Power Supply

[Nozomi]

Is there any way to check my power supply without opening the case and looking?

Was considering getting a new one when I get a new graphics card. Friend reccomended this one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

I am not great with putting together computer stuff, how do I tell what power supply I need for what card? Or if I need to upgrade at all? (Power supply, that is.)

Thanks.

[Agito]

Yes, 750w is just fine and a fine PSU that is. Might you consider the modular Corsair HX650w though? The non modular one will be fine though if your case has sufficent space to hide cables.

Why not open the case up though? It's common practice to take a can of air to everything every couple months.

[Nozomi]

Yes, 750w is just fine and a fine PSU that is. Might you consider the modular Corsair HX650w though? The non modular one will be fine though if your case has sufficent space to hide cables.

Why not open the case up though? It's common practice to take a can of air to everything every couple months.

Ok, why do you recommend the other one over the link? Honest question, I'm clueless.


Yeah I clean it, I just never bothered to check my power supply until now when I actually care to. And seeing as I'm using my computer currently I was wondering if there was any way to check without shutting it off/looking inside because I am somewhat lazy.

[Agito]

The Corsair HX650w is modular, meaning you can detach cords/leads/cables/wires/whatever they're called and have less cable mess inside your case. The other one isn't modular but it's not a problem if your case has enough room to hide cables, etc. Less mess means better airflow.

[Nozomi]

The Corsair HX650w is modular, meaning you can detach cords/leads/cables/wires/whatever they're called and have less cable mess inside your case. The other one isn't modular but it's not a problem if your case has enough room to hide cables, etc. Less mess means better airflow.

Oh ok, that makes sense. Also since you've been helpful thus far, any idea how I can tell what kind of card requires what kind of power supply?

[Agito]

Power Supply Calculator.

650w is sufficent for any video card on the market, that includes a 5970. The only way you'd want more wattage than this is to use multiple video cards. The Corsair's have everything a PSU should have so there's nothing to worry about there.

[Nozomi]

Oh cool. And yeah, I was thinking of possibly going all out and crossfiring two really good radeons.

[Agito]

750w or higher for sure then. No PSU calculator is completely accurate though so better to get more wattage than you think you'll actually need.

[Nozomi]

750w or higher for sure then. No PSU calculator is completely accurate though so better to get more wattage than you think you'll actually need.

Alright. I will do that then so that if I just end up getting one card I can still crossfire it later.

Also, if I crossfire, do I need anything new in the terms of fans or heatsinks? Just using the fan it came with at the moment.

I've heard Nvidia's get really hot but Radeon's not as much?

[Sieg]

You won't need anything extra for XF.
Yea, the 470/480 runs hotter than the 5850/5870, but not by a zomg huge amount.

What exactly are you going to XF, 5850s, 5870's or 5970's? Plan to overclock anything?

You'll be fine with a 650w for 5850s and 5870s. 5970's you'll probably want 1kw.
Overlocked 5850s/5870s would run on a 650 as well but you would be pushing the PSU somewhat close to its rated amount.

5850's - 350-400w system total
5870's - 450-500w
[email protected] with OCed 5870's - 520-600w

If you plan on running crap like Furmark/OCCT/etc. then add about 30% to those figures.

Pick up a Seasonic X650/X750 if you can afford it. If not Antec TruePower New 650w/750w. The TPN is made by Seasonic, the TX-750 is CWT.

[Adajer]

With a bottom mounted PSU, is it better to have the fan top-side or facing the bottom of the case?

[Sieg]

Facing upward, as it is an intake fan.

[Nozomi]

Might crossfire two 5850's, but if I end up having money to blow.. maybe I will get to 5970's if they drop in price over the next few months.

Just trying to make sure my machine never struggles when XIV hits retail.

[Crowort]

With a bottom mounted PSU, is it better to have the fan top-side or facing the bottom of the case?

I'd say this depends on case and placement.

If the case has a bottom mounted psu then it mostly has an air grill at the bottom to let the fan draw cool air from outside / under the case. This can only be a good thing as not only does it let you get cool air into the psu. It also doesn't draw the hot air down from the gpu. (you want the gpu getting fed cool air not hot air being drawn away) And doesn't mess up a cool in bottom and front, hot out top and back setup

Placement of the case also plays a part in this. If it is sitting on a carpet, or in a place where you aren't going to move it much to dust under I'd think about facing the fan upwards to stop it drawing in excess amounts of dust.