Please help me make a decision

[Krane]

Hello all I am building a new system with the following specs and would like help in choosing between 2 PSU's.

My new system:

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
Corsair 2x1GB Kit
Gigabyte 8800GT 512MB
Western Digital 500GB
Lite-On DVD-RW/CD-RW
2-4 USB Devices

All fitting into this:

Thermaltake WingRS 101

Here are my 2 options for PSU's:

Thermaltake TR2 Power 550W - $85
Thermaltake Toughpower 600W - $110

Price really isn't a factor but also at the same time don't really want to just spend money if it's not needed. I also livei n Switzerland and I am stuck with these 2 options for these prices.

This is going to be my new gaming rig and plan on doing some minor Oc'ing of the video card. Do both of these meet the needs of the system? Any reason for one over the other? Any and all feedback appreciated and look forward to your responses.

Thanks in advance!

 

[HOOfan 1]

The Toughpower is superior for many reasons IMO

Active PFC
More 12V rails with higher OCP limits

Do you have access to the newere Purpower RX series? These should be cheaper than the Toughpower but almost as good.

 

[Krane]

Thanks for the reply. I only have access to the Purepower 500W and its $145 which is really more than I wanted to spend.

I really am pushing how much I wanted to spend on a PSU with the toughpower 600W @ $110. The 2 I listed in my original post are the only 2 that I found within my price range with 550W minimum from a reputable brand, unfortunately my choices here are very limited when it comes to a budget.

Is the TR2 Power 550W a bad PSU? unstable? Missing any connections I will need? Like I mentioned, I guess I don't mind paying a lil more to get the Toughpower 600W but if its not needed while not sacrificing anything I will notice (stability etc) then I would rather save the difference to get a new mouse and keyboard for this machine.

Also if you wouldn't mind, could you elaborate on the reasons you gave for why the Toughpower is better than the TR2? I'm not super informed on the terms dealing with PSU's. (reason I'm here )

Thanks again and look forward to your reponse.

 

[HOOfan 1]

Here is an explanation of 12V rail distribution

Active Power Factor Correction is the most effective.

Here is an explanation of Power Factor Correction

The TR2 has 2 rails limited to 14 Amps and 15 Amps

While it is likely good enough for your needs, the Toughpower is a much better unit overall.

 

[Krane]

Thanks for the links.

After reading them over and also noticing the TR2 doesn't have the 8pin PCI-e connection as well I decided I will pony up and get the Toughpower 600W.

Thanks for your help