I'm planning to upgrade my PC from an Intel i7 10700K to a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and I'm keeping my RTX 4080 Super. I currently have an 850W 'be quiet! Straight Power 11 Platinum' PSU, which I believe is enough for the upgrade. However, I'm also giving my old parts, including an RTX 3070 and the i7, to my girlfriend. For that build, I have an old 'Thermaltake ToughPower Grand 650W' PSU that's been sitting around for years. Do you think it's safe to use that older PSU, or should I consider getting a newer and more reliable one?
2 Answers
The 9800X3D actually uses less power than the 10700K, so your 850W PSU should be more than enough for the upgrade. As for the RTX 3070, the 650W PSU is listed as its requirement, so it should work fine too.
Your 850W will definitely work well, but the 650W might be cutting it close since it's an older model. Ideally, I'd suggest getting a new PSU, maybe a 750W, just for safety and reliability. Age can affect performance, and having that old unit could be risky.
I've been considering a new one for my build to keep the 850W as is. What’s the deal with the difference between Gold and Platinum ratings? Why is Platinum so much pricier?