How to choose PSU compatible to your system?

[Richman]

I don't know if 'Modular' is synonymous with higher quality but i think modular PSU's have more stable power on all the rails. The I am sure not all modular PSU's are of the highest quality as they all vary.

 

[9C1 Newbee]

Probably not relevant since I like overkill. I figure, PS is really the only thing that really has not changed in a computer for many years. So spending money on an item I predict will outlast my hardware possibly many times over, is justified. Pair that with the highest electric rates in the country, I was willing to open my wallet quite a bit.

Corsair Professional Series 760 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply AX760


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A0HZMEM/?tag=ozlp-20

I have the same processor, 7 drives, 4 case fans, 32G mem. I pull about 120 watts at startup. I pull about 90 watts at full tilt (scrub + streaming). 80 watts at idle. The fan in the PS has never come on in automatic mode. So far, I have been impressed. Just my $.02

 

[jgreco]

Actually, ATX has evolved over the years and there actually are some changes. The current standard is ATX12V v2.3 which has been the standard since 2007. Historically speaking, that is unprecedented for ATX; the original ATX spec lived for about 5 years. The AT supply was the defacto standard from 1984-1995, admittedly... 11 years. Most other revs, about a year or two.

The thing saving us right now is that the current spec was defined at what was probably the peak of the watt-burn insanity. Since then, systems have been getting more efficient so there's less need to revisit the spec.

You can then either choose to be leery of a 7-year old standard (might get rewritten for better energy efficiency, who knows!) or be reassured that it's likely to remain the standard.

 

[Dusan]

So spending money on an item I predict will outlast my hardware possibly many times over, is justified. Pair that with the highest electric rates in the country, I was willing to open my wallet quite a bit.

It's definitely your choice, but lets do a comparison.
At 80~90W your 760W PSU runs at about 11~12% of its full load. At this load it has efficiency of about 88% (http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/psu_reports/CORSAIR_75-001304_760W_ECOS 3322_Report.pdf).
The Seasonic SSR-360GP would run at about 22~25% -- it's efficiency at 20% load is also 88% and it will be even slightly better at 25% (http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/psu_reports/SEA SONIC ELECTRONICS CO._SSR-360GP_ECOS 3189_360W_Report.pdf).
So, with the SSR-360GP you get the same efficiency and the same electricity consumption at the wall, but you still have $100 in your wallet:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151117
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139042
Looking at the graphs in the test reports the Seasonic also gives you a lower total harmonic distortion (current).

 

[Yatti420]

The efficiency is the key.. I would chose a brand known for high quality 24/7 use and something with high quality caps if I can ..

 

[9C1 Newbee]

It's definitely your choice, but lets do a comparison.
At 80~90W your 760W PSU runs at about 11~12% of its full load. At this load it has efficiency of about 88% (http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/psu_reports/CORSAIR_75-001304_760W_ECOS 3322_Report.pdf).
The Seasonic SSR-360GP would run at about 22~25% -- it's efficiency at 20% load is also 88% and it will be even slightly better at 25% (http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/psu_reports/SEA SONIC ELECTRONICS CO._SSR-360GP_ECOS 3189_360W_Report.pdf).
So, with the SSR-360GP you get the same efficiency and the same electricity consumption at the wall, but you still have $100 in your wallet:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151117
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139042
Looking at the graphs in the test reports the Seasonic also gives you a lower total harmonic distortion (current).

Oh wow! I did not know they were THAT cheap. I would go with the SSR. Even if it ends up being a bit small later on, you are only in it for ~$60. You definitely have a point, Dusan. I will be adding 6 more drives in the next few months. I believe this SSR would still do the job.

As a side note, I should have gotten the SSR for my openELEC desktop.