A PSU for the future?

[butch84]

Hey guys and gals-
I really need a new powersupply, especially to prepare for my upcoming purchase of a 6800gt or some similar power hungry video card.

My current system specs:
P4 3.0C
1gb micron pc3200
4 7200 rpm hard drives (580gb total)
radeon 9800NP
audigy2 plat
dvdrw and dvdrom
6 case fans
Antec 350w psu.


So, I'm thinking of picking up the Antec TRUE480BLUE perhaps, but I would like to make sure I will be able to use it for a couple years. However, I'm not familiar with the new BTX/ the other added specs to ATX. Do I need to look for something more than simple ATX compatibility?

I'd appreciate any suggestions for specific psu's I should consider, as well as standards my new psu should support (ie BTX, etc)

Thanks-
butch84

EDIT: also thinking about the ENERMAX Noisetaker Series 420W Power Supply, ATX 12V V1.3 EG425P-VE-SFMA

 

[lancer45]

500W X-Connect! Just got one and theyre every bit as good as people say they are. Plus they have modular cables so in the future if new technos come out, all u have to do is buy new cables if something comes out. The SATA cables come with it too. AMD and Intel compatible!

 

[ts3433]

BTX = don't worry
New ATX = 24-pin main connector. If you're not planning to get a newer motherboard right now with that kind of ATX connector (it's used to supply some extra power for PCIe), you'd be fine with standard compatibility, though I'd recommend getting one anyway if there's no significant cost delta (adapters are available). A good Enermax or OCZ should fit the bill.

 

[butch84]

bump

 

[avijay]

I'd go for a OCZ 520W or an enermax 600W. If you have money to spare, go for a PC&C 510Express. Its definitely worth it.

 

[jterrell]

fortron blue storm 500 watt.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: butch84
P4 3.0C
1gb micron pc3200
4 7200 rpm hard drives (580gb total)
radeon 9800NP
audigy2 plat
dvdrw and dvdrom
6 case fans
Antec 350w psu.

Wow, that Antec really kicks ass. Is it a SmartPower or a TruePower? 4 hdds, 6 fans, 2 odds, video card, giga-o-ram...

 

[butch84]

heh, its only a smartpower, I think. I'm really pleased it has lasted this long, but I don't wanna push it, eh?


Thanks for the responses, and keep them coming!

 

[butch84]

thinking of going with the Ultra X-connect.... anybody else?

 

[Painman]

I'm leaning towards the 530W Fortron for my own eventual upgrade... $85 shipped @ Newegg, adjustable pots, nice piece of hardware.

I'm running on an Antec SL350 too - it's served me well, but I'm not going to push it too much further either.