The first step you should take when determining what power supply to purchase is determining just how much power your build needs. To get an estimate take CPU TDP, add GPU TDP, add 100w IF you plan to overclock your CPU, add 50w misc. power needs, then multiply the total by 1.25 to ensure adaquate headroom. The formula will look like this.
[(CPU TDP) + (GPU TDP) + (100w if you intend to overclock the CPU) + (50w)] * (1.25) = Minimum recommended power supply
Lets create an example. For a computer that will not be overclocked, has an AMD FX-6300 CPU (95w) and an AMD HD 7870 Ghz Video card (175w) you will need
[95w+175w+0w+50w]*1.25 = 320w*1.25 = 400w
From this you can see that this example build should have at least a 400w power supply. If you think you may upgrade the computer in the future it may be wise to purchase a power supply more powerful than the recommended wattage. Remember, a power supply only uses the electricity it needs, its ratings serve only serve as a maximum. A higher wattage power supply will not use any significant amount of extra electricity assuming that it is of the same efficiency so there is no downside to overbuying except for the cost.
2) Selecting the power supply
Once you have determined your needs. You should look for a power supply manufactured by a reputable brand that meets your wattage demands. Corsair, Antec, XFX, Seasonic, OCZ are highly recommended. Other manufactures make great power supplies as well but remember to check reviews and to check the 12v amperage ratings to ensure that it is capable of delivering enough amperage as 12V as some less reputable brands may under perform in this respect.
3) Examples
Non overclocked CPU + low to mid range video card = quality 400w+ PSU.
Examples: Corsair CX 430, Antec VP-450
Overclocked CPU + low to mid range video card OR
Non overclocked CPU + high end single GPU video card = quality 500w+ PSU
Examples: Corsair CX 500, Rosewill HIVE 550
Overclocked CPU + high end single GPU video card = quality 600w+ PSU
Examples: OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W, Corsair CX 600
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