My PC has started struggling after I installed a Kingston 480GB SSD, and I suspect the power supply may be failing. The PSU is very old and was already close to the system's requirements. My current hardware is a Gigabyte H61M-S2PV motherboard, Intel Core i5-3330, 16GB DDR3 memory, Radeon RX 570 4GB, two hard drives, and the 480GB SSD. The old PSU is a Gigabyte 470W model. I was considering a Corsair CX750 because it would provide plenty of power and leave room for a future platform upgrade, but I've seen mixed opinions about that model. Would a 550W unit be enough, or should I spend more on a 750W or 850W unit for future upgrades?
4 Answers
This system does not need 750W. A good-quality 500W–550W PSU would comfortably handle an i5-3330 and RX 570, but replacing that old Gigabyte unit is sensible. Focus on the specific model and its review rather than just the wattage or efficiency label. A reputable 550W Bronze or Gold unit is plenty for the current build.
If you expect to replace the motherboard, CPU, and graphics card later, buying a quality 750W unit now is reasonable. An 850W model only makes sense if you expect a particularly power-hungry future GPU. Check the PSU’s review tier, warranty, dimensions, and included connectors; some newer models may not include Molex if you still need it.
A newer ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 supply can be useful if you plan to move to a modern graphics card, especially one using a 12V-2x6 connector. It is not necessary for the RX 570, though, so do not sacrifice quality just to get the newest standard. Gold efficiency is nice, but the platform, protections, and warranty matter more than Bronze versus Gold.
The SSD itself should not make the computer struggle in normal use, since it draws very little power. The aging PSU, a faulty cable, overheating, storage problems, or another component could be responsible. Still, an old 470W supply is worth replacing before troubleshooting further. Use a power calculator only as a rough estimate, then choose a well-reviewed model with modern protections.
I do want to upgrade eventually, but the old motherboard and CPU mean I would probably have to replace most of the platform at once. The board is also limiting the SSD because it lacks SATA 3. I initially mistook the CPU power connector for a Molex connector, but I do not actually need Molex for this build.