Which PSU for my Antec Solo Quad Core?

adamlevy · Post by **adamlevy** » Sun Feb 14, 2010 9:22 am

First off, thanks to the SPCR community for being so helpful! I've finally (after much waffling) decided on the Antec Solo for my new build. Now I'm stuck not knowing what to do about a PSU.

Here's what I'm building:
- AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE
- 790GX mobo (prob gigabyte)
- 4GB RAM
- Radeon HD 5850 (or similar, depending on what fits in solo)
- 2 WD Caviar Black HDDs
- Antec Solo

For a PSU, I want something that will give me enough power, is quiet (doesn't need to be silent), and most importantly is reliable. Also, I'd like to keep the cost at or below $100.

Here's a list of the candidates I've come up with so far, not particularly tied to any of them...though I am kinda partial to Antec. What do you guys recommend?
- Antec EarthWatts EA500 500W CP [$75]
- Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W CP [$80]
- COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 700 [$100 w/ mir]
- Antec NEO ECO 620C [$80]
- CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX [$80 w/ mir]

Parappaman · Post by **Parappaman** » Sun Feb 14, 2010 10:42 am

Arctic Fusion 550RF: cheap, quiet, silent, efficient!

Calgarian · Post by **Calgarian** » Sun Feb 14, 2010 12:47 pm

I'm partial to Corsair PSU's myself.

Sounds like you'll end up with an Antec.

adamlevy · Post by **adamlevy** » Sun Feb 14, 2010 2:38 pm

Is there any reason to *avoid* a modular PSU?

Is it just another feature you can pay more to have, or does it come with a technical trade-off other than price?

Parappaman · Post by **Parappaman** » Sun Feb 14, 2010 2:58 pm

Basically, no. Some people are convinced that the modular cabling increases cable resistance and thus decreases efficiency, but they're talking snake oil.
Just pick the best you can afford, either modular or not. Personally, I'd still go for the 550RF though! It's such a great value.

adamlevy · Post by **adamlevy** » Sun Feb 14, 2010 3:53 pm

I'm considering the Corsair TX650W since it's on the Recommended list AND it's $80. The only criticism of it I can find is that it apparently has many very-long cables and is non-modular (see image here, near bottom of page).

Is the cable-management in the Antec Solo gonna provide enough room to get these out of the way so I'm not impeding airflow?

Rucker · Post by **Rucker** » Thu Feb 18, 2010 8:04 am

adamlevy wrote:I'm considering the Corsair TX650W since it's on the Recommended list AND it's $80. The only criticism of it I can find is that it apparently has many very-long cables and is non-modular (see image here, near bottom of page).

Is the cable-management in the Antec Solo gonna provide enough room to get these out of the way so I'm not impeding airflow?

I found that the space in front of the PSU provided lots of room for extra cables, and since there is no air flow required there, blocked airflow is not an issue.

bozar · Post by **bozar** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:09 am

Parappaman wrote:Arctic Fusion 550RF: cheap, quiet, silent, efficient!

I would probaly go with this PSU as well, easier to duct an air-intake for if you'd ever want one. It has done well in reviews and seems to be pretty good bang for the buck as well as quiet.