So I am currently deciding on the parts of my first build. I have already found most of the parts. My problem is, I have two PSU, one in my current PC and one just sitting around. The one I am using is a Chieftec CFT-750-14CS (750W) and the one I am not using is a tecnoware red core 550w. They are not the best, but the Chieftec one I have been using for quite a while and it hasn't failed me once. I haven't used the other one, ever. Should I stick with one of those or should I buy a new one, just to be sure.
My build: Intel Core i5 4690k Msi z97a gaming 7 Enthoo luxe Corsair Vengeance Pro 2133MHz GTX 980 (not buying this one yet, too expensive :( )
Even though it hasn't failed you yet it might due once you buy the 980. Maybe not when you get it at first but I'm pretty sure it will over time. It could also deliver unclean power. The voltages may spike which can cause your components to die faster.
The tecnoware I couldn't find a rating of. I couldn't find it on their webpage which was a mess.
If I was you I would change that PSU immediately considering you are going to get new parts anyway.. It could fry alot of components which would cost you both alot of time and a lot of money. A friend of mine cheaped out and got some unbranded low quality PSU. After about 3 months it failed. Failed as in smoke literally started coming out of it. Luckily only the PSU got fried.
Best course of action: get a new PSU. That Chieftec is not a terrible unit (though far from what I'd call good), but at only 18A per rail it might struggle to run a high factory clocked 980 and since it has been in use already it might not perform up to spec anymore. And when it comes to that tecnoware... From what I've been able to gather up about that company... Kill it. With fire. Or a sledgehammer. Or at least make sure never to hook it up to a PC.
For the relatively small outlay in a good psu it will give you peace of mind that your components are getting fed good clean power - longer life, more stable. Too many a good pc has been nerfed by using old or poor quality psu's. Even a cheaper one like this non-modular XFX (seasonic oem) http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-pro750wp1750snlb9 - is overkill output wise for a single 980 rig but you get the point. Its from a great OEM, strong single 12v rail, 5 yr warranty.
OK thanks guys. I was thinking about getting a new psu, I just wanted to be sure. I couldn't trust the tecnoware either, the company is just too shady xD. Any recommendations would be appreciated!
I am not really sure on that either. I decided that I should wait for some reviews to come out and then decide. It's just that I want all the features that come with an Nvidia card. Don't take this the wrong way. If Amd had features like g-sync (I know about free sync, I just believe that g-sync is better and more wide-spread), I would totally go for it. We'll see.
I second this. I am a huge fan of the EVGA PSU's. I am recomending this to a friend, as he is running some generic lowest end cyberpower non-modular 500w with only 2 molex for use with an adapter for a 6-pin pcie.
I personally got the Supernova G2 750W (long story short, paid for a 750W, box says 750W, but i got an 850W in the box. ran it by ECGA and so it is still under warranty. 10 years).
Avoid the Fury like the plague for now. It's a new card running new tech supported by new and not yet fixed drivers (from Radeon no less). If you have the money to throw at it and like to live a little edgy, knock yourself out. Otherwise, stick to a GTX 900 card or something like a 290x. If you don't mind waiting, you can see how the fury is once it's more broken in, so to speak.
As far as the PSU, don't skimp out. Ever. It's the one part you should never cut a corner with. That's not to say it has to be expensive, but 80+ bronze minimal, every time.
I wanted to go with the AX series but my budget doesn't allow it. Other than that there aren't any other good PSUs, where I am buying my parts, at least I haven't come across any.