New PC Build for Elite. Budget £700.What would you change?

[adoredtv]

Never really understood this tbh, it's illogical.

Buy an overspecced PSU for today because you might need it for tomorrow? Why not just...buy the right PSU for today? And then buy the right one *if* you need an upgrade tomorrow?

unlike adoretvc, I believe in going in with all the facts. OP knows the facts now. His build is fine, and as long as he's aware of the *potential* ps issue, he'll be fine.

Take a pill adoretv.

You clearly have money to burn so why not invest in a $20 Watt meter and show us how many Watts your PC is drawing at full tilt? Those are facts that would be interesting. You have 3 980's and an i7 - that must be pulling a helluva amount of power if you think the OP needs 800W for an i5 and a 960?

So how many Watts is your system drawing at full tilt?

 

[jmg]

Never really understood this tbh, it's illogical.

Adoretv, I stand by my opinion: OP's rig is fine. ignoring that will not change anything. He has a potential weak link in his rig, and now he's aware of it.
No matter what you say, it will not change the facts: His rig is fine. He doesn't need to change anything.

 

[adoredtv]

Adoretv, I stand by my opinion: OP's rig is fine. ignoring that will not change anything. He has a potential weak link in his rig, and now he's aware of it.
?No matter what you say, it will not change the facts: His rig is fine. He doesn't need to change anything. Stop trying to sell what he doesn't need.

I'm aware that the OPs rig is fine. My issue is with people continuing to insist that the OP needs double the PSU Wattage.

I've already made the video pointing out the facts - by all means go buy a Watt meter and prove me wrong.

 

[jmg]

I'm aware that the OPs rig is fine. My issue is with people continuing to insist that the OP needs double the PSU Wattage.

I've already made the video pointing out the facts - by all means go buy a Watt meter and prove me wrong.

what exactly should I "go get a watt meter and prove"? That my original opinion is correct, that his power supply is fine for his components?
So.. you poiunt to a video that shows his ps is fine, then dare me to prove that his ps is... fine? You DO understand that I've said since my first response that his ps was fine, don't you?
What EXACTLY is your point?
you're harping on the wrong person. I said his rig was fine, but them pointed out potential weak link. then you rip on me for ignoring his budget, when my conclusion was that his rig was fine. purely an emotional response, and completely ignoring what I said. MAybe others are arguing his ps is crap. I have no intention of proving you wrong, because despite what you're saying, I feel his ps and rig is fine. Are you trying to push more hardware on him? I can't tell anymore.

Again, emotion plays no role in this. It's all numbers. OP, please, if you have any questions, go to a real hardware forum. This is a forum for pretending you're flying around in space, and a lot of people can't pull their heads out of ... well, you get the point.

 

[Sandmann]

NBuy an overspecced PSU for today because you might need it for tomorrow? Why not just...buy the right PSU for today? And then buy the right one *if* you need an upgrade tomorrow?



You clearly have money to burn so why not invest in a $20 Watt meter and show us how many Watts your PC is drawing at full tilt?

Without intending to create or worsen a flaming war, can you see the irony in you recommending that people buy a barely adequate psu today, the ANOTHER barely adequate one next year thereby doubling the amount spent on psu's... then going on to snidely remark about a detractor "clearly having money to burn"?

You obviously understand that the pc only draws as much as it needs regardless of the psu's capabilities so by extension you also understand that there's no power savings to be had by having a smaller psu (and you ignore the shortened lifespan from running a psu at 100% for long periods) so the only saving is in the original purchase price which is offset by the fact that pc's ALWAYS become out of date faster than power supplies, and ALWAYS have higher power requirements than the previous generation.

Other than the (comparativley minor) original purchase price difference there's not actually any problem with having a bigger psu than you need, so unless (like the op) you've decided that you're not going to keep your pc current, or unless psu technology changes radically in the next 12 months, you WILL save money by only having to replace a psu every 2-3 upgrades.

Sounds like false economy to me.

 

[jmg]

Without intended to create or worsen a flaming war, can you see the irony in you recommending that people buy a barely adequate psu today, the ANOTHER barely adequate one next year thereby doubling the amount spent on psu's... then going on to snidely remark about a detractor "clearly having money to burn"?

You obviously understand that the pc only draws as much as it needs regardless of the psu's capabilities so by extension you also understand that there's no power savings to be had by having a smaller psu (and you ignore the shortened lifespan from running a psu at 100% for long periods) so the only saving is in the original purchase price which is offset by the fact that pc's ALWAYS become out of date faster than power supplies, and ALWAYS have higher power requirements than the previous generation.

Other than the (comparativley minor) original purchase price difference there's not actually any problem with having a bigger psu than you need, so unless (like the op) you've decided that you're not going to keep your pc current, or unless psu technology changes radically in the next 12 months, you WILL save money by only having to replace a psu every 2-3 upgrades.

Sounds like false economy to me.

Guaranteed he ignores what you say and accuses me of trying to push hardware on OP that he doesn't need.

 

[adoredtv]

what exactly should I "go get a watt meter and prove"? That my original opinion is correct, that his power supply is fine for his components?

I'm more concerned by your assumption that a 430W PSU is somehow "borderline" for the OPs components. What is your definition of borderline - being double the actual amount required? Because that's what a 430W PSU is for those components - *double* what is actually needed.

 

[jmg]

I'm more concerned by your assumption that a 430W PSU is somehow "borderline" for the OPs components. What is your definition of borderline - being double the actual amount required? Because that's what a 430W PSU is for those components - *double* what is actually needed.

your "concern" is touching but irrelevant. Really what's happening is you're backed into a hole, realizing I REALLY did give the OP good advice, and now you're just trying to pick another irrelevant fight.
This is called trolling. I doubt OP is really even reading this anymore. I've given my advice to him, there's obviously no chance I'll be able to educate you. I think we're done here.

 

[adoredtv]

Without intending to create or worsen a flaming war, can you see the irony in you recommending that people buy a barely adequate psu today, the ANOTHER barely adequate one next year thereby doubling the amount spent on psu's... then going on to snidely remark about a detractor "clearly having money to burn"?

The problem here is your assumption that a 430W PSU is only "barely adequate" when it is in fact, far more than he needs.

You obviously understand that the pc only draws as much as it needs regardless of the psu's capabilities so by extension you also understand that there's no power savings to be had by having a smaller psu (and you ignore the shortened lifespan from running a psu at 100% for long periods) so the only saving is in the original purchase price which is offset by the fact that pc's ALWAYS become out of date faster than power supplies, and ALWAYS have higher power requirements than the previous generation.

I ignored what? Did I tell him to go buy a 250W PSU? His chosen system can only draw 250W absolute maximum, which is well within the efficiency zone.



The above graph shows how efficient PSUs are at certain loads. Now take the OPs *maximum* load of ~250W (more like 220W during gaming) and plot it on that graph on a 430W PSU. Now do the same for an 800W PSU. What is more efficient? You see how being at ~50% of your PSUs maximum load is desirable?

Note that would be at *maximum* load - consider what that means when your PC is sitting idle at say 50W, and you're using an 800W PSU. The efficiency crashes through the floor so in effect you ARE spending more money with an over-specced PSU compared to one that is "just right".

Other than the (comparativley minor) original purchase price difference there's not actually any problem with having a bigger psu than you need, so unless (like the op) you've decided that you're not going to keep your pc current, or unless psu technology changes radically in the next 12 months, you WILL save money by only having to replace a psu every 2-3 upgrades.

Sounds like false economy to me.

Except you won't. And every time you don't upgrade you lose money. Fact is, people who overspec PSUs are just sitting there wasting Watts and money due to losing efficiency. The only "false economy" is the laughable notion of "future proofing". PC's are becoming more power-efficient over the years, not less.

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -

your "concern" is touching but irrelevant. Really what's happening is you're backed into a hole, realizing I REALLY did give the OP good advice, and now you're just trying to pick another irrelevant fight.
This is called trolling. I doubt OP is really even reading this anymore. I've given my advice to him, there's obviously no chance I'll be able to educate you. I think we're done here.

Why not start "educating" me by showing the power draw of your system. We'd all love to be "educated" with that.

 

[StuartGT]

Well this thread escalated quickly! Hi OP - and consequently AdoredTV - you're correct in that the specified PSU is perfect for the job. To those that think they are incorrect simply check http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine, the listed spec needs 310W only (a 430W 80% rated PSU provides 344W at max load - note that a GTX 960 is more power efficient than a GTX 760). The only thing I'll recommend is enough dedicated PCI-Ex connectors from the PSU for the graphics card(s), using Molex>PCI-Ex adapters is very unreliable under stress testing.

I do agree with a few others here that if your budget allows either:

• up the GPU to a GTX 970
• or SLI 2x 670 & up the PSU to a CoolerMaster/Antec/Corsair 600W (I run 2x GTX 570 on a CM 700W, but with an inefficient Phenom X3), bargains can be had

See general comparative performance here, but note that many games don't fully support SLI: http://hwbot.org/compare/videocards#2375,2408_1,2064_2,1758_2,1932_2-52,23

 

[adoredtv]

(a 430W 80% rated PSU provides 344W at max load

Note this is incorrect - a 430W 80% PSU should provide 430W at max load. The 80% rating means that is must draw 537.5W at the wall in order to provide those 430W to the PC components.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKc...&list=PLNxrmUjuEWPNxpyYeNuEi1F90lGW77u_h#t=49

 

[Sandmann]

The problem here is your assumption that a 430W PSU is only "barely adequate" when it is in fact, far more than he needs.

I ignored what? Did I tell him to go buy a 250W PSU? His chosen system can only draw 250W absolute maximum, which is well within the efficiency zone.

Wow, you've just gotta be right, doncha?

You were the one who mentioned buying one now, buying another later, and then had a go for "obviously having money to burn" while dismissing the idea of buying a power supply for the future in the interests of "efficiency". I just pointed out the logical flaw in your argument.

You also don't seemed to grasp that there's no actual harm in having a bigger one than you need other than the original purchase price, and quite probably a long term saving to be had.

I thought we'd finished talking about the OP's original point ages ago when we ALL AGREED that his choice was fine. You can stop trying to prove your point now... we've all move on from there already.

 

[jmg]

Why not start "educating" me by showing the power draw of your system. We'd all love to be "educated" with that.

What exactly is your point? I said his PS was adequate for his components. You are literally picking a fight where none exists. I was an EE for years before switching to my present career, and I still don't know what you're feverishly trying to get me to prove ... That his power supply is fine? Are you listening to yourself?
Why on earth would I plot my power supply? It has no relevance to the OP -- I'm running a 5960x w/ 3 NVidia 980gtx in SLI. It's not even in the same ballpark as OPs machine. But I'm sure that a 400 watt power supply would run my rig under load fine, right? Or is that not what you're getting at? You are making ZERO sense.
If you want to have a debate that has NOTHING to do with the OP's post, then pm me.


How 'bout coming back to reality? Troll much?
There are people that want to be educated but cant, people that and don't want to be educated but can, and then.. there's those that can't be educated and simply don't want to. Guess what category you fall into my friend.

 

[Daemonshmike]

My old Intel Core I7 940 is according to all measuring software (and bios) heating up to 97,98 degrees C.
But it has done that for 7 years, it still works. Opps responded to another post in here, sorry.

But OP the PSU, bit better perhaps, then you later can upgrade GFX card.

 

[StuartGT]

Note this is incorrect - a 430W 80% PSU should provide 430W at max load. The 80% rating means that is must draw 537.5W at the wall in order to provide those 430W to the PC components.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKc...&list=PLNxrmUjuEWPNxpyYeNuEi1F90lGW77u_h#t=49

Ah, even better then I always assumed it was how I thought, happy to have my knowledge improved haha

 

[jmg]

Wow, you've just gotta be right, doncha?

You were the one who mentioned buying one now, buying another later, and then had a go for "obviously having money to burn" while dismissing the idea of buying a power supply for the future in the interests of "efficiency". I just pointed out the logical flaw in your argument.

You also don't seemed to grasp that there's no actual harm in having a bigger one than you need other than the original purchase price, and quite probably a long term saving to be had.

I thought we'd finished talking about the OP's original point ages ago when we ALL AGREED that his choice was fine. You can stop trying to prove your point now... we've all move on from there already.

I gotta take a page from your book and stop responding to trolls. This kid just wants to pick a fight. I can't even figure out what he's trying to pick. Maybe he's trying to start an argument on in-game ships again

 

[adoredtv]

Wow, you've just gotta be right, doncha?

I am right, this is what you're struggling to comprehend while it's crystal clear to everybody else.

What exactly is your point?

My point is that his chosen PSU is more than good enough. It is not "barely adequate", it is not "borderline" or any of the sort.

If any of your heroes in your chosen tech forum disagree with that *fact*, send them over here for some schooling.

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -

Ah, even better then I always assumed it was how I thought, happy to have my knowledge improved haha

It's the most common false assumption with PSUs. I did it myself for long enough lol.

Welcome back btw.

 

[jmg]

My point is that his chosen PSU is more than good enoug.

I get it. You agree with us, ---His power supply works for his components.

I am so glad we could finally get you to come around!!!1
I guess maybe you CAN listen to reason.

 

[snotface]

Ok So I'm going to take the plunge and get a Desktop. I needed a laptop four months ago and couldn't really afford both at the same time. Four months later, with the problems I have lets build a machine.

So here goes with my first selection and only some basic general research. Budget is £700. What would you change and why?

I don't need internal storage as I've already got an SSD and HDD.

Also, do I need extra internal fans?

I'll be running the game on a AOC 24" 2460 144 hz Monitor, playing in 1960*1080 at 120hrz. For sound I use headphones so I don't really need a sound card. Wifi not required as I'll connect it via LAN. I don't think I really need more than 8 Gig memory as it's only for playing games, well GAME, Elite.

Any suggestions appreciated.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor (£174.00 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Nepton 140XL 122.5 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (£49.99 @ CCL Computers)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£106.99 @ Novatech)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (£54.50 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card (£169.14 @ Aria PC)
Case: Corsair SPEC-01 RED ATX Mid Tower Case (£37.91 @ Aria PC)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£41.00 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £633.53
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-21 22:33 GMT+0000

I would change just one thing...

Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£41.00 @ Amazon UK)

Regardless of what people say I think if you add up the power required you will be at the max very quickly. TBH I would say look for a 700W -750W just in case you add a DVD/BR RW, internal drives, SSD and normal HD's.

I know my processor uses 125W and I have 4 HD's plus burner for my Blu-rays. I had a 550W PSU and it lasted 4 weeks.
They say that it will run your system, but do you really want to take a change?

 

[jmg]

I would change just one thing...

Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£41.00 @ Amazon UK)

Regardless of what people say I think if you add up the power required you will be at the max very quickly. TBH I would say look for a 700W -750W just in case you add a DVD/BR RW, internal drives, SSD and normal HD's.

I know my processor uses 125W and I have 4 HD's plus burner for my Blu-rays. I had a 550W PSU and it lasted 4 weeks.
They say that it will run your system, but do you really want to take a change?

HAHA
this is just too funny.
[sarcasm]
don't you know that the OP's rig uses less power than a LED? No way he needs such a beefy power supply!! [/sarcasm]