What PSU would you recommend?

Avalon

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2001
7,571
178
106
System:

Intel E8400 @ 4.05Ghz
2x2GB Adata @ 890Mhz
Gigabyte P35 DS3L
Visiontek HD4850 stock
Lite On DVDRW SATA
Seagate 250GB 7200.9 IDE
WD 320GB AAKS SATA

Currently I'm using an older Enermax 460W Whisper II that didn't have active PFC, and has low efficiency. It has 33A on a single 12V rail. Ever since adding in the HD4850, I've been getting the feeling I'm really stretching the limits of my PSU. I want to continue overclocking my CPU and mem, as well as potentially overclock the 4850, or have the ability to drop in a more powerful card down the road and have OC'ing headroom as well.

I'm looking for a good PSU that has active PFC and is 80+ efficiency. Sleeving and modular cabling is optional, but I wouldn't mind one that had the ability. I'm just looking to not break the bank, and I don't need anything ridiculous like an 800W+ PSU.

What would you guys recommend?
 

akhilles

Senior member
Nov 6, 2007
336
0
0
Look into Corsair or Earthwatts 500-550w. If you can afford it, look into Seasonic or PCP&C(OCZ).
 

BladeVenom

Lifer
Jun 2, 2005
13,365
16
0
In Anandtech's review they used a Core 2 Extreme QX9770 @ 3.20GHz with their HD4850 and only used 227 watts under load, and 158 watts idle.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
You live in the USA so APFC isn't needed, plus better efficiency would still take about a decade to pay off the new PSU.

33A should be more than enough for your system as spec'd. Heck the EarthWatts 500W only puts out one more ampere.