Thread: First Build/Upgrade

Modular just means you can disconnect cables. I just bought the TX650, and it works great. Only thing that might be a drawback is if you have a smaller (mid-tower) case and you don't have room for more cables.

You can't go wrong with a nice Corsair PSU. They are great bang-for-buck. Stay away from Rosewill. They are a budget brand and may only have one or two models worth using. I wish I could remember the link to a forum post I found a while back that had psu's broken up into tiers. Anyway, you will probably be looking for a psu in the $80-120 price range depending on what features you want and power you need.

The only real general advice I can give is that you want the most energy efficient one you can find (80% minimum) with as few 12V power rails as possible (single rail is most desirable but probably not feasible). With the components you listed, I think you would be ok with 500 watts or more from a good powersupply. No harm in getting a more powerful one with a possible exception of higher electric bills, though.

Modular cables are nice for cable management (which is important for optimum airflow, looks in case you want to show off, and ease of messing with stuff inside the case once/while assembling). It is a nice-to-have but not close to a deal breaker, imo, unless you are overclocking or going for a dead silent pc.

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Originally Posted by Webs

Is modular a must then? The Corsair TX650 (which I can only get the new model now) isnt modular is there a real reason to get modular? Keep in mind this is my first build so im pretty new at the stuff and I thought it would be easier to manage the modular set up

Modular is just for convenience really. In smaller cases it can help performance by allowing you to more directly control airflow... but that is a small boon in many cases. More disruptions in a line (modular plugs are yet one more junction between the power and the peripheral) add to noise in that line also; plus I have broken modular connectors a couple of times. Many high quality PSU's do not have modular for these reasons. I specifically get non-modular PSU's unless I am working in a tiny case or doing a lower end build.

Originally Posted by kibner

You can't go wrong with a nice Corsair PSU. They are great bang-for-buck. Stay away from Rosewill. They are a budget brand and may only have one or two models worth using. I wish I could remember the link to a forum post I found a while back that had psu's broken up into tiers. Anyway, you will probably be looking for a psu in the $80-120 price range depending on what features you want and power you need.

The only real general advice I can give is that you want the most energy efficient one you can find (80% minimum) with as few 12V power rails as possible (single rail is most desirable but probably not feasible). With the components you listed, I think you would be ok with 500 watts or more from a good powersupply. No harm in getting a more powerful one with a possible exception of higher electric bills, though.

Modular cables are nice for cable management (which is important for optimum airflow, looks in case you want to show off, and ease of messing with stuff inside the case once/while assembling). It is a nice-to-have but not close to a deal breaker, imo, unless you are overclocking or going for a dead silent pc.

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I got my TX650 on sale for 99 bucks... it has a single rail; I am pretty sure you can find a high quality PSU with a single rail in your price range...

The case is pretty small I mean right now theres a modular psu in an it takes up some space inside but mostly because there's a lot of old IDE cables. So here's a psu thats the same price as the rosewill after rebate. Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply If i plan on paying a second card for sli will 650W be enough?


or what about this Newegg.com - SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Originally Posted by Webs

The case is pretty small I mean right now theres a modular psu in an it takes up some space inside but mostly because there's a lot of old IDE cables. So here's a psu thats the same price as the rosewill after rebate. Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply If i plan on paying a second card for sli will 650W be enough?


or what about this Newegg.com - SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Out of those two the Seasonic is choice, but the TX650 is nice too. I am using one now...

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

Out of those two the Seasonic is choice, but the TX650 is nice too. I am using one now...

Yeah but it supports 4 cards which im never going to use. I evenually use 2 but not 4. Is the gold 80+ that important? Does is actually help the system or just save me money on my electric bill? I'm probably going to go with the TX650.

Originally Posted by Webs

Yeah but it supports 4 cards which im never going to use. I evenually use 2 but not 4. Is the gold 80+ that important? Does is actually help the system or just save me money on my electric bill? I'm probably going to go with the TX650.

80+ means that the PSU is at least "80% efficient" at maximum load. This means that at least 80% of the power sucked out of the wall is being output to the system; this implies that 20% or less is converted to heat energy. heat wears down the components and draws power that is not getting used. High heat increases fan speed and makes the PS noisier. Higher 80+ ratings have tighter tolerances.

Note PSU's are most efficient when between 50-75%. And are least efficient under 50% and moderately less efficient over 75%. Getting a PSU that matches your power profile can help place your typical use near to that optimal load.


A 80+ certification is legally binding, so if a PSU has one it automatically means it is superior to one that does not in most cases; the manufacturer had to work to make it certified. The Seasonic will last longer and remain more stable probably... it has higher quality caps, etc.

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

80+ means that the PSU is at least "80% efficient" at maximum load. This means that at least 80% of the power sucked out of the wall is being output to the system; this implies that 20% or less is converted to heat energy. heat wears down the components and draws power that is not getting used. High heat increases fan speed and makes the PS noisier. Higher 80+ ratings have tighter tolerances.

Note PSU's are most efficient when between 50-75%. And are least efficient under 50% and moderately less efficient over 75%. Getting a PSU that matches your power profile can help place your typical use near to that optimal load.


A 80+ certification is legally binding, so if a PSU has one it automatically means it is superior to one that does not in most cases; the manufacturer had to work to make it certified. The Seasonic will last longer and remain more stable probably... it has higher quality caps, etc.

So getting it will be better in the long term then? How long will it last then?

Originally Posted by Webs

So getting it will be better in the long term then? How long will it last then?

Hard to say; they are both great. I went with a TX650 myself... I will probably change it in 2 to 3 years unless my power demands increase. I used the TX650 to replace a non 80+ rated 700w I got four years ago. Though these are both probably solid for up to 5+ years if used "normally." If left on regularly I say give 'em 2 or 3 years for safety. Typically most decent ones seem to pop around 5 years or sooner if used heavily in my experience. Though they could last more than a decade probably if hardly used.