New Build - Need a PSU

TedEBearNC

Junior Member
Feb 20, 2009
2
0
0
Hi all,

I'm working on putting together a new system and I want to make sure I get a PSU that will have sufficient power to run it all. I've been reading about PSUs for the past two days until it's made my head spin so I thought I'd ask here for advice/recommendations.

Here's what I'm looking at:

Coolermaster HAF 932 Chassis
Phenom II X4 940 - Black Edition 3.0Ghz
ASUS M3N72-D 750a AM2+/AM2 mobo
Zalman 9900LED cooler
4 to 8 GB RAM - Looking at OCZ Platinum
GTX285 Video card - One initially but would like to add another when I'm able
300GB Velociraptor 10K RPM SATA HDD - already have a 250gb 7200 RPM SATA drive to use as a secondary and may add a third to use as a backup drive
Dual-Layer DVD Burner
Floppy Drive/Card Reader
Logitech MX518 Gaming Mouse - current mouse
Logitech G15 Keyboard - current keyboard
Envision 22" Widescreen Monitor - 1680x1050 native - plan to upgrade to at least a 1920x1080/1200
Windows Vista 64 bit

I want to make sure I pick one that will provide enough power in case i decide to add the second video card and third drive plus leave me enough leeway in case I decide to try my hand at a little overclocking.

Also, does everything else I've chosen look ok as far as compatibility goes?

I'm purchasing from NewEgg.com so I'm looking for a recommendation from something they have available.

Any advice would be appreciated!
 

HOOfan 1

Platinum Member
Sep 2, 2007
2,337
15
81
I would go for something 750W+. I bolded I because you might not necessarily absolutely have to have that much power, but that is what I would do.

PC Power and Cooling Silencer 750 or Turbo-Cool 860(loud)
Silverstone Strider/Olympia/Decathalon/Element/Zeus in a 750W+ model
BFG ES800
Antec TPQ or Signature 850W
OCZ EliteXstream 800W
Thermaltake Toughpower 750W+
Corsair TX750 or TX850
Coolermaster Real Power Pro 750W+
Enermax Revolution 85+ 850W
Seasonic M12D 750W+

I'd say the BFG ES800, PC P&C Silencer 750 and Corsair TX750 or TX850 will be your best values, while also being very quality performers. (non are modular)

Enermax Revoluteion, Antec Signature and Seasonic M12D are all modular and are all tip top performers at astronomical prices.

Silverstone Strider and Decathalon and Antec TPQ and certain models of Therlamtake Toughpower are modular.
 

TedEBearNC

Junior Member
Feb 20, 2009
2
0
0
Thanks for your input. I'm leaning toward modular for sake of decreasing clutter but they are indeed pricier, so I may change my mind on that. I was looking at the Silverstones and the Zalman. They both look pretty nice except the Zalman not having an on/off switch... what's with that? :confused:

The ABS Tagan is pretty with all the lights but don't think I want to pay that much for a PSU. :laugh:
 

HOOfan 1

Platinum Member
Sep 2, 2007
2,337
15
81
Originally posted by: TedEBearNC

The ABS Tagan is pretty with all the lights but don't think I want to pay that much for a PSU. :laugh:

all you are paying for is the lights. Those Tagans are a mixed bag on build quality. If they were built decently they perform decently, but I have seen reviews in which they were very sloppy in putting them together.
 

cusideabelincoln

Diamond Member
Aug 3, 2008
3,275
46
91
The following should work fine for any overclocking or dual-SLI setup, although if you were to do some overclocking with Tri-SLI you should definitely get something that will not only be more powerful, but considerably more expensive (hence you shouldn't even think about a Tri-SLI setup unless you are really willing to spend the extra cash* right now):
Xigmatek 750W Modular PSU

*By extra cash I mean about twice as much as what a decent 750W PSU would cost you for something in the 1000W range.