Does this PSU provide enough power for overclocking these components?
Does this PSU provide enough power for overclocking these components?
I'm preparing to invest in a high-end gaming PC designed to run at 1440p resolution. I always prioritize the power supply, and I need confidence that it can handle both the main system and future overclocking tasks. My goal is to boost my CPU and RAM performance, with the RAM reaching a speed of 3600 MHz.
Here are some recommended components:
- Ryzen 9 3900x: [link]
- Corsair H150i Pro: [link]
- Asus ROG Crossair Viii Hero: [link]
- 32 GB Corsair Vengeance Pro: [link]
- RTX 2080 Ti: [link]
- EVGA Supernova 850 plus P2: [link]
Please let me know your thoughts on the quality of these parts and whether any adjustments are needed.
Order a 2X 16GB kit just for now. I understand there are additional ports, but handling higher frequencies and more than two dimming slots puts extra strain on the CPU's memory controller. What kind of case will you use for the 2080Ti? Ideally, something that isn't too tight.
There are no real complaints. If you're curious, you can skip the reviewer's thoughts on how the case looks—it's purely subjective.
Unfortunately this a false yet common misconception. It's the exact same number of memory ICs for 2x16 and 4x8 which translates to zero effective difference in terms of stress on the IMC. It may be that some ICs don't spec as well compared to the others which is normal variation between memory chips, e.g. not all ICs may scale performance at the same voltage when overclocked, but the gamble is the same in either 4x8 or 2x16. What may be of greater importance for OP is whether the motherboard chosen utilizes daisy chain or t-topology trace layout; Daisy chain means stronger signal strength to 2 dimm slots (usually A2 B2 for dual channel) making 2 sticks easier to OC at higher frequency with the trade-off being subpar performance on the other 2 unpopulated slots and increased signal noise, while with a T-topology layout all trace lengths to the dimm slots are equal making it easier to stabilize an OC for 4 sticks of RAM, albeit usually at lower peak frequencies than a daisy chain layout. Check your motherboard's RAM QVL for some idea, but ultimately it's not a huge deal for 3rd gen Ryzen. Just shoot for 3600C16 or 3733c17 to maximize the FCLK, and don't go above that frequency because it begins to hinder performance.
Edit: P.S. To answer your question, an 850W Platinum PSU will be enough power for your rig, but I honestly recommend just going with 1000w no matter what anyone tells you. You will have the headroom even if you don't need it and the cost is nothing for the peace of mind it brings. We have a nearly identical setup except for differing processors and motherboards.
You might be there, but the typical user won't care or bother searching about single rank or dual rank ICs, daisy chain or t-topology trace layouts.
As you say yourself, it's wiser to choose 2x 16 over 4x 8; an advanced builder would have considered this already.
Geez...
You've shared a misunderstanding: manufacturers definitely produce quality components and high wattage power supplies—they don't just make mediocre stuff.
They can, they do, and the 80 Plus certification doesn't guarantee perfect performance.
My setup still delivers more power on average than the original design, and it's been running smoothly for three and a half years with a 750W unit.
I'll give you some credit though.
It's better to opt for an overpowered supply regardless of build level—whether low, medium, or high—than to build a PC using a subpar PSU or similar. I've seen enough of those cases where things fail because 'this melted, that got fried, it won't work anymore.'
But insisting on 1000W just for longevity? That's not serious.
Both our power supplies come with a 12-year warranty, and I'm confident we'll still need to replace them within that period.
You spent about 100 USD more than me on a power supply you probably didn't really need.
Hardware unbox posted a video comparing 2 and 4 RAM sticks. I believe they did it last week.
Yeah, I saw that video too.
My take on it: there are too many variables to always suggest using 4 sticks instead of 2 on a dual channel motherboard.
Running Intel or Ryzen?
That really depends on the CPU's silicon quality and the IMC.
What about the motherboard itself—single rank or dual rank memory?
It really comes down to the game and what you're doing.
Are you talking about primary and secondary timings?
And how the trace layout is set up—daisy chained or T topology?
What's the memory frequency?
Also, pricing for 2 versus 4 dimms?
Did I miss anything?
Now that’s a lot of hassle for what seems like only a small performance boost. No problem.
I’ll stick to recommending 2 dimms for dual channel boards and 4 for quad, etc.
It’s cheaper too.
It’s simpler—less stress on the IMC, which also means slightly lower package temperatures, especially if you plan to overclock the memory further.
And more often than not, having 2 dimms can help push higher frequencies and tighter timings compared to 4, while using less voltage.