Upgrade Band for the Buck?

[eGoCeNTRoNiX]

Ok.. So I don't really "need" to upgrade.. But I've had the itch lately.. I'm currently running a AMD Phenom II 965 Black Edition, 3.4ghz.. I have 8GB of DDR3 and I'm running an SSD for Boot and I have 2 Radeon HD 5770s in CrossFire.. I'm not looking to upgrade EVERYTHING.. My current PSU is on the lower end of the wattage.. I think it's a Coolermaster 550W, but it runs what I have just fine.. However, I'm in the market for a PSU anyways for a Media server I'm wanting to build and thought I'd upgrade my PSU and use the coolermaster in the media server. The PSU upgrade needs to keep in mind a $300 dual video card upgrade near tax return season.. Thinking about Dual R9 280Xs.. So, looking to keep the PSU under $100. Fully modular is a bonus, but not a requirement.. Any thoughts or suggestions? Alternate upgrade ideas? I may toss another 8GB of DDR3 in eventually.. But WoW runs fine on what I have now.. lol

TIA!

eGo

[FlyingPenguin]

8GB of RAM is plenty unless you're a heavy Photoshop user. There are few games that will make use of more than 4GB of RAM, but there are a few that do greatly benefit like COD AW. Still 8GB is plenty. More is always better, but I'd put that on the back burner.

PSUs change so often that it's hard to recommend any particular model. Generally like Cooler Master and Seasonic.

When I shop for PSUs (or anything realy) I usually go to NewEgg and sort by "most reviewed" and "sold by Newegg" then I look at the items with the most reviews and see what has at least 75% 5 eggs. Then I try to find reviews on anything that interests me.

With the current draw on modern video cards, a 650w PSU is probably adequate for SLI, but more doesn't hurt. I never like to run a PSU anywhere near rated capacity.

I doubt you'll find a modular one for under $100, but you never know.

[eGoCeNTRoNiX]

8GB of RAM is plenty unless you're a heavy Photoshop user. There are few games that will make use of more than 4GB of RAM, but there are a few that do greatly benefit like COD AW. Still 8GB is plenty. More is always better, but I'd put that on the back burner.

PSUs change so often that it's hard to recommend any particular model. Generally like Cooler Master and Seasonic.

When I shop for PSUs (or anything realy) I usually go to NewEgg and sort by "most reviewed" and "sold by Newegg" then I look at the items with the most reviews and see what has at least 75% 5 eggs. Then I try to find reviews on anything that interests me.

With the current draw on modern video cards, a 650w PSU is probably adequate for SLI, but more doesn't hurt. I never like to run a PSU anywhere near rated capacity.

I doubt you'll find a modular one for under $100, but you never know.

Thanks for the insight. I appreciate it. I know that I'm not going to buy the brand I bought last time on the PSU.. I actually think NewEgg dropped it.. I bought a 1000W modular last time and it worked alright for about 2 weeks, then it wouldn't power on.. Light on the back was on showing it got power and it would power on with a tester, but failed under load. Wasn't happy about that. Dilly dallied around on returning it and was out $80.. I guess that's what happens when you skimp on power supplies.. lol I have had SeaSonic in the past and they do make good stuff, I may very well go with them if I can find what I need to meet the budget.

[wvjohn]

I have the same corsair 750 that FP has and it has been solid for me. newegg has a couple of 650 750 watts on sale for less that a buck after rebate. I never hold my breath on rebates any more.

[eGoCeNTRoNiX]

Yah, I am actually looking at the 750w Corsair, the only thing I'm noticing is that it doesn't have dual 12v rails.. Is that a thing of the past? 62A on the 12v rail seems like plenty of power..

[FlyingPenguin]

Yeah, single rail designs are popular now. The issues that required multiple rails don't exist anymore.