Can you guys check out my gaming build and suggest how many watts I need for a power supply unit? I'm not sure if I need 550 or 750 watts. I won't be using Sli or crossfire cuz I'll just be using one video card. Here my build:
Intel Core i5-6500, MSI GeForce GTX 970, DIYPC P48-BK - Lighter Rig - xlooks Saved Part List - PCPartPicker
Decisions....Decisions......
You are still researching your build, that is a good thing........in the several earlier threads you have started with recommendations you have mentioned you are looking for "future proofing"..........you will never find a firm answer in this regard; I doubt any forum member has that crystal ball....
If your remaining questions is the wattage requirement for the build you reference to above just use on of the previously provided links to one of the PS calculators and plug in your components........I would highly recommend you allow a 20-25% increase over what you find, just for safety sake......
Good luck with the new system....
The results from most PS calculators tend to be on the conservative side.........if you spend the time to research the power requirements for each of your desired components you will surely get a better result but that will take a good deal of time and effort on your part....
As I mentioned in your other threads; in my opinion which you can take it or leave it........I have nothing to gain by offering.......
The PS is the most important component of any build, good clean regulated power to your other components will help protect them ensuring they do not fail prematurely........Go for the highest rated unit that will cover the required power of your components in total......always buy a top proven manufacturer.........Seagate, Antec, Corsair, to name a few........
Good Luck...
Don't forget to calculate eventual OC of processor and GPU in, also eventual upgrades. Power requirement may raise steeply.
Quality of PSU is also important, lesser makes and models tend to grossly overestimate PSU capabilities. What you can do with a good let's say 500W Seasonic PSU, some other ones may not achieve same at double declared power.
Another thing, total Wattage is not enough to judge PSU power specially when it's multi rail, you have to make sure it has enough Amperes on each 12v rail being most important for PCIe rail/connections as GPUs are most demanding of power. You can get specs for GPUs on their manufacturer's sites.
You said I should calculate the watts when taking OCing into consideration. But I won't be OCing. If you look at my build (link below), you'll see I'll be getting an i5 6500 processor. I also won't be running xfire or sli.
Intel Core i5-6500, MSI GeForce GTX 970, DIYPC P48-BK - Lighter Rig - xlooks Saved Part List - PCPartPicker
You mentioned that I'd need to calculate the amperes on each 12v rail. How do I find that out?
Last edited by ruzzi; 04 May 2016 at 10:48.
That remark was in general, I hope this will not be your last computer build and OC is great way to extend it's useful life.
Amps on 12v rails..........
I hope this is helpful and not overwhelming...........
Divide the watts by 12 to determine the amps. required on the 12v rail(s). Add 15 amps for the rest of the PC on the 12v rail and you now know the Minimum total 12v rail amps required under full load. It's best to have at least 5-10 amps. minimum reserve on the 12v rail(s) available under full load so the PSU is not loaded to 100%.
For example:
Say your Vid card draws 240W under max load. Divide 240 by 12 to get 20 amps on the 12v rail. Add 15 amps for the rest of the drives, fans, etc. and you have 35 amps. Add 5 more amps for a minimum safety margin when the PSU gets hot under full load and you end up needing <40+> amps total on the 12v rails.
If your PSU has a single 12v rail and it delivers 40+ amps under full load then you are in good shape. If not you need a better/larger PSU. If you have a multi-rail 12v PSU then you need to check the label to see what the combined amps output is for the 12v rails under max load. If it's 40+ amps combined, then you're good to go. If not then you need a better/larger PSU. The individual 12v rail max amps may NOT be the same as the combined 12v rails max amps, so check the label and read proper PSU reviews to confirm the PSU is quality built and can deliver the claimed amps under max load and temps. This is important for stable PC operation.
Several members have given some really sound recommendations........now it is your decision......
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