I'm putting together a PC build featuring a 5060ti and a 9700X processor. The estimated power consumption is around 416W, so following the 1.5x power supply rule, I know I need at least 650W. However, I want to future-proof my setup, and I'm torn between going with a 750W or 850W power supply. I've heard that a higher wattage PSU can run quieter since it won't be pushed to its maximum capacity. Is it worth paying the extra for the 850W, or would that just be overkill?
6 Answers
'Future proofing' can be tricky. When are you planning to upgrade your GPU, and how much power do you think it will need? Most high-performance cards land between 300W and 350W, so a solid 750W should be fine unless you’re going for something really high-end. But, if you can snag an 850W PSU for just a bit more than the 750W, I’d say go for it!
The more wattage, the better, right? I personally prefer having an extra cushion for peace of mind! My Corsair PSU has served me without a hitch for years.
I used to go for PSUs with just enough power for the demand, but I’ve changed my tune. I bought an RM850 for my 2014 build, and it’s been rock solid for a decade! The little extra cost for some headroom is worth it for stability.
I just switched from a 650W to an 850W when I upgraded to a 5070ti. It only 'needs' 750W, but it's nice to have that extra cushion if anything comes up.
Definitely go for the 850W! With a capable CPU like yours, you're set to handle higher-end cards later, especially with games becoming more demanding. Saving a few bucks now could lead to frustration later on if you have to upgrade.
I’m building a similar setup for my daughter and chose the 850W for peace of mind. Plus, a power supply that meets 3.1 standards is a nice bonus.
True, but with the right setup, a good 750W should suffice for a majority of cards. Until you hit the 4080s and up, you’re typically in a safe zone with 750W.