Choosing a PSU

[Ron Stoppable]

I'm very close to ordering a system for creating music and videos. There's just one thing holding me back: PSU choice.

Recommendations on here (the PCS forum) all pick the "450w Quiet 80". However a gamer friend who builds his own systems advised me to get at least a 600w PSU by a brand name like Corsair.

Specs are:
i7-2600k (with integrated graphics, so no gfx card)
z68 mobo
8gb ram
120gb ssd + 1tb hdd
triple copper cooler
wireless pci-e card
windows home
logitech wired kb and mouse
sileo 500 case

I might want to add a graphics card and various ports in the future, which would increase power needs.

PSU options are:
450W Quiet 80 PLUS Dual-Rail PSU + 120mm Case Fan
600W Quiet 80 PLUS Quad-Rail PSU + 120mm Case Fan
Corsair 650W Enthusiast Series TX650 V2-80 Plus Bronze

So my questions are:
* Does the dual/quad rail make a difference, and is the Corsair better/worse re that?
* Is my friend right to recommend Corsair over the standard PSUs for my new system?
* Is it a good idea to get a bit higher wattage than I currently need?

 

[Manxjason]

In short, as I'm on my iPhone, if you intend to install a GPU at a later date, definitely go for a 650 corsair bare minimum. Using a 750 - 850 will give you more flexibility further down the line

 

[Ron Stoppable]

^ Thanks

So now the choice is simply down to: unbranded 600w "quiet" quad-rail vs Corsair 650w.

Assuming reliability is similar, which is quieter?

I've found a review of the Corsair with noise measurements - http://www.silentpcreview.com/article813-page5.html - and would appreciate more info from PCS on the make/model of the unbranded 600w option ... unless someone knows which is quieter.

 

[tom_gr7]

i ahve a 750w corsair and have never even heard the psu fan.......so i wouldn't worry about it.

I would however go for a better case.

 

[Ron Stoppable]

^ Thanks for the clarification re wattage/noise.

I picked the Sileo 500 because of its noise-dampening features, as I'll be recording music in the same room.

Which other case would be better?

Case options are on http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/computers/intel-sandy-bridge-pc/

 

[tom_gr7]

i'd go for The Coolermaster 690 II Case

because it has good cooling, and good cable management, but i guess you want something super quiet maybe the FRACTAL DESIGN R3 - BLACK PEARL

 

[Wozza63]

tom has never heard his PSU fan probably cos he fitted an Akasa fan in it xD

 

[tom_gr7]

tom has never heard his PSU fan probably cos he fitted an Akasa fan in it xD

lol I have seven 120mm vipers, two 140mm vipers, one 140mm alpenphon (in the secret space under the case) psu fan ofcourse, thinking about getting a little extractor fan to go under the gpu, just to prevent a heat build up that cant escape.