Cheap PSU for a Geforce GTX 660 TI?

[WeAreThey]

As the title says, I'm looking for info on power supplies for the card I'm getting. I openly admit I'm cheap if I can get by with it. I don't care if it just scrubs by, as long as theres no harm done to my system. Just looking to some insight on what you guys think would get it done. My current system runs on the stock psu that it came with which is 300w which I know is not good lol.


AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.0Ghz
6Gb Ram
Windows 7 64bit
Geforce GT 545 1.5gb(card thats being replaced)

[NickJ]

Cheap Power supplies are probably the number one reason people have stability issues with their computers over time.

In any case how "cheap" is "cheap?"

you should be able to find a pretty decent 650 watt power supply for about $100 bucks at places like newegg. Some brands to consider: Seasonic, Corsair, Enermax, SPI, FSP, Kingwin, LEPA, (some) Antec, etc.

go to jonnyguru.com and learn more

[rotNdude]

The 660Ti has a TDP of 150W. Your CPU has a TDP of 95W. So those two components have a total of 245W and that equates to a PSU with ~21Amps on the +12V power supply rail for those two components. A good quality 500W PSU should be more than enough.

[NickJ]

Another thing to consider with power supplies is that if you run them closer to peak load or their maximum rated output, they typically become less efficient (ie. produce more heat) and if they are cheaply made the risk that you'll blow a capicitor goes up (especially if they use cheap electrolytic caps). In addition to the CPU and Video card, the number of drives, fans, and accessories pulling power all add to load. There probably wouldn't be any problem running that video card on a 500 watt (well made) power supply, but you won't have much head-room for future upgrades.

[WeAreThey]

Right, thanks both of you. Both helpful responses. You both pointed out a *good quality* or *well made* one. I've looked over newegg and stuff, at reviews and whatnot, and its hard to base it off just those from all the possible system setups available. And theres always some people that rate high with awesome review and others that say it raped their system. I'm relatively tech saavy to some extent, though I admit I don't know much about power supplies, or brands of them.

[NickJ]

jonnyguru.com THE definitive source for power supply reviews and they have a very helpful forum (Xtremesystems.org is another great resource)

[WeAreThey]

Thanks again. I'll def check out the sites. Oh and "how cheap" I am is currently hoping for a psu at no more than 75 if possible lol. The card was 300 (albeit it was a gift so didnt cost me itself). Though I'll eventually be upgrading the various hardware over time, right now I'd be pleased if I could get a 30-50 dollar psu (end price, as theres a lot of sales around now) that would function for the current setup.

[NickJ]

Don't skimp on the PSU. Honestly it's the most important piece of hardware in your system. Running a lot of expensive hardware on a cheap PSU is bit like building a house without attaching it to a foundation.

[Jamebonds1]

Never be cheap person. It is mistaken for person. I would go either XFX, Corsair or Thermaltake. Avoid mult rail power.

[NickJ]

If you really insist on being cheap, then this is as low as I would go

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100009250%20600014021&IsNodeId=1&Description=80%20plus%20bronze&bop=And&CompareItemList=58%7C17-151-094%5E17-151-094-TS%2C17-151-093%5E17-151-093-TS%2C17-194-102%5E17-194-102-TS%2C17-139-028%5E17-139-028-TS%2C17-207-013%5E17-207-013-TS

Take your pick I guess (LEPA is a rebranding of Enermax fwiw)

[WeAreThey]

Oh no, i'm aware, but I also want to not spend more than needed. Like this "Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply" which (from my understandings of the specs) would do the trick.

With next to no room for growth, i'm aware.

[NickJ]

Antec usually makes OK PSUs ... though they were a better years ago. I don't know too much about the Eco series.

[WeAreThey]

Ok so I know I said I was cheap, which is true, but theres also the...lack of funding to not be atm lol. And the card I mentioned is cheap after rebates (normally priced at 70). That would be great if it did what I wanted for now.

[_I_]

op said cheap

are you near a microcenter?
http://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/default.aspx

OCZ Technology StealthXStream 600W ATX Power Supply - Recertified $32+tax
http://www.microcenter.com/product/315750/StealthXStream__600W_ATX_Power_Supply_-_Recertified

[WeAreThey]

Nah, none in my city. Also I need 2 6-pin connectors. Which i guess i could have mentioned in the post :/

[_I_]

Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply $40 with code EMCYTZT2514 / $25ar
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030