I'm building a computer for a friend and planning to use a refurbished RTX 3070 along with either a Ryzen 5 5600 or Ryzen 7 5700X, depending on the best deal I can find. We're using a B550 motherboard and estimating around 320 watts for our setup, so I'm looking for a power supply in the 600-700 watt range that has an 80+ Gold certification. However, I'm pretty clueless about power supplies—I've heard they can be a real hassle with issues like defective units and poor manufacturers. I'm browsing Newegg and know I should check the reviews and specs, but I'm feeling lost.
Here are a few specific questions I have:
1. **Connectors:** I see options for 20+4, 24, and 24+8 pin connectors. Since my motherboard has a 24-pin connector, should I opt for that, or is 20+4 sufficient?
2. **PCIe Connectors:** What do I need in terms of connectors for the GPU?
3. **Modularity:** I don't fully understand this aspect. Is having a semi-modular or fully modular PSU better, or are non-modular supplies alright?
Also, what brands do you recommend for reliable power supplies?
6 Answers
Look for the Cooler Master MWE Gold or Thermaltake GF1—both great options around $90. A wattage of 650, 750, or 850 should suit you.
I suggest you check out the Montech Century II 850W, it's solid and priced around $90—great value for a quality PSU!
Just look for something rated A on a PSU tier list—it simplifies the process a lot! Always stick with well-reviewed brands.
Don't buy used power supplies—they can be risky. Brands like Seasonic and Corsair make great options. Be sure to research specific models too, as issues can arise even with trusted manufacturers.
1. The 20+4 is essentially a 24-pin. Either 20+4 or 24 will work for your motherboard. 2. Make sure you have enough PCIe connectors for your GPU; usually, PSUs above 750W come with plenty. 3. Semi-modular is cheaper, but fully modular offers the best cable management. Non-modular can be messy and difficult to install. 4. Check reliability lists for model ratings, and if it fits your case and has the right output, you should be solid.
I've got a Ryzen 5600 and RTX 3070 using an EVGA 700BR, and it runs perfectly. I usually recommend sticking to EVGA, Corsair, or Seasonic as they're reliable. Just be cautious with the PSU tier list; some models are outdated, but anything in the 'C' category or better should work. For wattage, make sure to add a bit extra to whatever calculator you use. And regarding modularity, it's far less messy to have a modular PSU since you can use only the cables you need.
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