500W+ PSU, which is the best choice?

PSUs: The source of DC power for all components in the PC & often a big noise source.

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snorketre
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Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:35 pm

500W+ PSU, which is the best choice?

Post by snorketre » Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:53 pm

I have just spent 10 000 nok (1 000£) on my lovely gaming computer, however i found out that when i am doing light web browsing etc, and want my pc to be really quiet, the psu is the only thing that is really audible, and while it is nothing super noisy it is still too much for me. My current psu is the XFX ProSeries XXX Edition P1-650X-XXB9 650W 695 nok (70£).
I will return this, and buy something better. My eyes fell on these two, i believe both are good, but that the more expensive one is even more quiet than the cheaper one.
Be-Quiet Pure Power L8 630W currently 690kr in norway (70£).
Be-Quiet Straight Power BQT E9 CM 580W currently 895kr in norway (90£)

Is there much difference between these two power supplies, is it worth the extra money?
Any other silent PSU you would recommend in this price range? Preferably around 70£ since that is what the psu im going to return cost me. Must be available in Norway, i'm kind of relying on that :P

Thank you for your time.

My current setup:
Case Define R4
Motherboard Asus z87m-plus
Processor Intel i5 4670k
Graphics Gigabyte 760 - windforce tripple fan - factory OC
Memory 2x4gb low profile vengeance
Storage 1x samsung 840 series 120gb ssd
1x wd blue 1tb.
Monitor Asus VG248QE 24" 144hz

Will add a Be-Quiet Dark Rock Pro 2 cpu cooler to the build within a month or two.
Last edited by snorketre on Thu Sep 19, 2013 6:04 am, edited 1 time in total.

CA_Steve
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Re: 500w+ power supplie

Post by CA_Steve » Wed Sep 18, 2013 4:41 pm

Unless you overclock, your stressed load power is in the 300W range..and less than 275W while playing a particularly taxing game. So, you could easily drop down to a 550W class fanned PSU. Be Quiet! makes decent supplies. The upside to the E9 is higher efficiency, which means less waste heat, which should lead to a quieter fan profile. Take a look at the Dark Power Pro 10, as well.

There's also the Seasonic X series. Fan only turns on under heavier loads. Or, their fanless PSUs would work well in the R4 case, too.

Abula
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Re: 500w+ power supplie

Post by Abula » Wed Sep 18, 2013 7:29 pm

Gona second CA_Steve suggestion, if you like Be Quiet go for the SPCR editors choice, bequiet! Dark Power Pro 10 550W Power Supply.

Another to consider in case you have access is Superflower Golden Silent 500, reviewed by JonnyGuru Reviews - Super Flower Golden Silent 500W Fanless, the same PSU just rebranded was reviewed by SPCR on Fanless PSUs: Kingwin Stryker STR-500 & Silverstone ST50NF and Rosewill Silent Night 500 Platinum 80 Plus

snorketre
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Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:35 pm

Re: 500w+ power supplie

Post by snorketre » Thu Sep 19, 2013 6:00 am

I found out that in norway the Seasonic X-650 650W (cost 117£) is just 5£ more than the Dark Power Pro 10 550W.
Any particular reason to choose one over the other?

CA_Steve
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Re: 500W+ PSU, which is the best choice?

Post by CA_Steve » Sat Sep 21, 2013 10:50 am

Not really.

The Seasonic has passive fan until loaded - probably won't start until you are gaming. Higher wattage implies a little less efficient at low loads. Some few people have experienced electronic whine - I haven't on mine.

The Be Quiet! fan is always on...but inaudible for your loads. Lower wattage means slightly more efficient at low loads. Haven't heard about any electronic whine issues on these PSUs...but I see so few in use.

snorketre
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Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:35 pm

Re: 500W+ PSU, which is the best choice?

Post by snorketre » Mon Sep 23, 2013 9:59 am

I see, thank you.
What if i say i don't want to break the bank, and that im willing to go down a little bit on the watts. Is there any cheaper but just as good 450w out there? (cant go much lower than 450w).

lodestar
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Re: 500W+ PSU, which is the best choice?

Post by lodestar » Mon Sep 23, 2013 10:36 am

snorketre wrote:Is there any cheaper but just as good 450w out there? (cant go much lower than 450w).
You could consider one of the new Corsair RM units, either 450w or 550w. Both are or will soon be available from sources in Norway such as this one for the 450w or this one. For the 550w there is this source or this alternative. There is an early review of the 550w model on the PC Perspective website.

snorketre
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Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:35 pm

Re: 500W+ PSU, which is the best choice?

Post by snorketre » Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:27 am

Thanks for your help guys, i feel like i can actually take a decent choice of power supply this time, not that buying the xfx pro 650 was a bad choice, but that just was not right for my needs.

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