Are you considering purchasing a PSU for a budget gaming PC?
Are you considering purchasing a PSU for a budget gaming PC?
Hi,
I’m looking for a new PSU to support my gaming and light video editing setup. I’ll share the details:
- MSI B450M PRO VDH
- Ryzen 3 1200
- XFX Radeon RX 550 (4GB)
- 2 x 4 GB Patriot Signature DDR4 RAM at 2400 MHz
- Crucial MX500 2.5" SSD
My current PSU, an XFX TS 550 (Bronze), has been causing problems for a while. I managed to find a replacement before traveling back to Europe, but it failed last night. I’m planning a trip to Germany next month and will need a fresh PSU then.
I’ve been checking PCPartPicker.de and am unsure what to choose seriously. I’m considering a few upgrades, possibly getting a Ryzen 5 3500X for under €50, and boosting the RAM to 16 GB at speeds of 3200–3600 MHz.
It’s not a power-hungry build yet, but I don’t want it to be too weak. I’m trying to decide which PSU to buy:
- MSI MAG A650BN – around €60
- Corsair CX (2023) 650W – around €60
- SeaSonic B12 BC 650 – around €70
- SeaSonic G12 GC 650 – around €70
None of these seem like great deals, though I might look into more expensive options if they’re worth it. I also know my current build doesn’t need close to 650W, and the 550W models felt too similar in price.
I can order from Amazon.de, but I’m a bit unsure about other retailers. If I find something better, I’ll give it a try.
Thanks for your help!
I also understand that you don't require anything near 650W with your existing setup, yet the 550W models appeared too expensive to justify purchasing.
Yes, you can confidently use a 550W PSU if you're not planning major changes, but having some extra capacity while spending only a few more dollars is still a smart approach.
From this selection, the Seasonic G12 model stands out as the superior option—Tier B and Gold-rated for efficiency.
But keep in mind it's not modular, which could affect cable management if you're working with tight spaces.
Regarding your RAM, you might consider a DDR4-3200MHz dual-channel kit with low latency to match your Ryzen 5 3500x.
Just ensure your system is running the latest BIOS before making any upgrades.
The system configuration includes R3 1200 and RX 550, which requires up to 200 watts maximum. This means a suitable 300-watt power supply is adequate, though such units are limited. High-quality options begin at 400 watts and include the recommended ATX power supply with an LLC platform, 300-watt 12VHPWR cable, and full protection features.
Thank you for your feedback. Both contributions are valuable. It's always beneficial to have your input. I haven't used a modular or semi-modular PSU before, and I usually just bundle the wires in the pocket for 3.5" HDDs since I don't currently own one. While I find modularity helpful, it isn't essential at the moment. What are your thoughts on comparing the Thermaltake Smart BM3 to the SeaSonic G12? On the Tier list, the BM2 is placed in Tier C. Besides the modular nature of the Thermaltake, is the SeaSonic G12 a superior option? Also, I think a 400W PSU might be quite limited for a graphics card upgrade—probably not the best path.
Interesting point about the article you mentioned: it rates the MSI MAG A550 BN as the best budget PSU, but the price gap between models could be more noticeable in the U.S.
My two cents say that even when viewed as a "budget," you should invest fully in the power supply since it can support many builds or upgrades later. Also, because it's the core of your device, any shortcuts will affect everything else.
Hi, I just discovered the Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 ARGB 650 W 80+ Gold on sale. Would this power supply really outperform others? It has a speculative B tier rating, matching the SeaSonic G12 unless my understanding is off. Am I right if it’s at least as good as the SeaSonic and better than the Smart BM3 Bronze, even at €77 on Amazon?