500w vs 600w

[Kay]

Currently building a computer that looks something like this:

 

Intel E3-1230v2

Sapphire HD6950 1GB GDDR5

2 x 4GB RAM

1TB WD Blue

CM690 III (stock fans)

 

The CPU can't be overclocked, while I might overclock the GPU mildly.

 

I have a hard time deciding between a SuperFlower HX500(500w) vs  HX600(600w) 80+ gold rated(15$~20$ price difference at my place)

 

I know the 500w can run my system perfectly fine but I've planned that 3 years down the road I will definitely upgrade to a more powerful GPU (single), I'm thinking the 500w might not cut it by then?

 

But I've also heard that the trend is reduced power consumption for now, and that I won't need as much wattage anyway 3 years later?

[WoodenMarker]

I'd get a 600w just so you can get any single gpu later on. No need for gold plus though.

[zinton]

When I read your title I thought to my self "its a 100w difference lol" 

But yeah if you're going to get something like a 790 in the future then definitely go for the 600w

[sonarctica]

500W is plenty for that build but please pick a better brand, Seasonic, Corsair, Silverstone etc.

[Kay]

For those who don't know or think the name of the PSU is funny, Superflower is almost as good as Seasonic in term of PSU quality... (was expecting this tbh)

[Hans Christian | Teri]

For those who don't know or think the name of the PSU is funny, Superflower is almost as good as Seasonic in term of PSU quality... (was expecting this tbh)

 

+It's an awesome name. (I've never heard about it before). Definitely go for 600, no reason to hold back.

[Mooshi]

Pretty sure Superflower is an OEM for some manufactures if I'm not mistaken. If the 600w isn't that much more expensive, I'd go for that personally just for ease of mind.

[Cad6500]

Pretty sure Superflower is an OEM for some manufactures if I'm not mistaken. If the 600w isn't that much more expensive, I'd go for that personally just for ease of mind.

yeah, I believe they made the nzxt hale90s before, and those were some great psus, expensive though

[Kay]

It's not that I want to skimp on getting a higher wattage PSU - I just don't see the point.

 

My three years upgrade cycle has been fairly routine throughout the years - I would always upgrade both CPU and GPU for a combined amount of $500 which means it will definitely be a single mid-end graphics card setup. With new Intel CPUs getting more and more power efficient in the future and me having absolutely no plan of doing CFX/SLI, I believe a high quality 80+ golden rated 500 PSU might be able to last me through 2 setups, which is about 5 to 6 years, not to mention that the PSU itself comes with 5 years manufacturer warranty.

 

I'm trying to find some reasons to persuade myself to get the 600w at the moment but I just can't find any.

[Mooshi]

Calculate how much wattage you are using now, If it's around 300w or so, then getting the 600w PSU would be the choice since 50% load and efficiency.

[Profquast]

I believe psu's aren't very efficient at 50%, but are on their most efficient at about 80%

[Mooshi]

I believe psu's aren't very efficient at 50%, but are on their most efficient at about 80%

Really? I had the numbers 50% and 80% in head. Could have sworn it was the former. It's one of those...

[legopc]

i would get the 600w its always good to have some headroom

[Kay]

It's most efficient at 50%.

 

Anyway, my wattage usage is non-consistent so I can't really give an exact figure, not to mention that having a higher wattage PSU on idle/low load will probably be less efficient too, which negates the efficiency of 50% load.

 

P/S: if I get the 600w it's basically extra 100w for 15$, that's actually great value, the point is whether I need it...

[s3ns3]

It's most efficient at 50%.

 

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story2&reid=229

 

its the same platform so it will have very good eficiency past 20% load... from ~30% to ~90% load its minor 0.x % efficiency difference . the 500W is enough even if you will upgrade the gpu.

there is the super flower golden king 550W(platinum) which can run as a 650W @ 80+gold unit . it does cost more, but with it you are set for life.better than any seasonic in that range.

 

500W is plenty for that build but please pick a better brand, Seasonic, Corsair, Silverstone etc.

super flower is the only OEM that also sells direct psu`s that can compare with seasonic in terms of quality

[mgsstar]

I would just get something like the XFX Core series 650W so you can upgrade your gpu in the future.

[eshbop]

TBH both are more than capable of powering even a LGA2011 CPU with a GTX Titan (& the 600w could do Titans in SLI).

 

The 600w is your safe beat. It's more futureproof and will mean the PSU runs quieter when under load.

[GarryElite]

If you got a good psu to begin with then 25% of what its rated for it can deliver safely with addition to its rating.