My current 500W power supply is about 10 years old and was never a particularly high-quality model, so I want to replace it before it fails and potentially damages other components. The system has a Ryzen 7 7700, 64GB of RAM, and an RTX 4070, with total system power expected to stay under roughly 300W during heavy use. I'm looking for a reliable 500W–700W unit, ideally under or around $100, that could last another 5–10 years. I'm located in Serbia, where the most readily available brands include Chieftec, Gigabyte, Cooler Master, DeepCool, Asus, MSI, Thermaltake, Corsair, LC Power, Raidmax, be quiet!, nJoy, Seasonic, and others. What models or specifications should I prioritize?
3 Answers
For this system, a quality 650W unit is plenty, while 750W gives you some extra headroom. The important part is quality rather than maximum wattage. In Serbia, many units below €100 are entry-level models, even from otherwise respected brands, so it may be worth increasing the budget to around €120. The be quiet! Pure Power 12 M series is a particularly good option if you can find one at a reasonable price.
Be cautious with the cheapest models from lesser-known brands, including nJoy, Chieftec’s lower-end lines, Zeus, and Raidmax. Check the exact model rather than relying on the manufacturer name. A well-reviewed Corsair, Seasonic, MSI, Cooler Master, or be quiet! unit with a 5–10 year warranty would be a safer long-term choice.
Compare the specific models available in your area against a reputable PSU tier list. Brand names alone aren’t enough, since even good manufacturers sell both excellent and mediocre units. Look for a modern platform, a strong warranty, protections such as OVP/OPP/OTP/SCP, and preferably an 80 Plus Gold model with the proper GPU power connector.
I found a Corsair 650W model rated around the B+ range for approximately €100. I’ll probably choose that unless I find a better deal.