Hey everyone, I need some advice regarding my power supply unit (PSU). Here are the specs of my system:
- **CPU:** Ryzen 7 9800X3D with PBO +200 and a -30 Curve Optimizer, and it passes all core cycling tests without errors.
- **GPU:** RTX 5070, currently undervolted to 0.920V.
- **PSU:** Corsair CX650M, which is a 650W Bronze unit.
I've got great cooling with an Arctic Liquid Freezer 3 Pro 280 and four P12 Pro fans, and my CPU temperature even under load is at 81°C, while my GPU is stable and doesn't overheat. However, since I upgraded from a Ryzen 7600 to the 7800X3D and now to the 9800X3D, I've been experiencing more frequent GPU crashes and noticed the performance in 3DMark has dipped compared to when I had the 7600.
So, is my 650W Bronze PSU adequate for this setup, or is it time for an upgrade, possibly to something like an ATX 3.1 Gold?
3 Answers
Honestly, your 650W PSU isn't enough for that setup. You should really be looking at a PSU that’s at least 750W, preferably 850W or even 1000W if you want some headroom. After you upgrade the PSU, I’d recommend rerunning your benchmarks to see if there's any improvement.
I’ve got a CX650M in my old rig, and I wouldn’t trust it with newer GPUs, especially for one with 12vhpwr capabilities. It's worth upgrading to a more robust model for stability.
Sure, the RTX 5070 is okay, but I’d definitely recommend checking out the specs on more recent GPUs. Just be mindful that not every comparison is straightforward. I get that it's not the main topic, but it's nice to know your options!

If I switch to the Corsair RM650e Gold 3.1, would that be a solid upgrade?