSU requirements

[thebaronsamedi]

I am building a high-end SB-E machine for video/photo editing, web publishing and extreme gaming with dual graphics cards at 2560x1440. This machine will be running overclocked. Performance, stability and, wherever possible, quietness are top priorities.

Base specs:

3930k overclocked
Asus X79 Rampage
6950 2GB Crossfire
16GB DDR3
2x SSD
Asus Xonar STX sound card
H100 with 2x Noctua 120mm fans
Corsair 800D with 3x Noctua 140mm case fans

My initial PSU choice was the Corsair AX850 Gold. I was attracted to this unit for its power, efficiency and active fan control. From what I've read, this PSU pumps out as much, if not more, power than many units rated for 1KW+.

I know that SB-E power consumption spike dramatically when overclocked, but it seemed like the AX850 could handle it. However, I have been told that for an overclock of 4.5GHz+, I may want to consider more wattage.

The next step up, it seems, (without going for the obscene AX1200) in this price range looks like the HX1050 Silver.

My gut tells me that the AX850 would be the more efficient unit, but I would rather have overkill than underkill. I prefer the characteristics of the Corsair Gold line and have no problem paying for premium performance, but am reluctant to shell out $300 for something insane like the AX1200.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I also posted this in the PSU forums, but these seem to get way more traffic. Apologies for the replicated post and feel free to consolidate if need be.

Original post:

I am building a high-end SB-E machine for video/photo editing, web publishing and extreme gaming with dual graphics cards at 2560x1440. This machine will be running overclocked. Performance, stability and, wherever possible, quietness are top priorities.

Base specs:

3930k overclocked
Asus X79 Rampage
6950 2GB Crossfire
16GB DDR3
2x SSD
Asus Xonar STX sound card
H100 with 2x Noctua 120mm fans
Corsair 800D with 3x Noctua 140mm case fans

My initial PSU choice was the Corsair AX850 Gold. I was attracted to this unit for its power, efficiency and active fan control. From what I've read, this PSU pumps out as much, if not more, power than many units rated for 1KW+.

I know that SB-E power consumption spike dramatically when overclocked, but it seemed like the AX850 could handle it. However, I have been told that for an overclock of 4.5GHz+, I may want to consider more wattage.

The next step up, it seems, (without going for the obscene AX1200) in this price range looks like the HX1050 Silver.

My gut tells me that the AX850 would be the more efficient unit, but I would rather have overkill than underkill. I prefer the characteristics of the Corsair Gold line and have no problem paying for premium performance, but am reluctant to shell out $300 for something insane like the AX1200.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[mfenn]

A full system with an 3960X at 4.5GHz draws 320W on a CPU intensive test. Your GPU setup will draw around 400W maxed out in Furmark, so I'd say the 850W is plenty. I don't think I'd shell out for the AX850 though when a Seasonic-built XFX 850W is $90 AR.

 

[Smoblikat]

I nice 750 or 850 will be perfect.

 

[Gillbot]

No Cross Posting
AT Mod
Gillbot

 

[thebaronsamedi]

Thanks for your reply. Those figures are pretty much in line with what I've seen. I think I will opt for the AX850 for its high efficiency, low ripple, excellent noise characteristics and the quality service I've come to expect from Corsair.