Need help picking a good PSU

[ao]

Hey guys, just like the title states, I need some help here. I read through the stickied thread about 24 pin PSUs and it looks like I do indeed need a new PSU. The problem is, I'm not sure which to go with. My new rig is going to run the following:

DFI LANPARTY nF4 SLI-DR Motherboard
AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice (Rev. E) CPU
Western Digital Raptor 36.7GB 10000RPM SATA Hard Drive
BFG GeForce 6800GT OC 256MB PCI-E Video Card
1GB (2x512) PC-3200 (DDR400) OCZ Platinum Revision 2 Memory
NEC ND-3520A IDE DVD Burner

Which PSU would you suggest for this rig?

 

[Amplifier]

First question is will you overclock? The next is how much do you want to spend?

If you just want to run that system without looking to upgrade to a second 6800, then any Antec 350watt would be a safe bet (I ran a simular setup with a 250watt antec prior to my 400watt). Otherwise you'd need to talk to one of the SLI users and see what they are comfortable with .

 

[imported_Kensai]

I suggest that you get something like an Antec 550W EPS12V PSU or something of the likes.

 

[ao]

Oh sorry, I didn't give enough detail. To clarify, I do plan on overclocking this rig. For now, I'm only going to be using the single 6800GT, but once the prices drop some, I will be purchasing another to run in SLI. In terms of cost, I'm not sure how much a good PSU will go for; I think they're around $100. If so, I really don't want to spend more than $125.

 

[SilentZero]

Text

This would be my choice

 

[dds14u]

Try a Seasonic (maybe 400w). Quiet and efficient (nearly 80% efficiency) and would run solid with your setup.

 

[wisdomtooth]

to the OP:

You missed out on a real good deal for the Seasonic S12-600. Last week, ewiz.com had it for $130.

That would have been my choice for an SLI system-- 80% efficiency (better than most PSUs out there), runs cool because of the efficiency, vents your system like crazy because of that 120mm fan, and best of all, it is the quietest fan-cooled PSU your money can buy.

 

[KoolDrew]

For an SLI system I highly recommend getting a OCZ Powerstream 520W. If you want to spend more something from PC Power & Cooling would work very well, but a bit expensive. If you can afford the PC P&C Turbo-Cool 510W SLI for $229 then get it, but IMO it is a bit much since the OCZ will work perfect.

 

[ao]

Would going with dual +12v rails be better than a single +12v rail with an output +12v@36, or does it really not matter?

 

[KoolDrew]

It doesn't really matter. The OCZ only has one, yet it is one of the best PSU's.

 

[rise]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
For an SLI system I highly recommend getting a OCZ Powerstream 520W. If you want to spend more something from PC Power & Cooling would work very well, but a bit expensive. If you can afford the PC P&C Turbo-Cool 510W SLI for $229 then get it, but IMO it is a bit much since the OCZ will work perfect.

right on drew, if i had seen this on sale a week or so ago i would have jumped on it at 125.

as is i have the antec tpII550 and i am very happy with it running my sli-dr.

OP-- imo, do not get anything less than 480. the dfi are great boards imo but are very finicky with psu and memory. just check out dfi.street and you'll see what i mean. they have dfi, ocz and a few other tech support guys posting/moderating there. check the user sigs and the stickied posts for some good system parts info.