Best 850w PSU for quiet core i7 workstation/gaming build?

pcbuildr · Post by **pcbuildr** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 9:46 pm

Looking for the best 850w PSU for my new build. I prefer modular if possible.

Core i7 920 with OC
Thermaltake Ultra 120
2 x 985 GTX
4 SATA

My favorites so far:

Enermax Revolution
CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX (not modular!)
Antec Signature SG850
Seasonic M12D 850w

Anyone have experience with these? I value your feedback.

Eyedolon · Post by **Eyedolon** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:49 pm

I'll be getting a Revolution when taxes come in. Can't help you before then, except that I heard there was a design flaw with the M12D and I haven't heard it's been resolved yet.

loimlo · Post by **loimlo** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 12:36 am

Don't buy Corsair TX850 which is quite noisy at idle and made by CWT. Do you notice SPCR never review Corsair-CWT PSUs such as VX550 and TX750? I understood it after using TX750.

SebRad · Post by **SebRad** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:20 am

Hi, you might like to look at the table near end of the M12D-850w review here.
It shows noise vs load for the best high power PSUs, although for high load quiet the Zalman 1000w is probably the best. I believe the 850w Zalman PSU would have same noise levels as the 1000w, the 750w is reported to be different internally.
What are the spec's of your system that you need 850w PSU? Also are you planning to overclock some or even a lot as that can add significantly to the power requirements.
Regards, Seb

pcbuildr · Post by **pcbuildr** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:54 am

Thanks for the feedback guys. Here is my build list so far:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Publi ... r=14498187

850w should give ample power and keep heat / noise down since the PSU wont be operating near full load.

Eyedolon · Post by **Eyedolon** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:47 pm

2x GTX285 on an i7 will draw a stratospheric amount of power. Probably in the 550-600W range at load, making the 850W pretty much ideal. I'm pulling 450W with 2xGTX260 on a Q6600, and the only reason I'm getting the 850 is they don't make a 750.

SebRad · Post by **SebRad** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:17 pm

With SLI high-end cards and over-clocked i7 then yes 850w PSU is justified. Newegg have the Zalman 850w PSU that I would suggest from what I've read on SPCR. The newegg reviews do mention a high pitched noise in some circumstances, which if it affected you could be a deal breaker. This is likely coil whine and is generally a lottery depending on exact components used and load.
Regards, Seb

pcbuildr · Post by **pcbuildr** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:55 am

Thanks again for the feedback guys. I did consider the Zalman, but ended up going with the Enermax Revolution 85+ 850w.

It appears to have a top fan. Do you think I should mount it fan up or down? Using a Cooler Master Storm Sniper case.

FartingBob · Post by **FartingBob** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 10:39 am

Why oh why would you ever need 2 GTX295's???

pcbuildr · Post by **pcbuildr** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 11:29 am

At first only planning to run a single 285, then later maybe add a 2nd when the price comes down.

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 11:59 am

FartingBob wrote:Why oh why would you ever need 2 GTX295's???

Maybe he gets 2x 30" displays which require Sli or gets 3x22" displays and uses Sli to game with that?

I know I enjoyed my 7900 GS Sli and Overclocked 3800X Windosr for while ^^

Ihmemies · Post by **Ihmemies** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 4:02 pm

Even a single 295 is a horrible mess noisewise. Only way you can make it quieter is to watercool it.

aristide1 · Post by **aristide1** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 6:47 pm

FartingBob wrote:Why oh why would you ever need 2 GTX295's???

Hopefully he's folding with his. Hint hint.