Need PSU Advice

[2Cold Scorpio]

I've just decided to build my new system rather than buy. I've got most of the components figured out (I think), except the PSU. I'm looking for a solid PSU that isn't break-the-bank expensive thats at least 750w. I know nothing about PSUs at all; I just know i need one that'll fit in my case, last a couple of more years, and that is relatively cool and quiet.

The rig specs, as of now, are as follows:
Case: Raidmax Smilodon ATX Mid-Tower (w/ 5 case fans)
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (will be overclocked to about 3.2 Ghz)
CPU Fan: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
Graphics Cards: Dual eVGA 8800GT SSC Edition in SLI mode (eventually; at first, it'll just be one card)
Sound Card: Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
RAM: 4 GBs (4x1GB) Patriot Extreme Performance PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM
Mobo: eVGA 122-CK-NF68-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX
Hard Drives: dual Western Digital 320 GB 7200rpm
Optical Drives: 1 DVD-RAM/R/RW SATA drive, 1 CD-RW E-IDE drive, 1 floppy drive

Also, I was wondering if Rosewill is a good brand PSU; NewEgg has a pretty killer bundle deal on their 950w PSU and the Q6600 ($100 off!). If thats a good PSU *and* it would fit in my case, I'd be awfully tempted to get it (even if I really don't need that much power, the PSU would last longer, I figure).

THanks in advance for your help!

[Webby]

The problem having a PSU which your running near to its limit or which is way overpowered is that the efficency drops, hence your electricity bill goes up

I dont expect you really need a 750W PSU but if thats what you want then I would look at Seasonic, Corsair, OCZ, Tagan. Personally I would expect the Corsair HX620w would probably be sufficient, but I am happy to be contridicted if people think I'm wrong! Or i guess if you want the extra juice the Corsair TX750w which is more money and not modular.

[ElCapitan]

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Expensive but should be quiet and has 2 Pci-E for SLi

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Fairly similar but 50 more watts and modular

750w may not be necessarily be needed and that much wattage pushes up the price,

Under 750w

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and

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[2Cold Scorpio]

Whats the difference between modular and non-,odular?

[staffsMike]

modular means all the cables (apart from motherboard power) detatch so you only have to use the ones you need, aGod send if you ask me.

[2Cold Scorpio]

Modular does indeed sound great; the fewer cables the better! But I'm concerned about size...I've heard stories of people getting PSUs that didn't fit their case...is there a way to know whether a PSU will or not?

Also, ElCapitan listed a Gigabyte PSU...are they a good PSU brand? I haven't heard anyone list 'em (though that one looked nice from my limited knowlege of the subject...).

Is 750w really too much? I want to have ample headroom for further upgrades (including going SLI), and have enough juice to be able to last two or three years (hopefully). I'd gladly go with less if it would be sufficiently future-proofed to run added parts later (and an overclocked CPU).

[2Cold Scorpio]

Ok, I think I've got it narrowed down to two Antec PSUs:

Quattro 850w: Antec.com - TruePower Quattro
NeoPower 650w Blue: Antec.com - NeoPower

The 650w has 3 rails, the Quattro has 4. Which would you guys suggest (and would either or both of these fix in my ATX Mid-Tower?)

[Pob255]

The NeoPower 650w should be more than enough, even after SLi
Antec have not put up the rail specs for that psu Although as far as I know the NeoPower series are made by Seasonic and as the 550w one has 42w max on the combined 3 +12v rails the 650w should be fine and room to spare

[2Cold Scorpio]

The NeoPower 650w should be more than enough, even after SLi
Antec have not put up the rail specs for that psu Although as far as I know the NeoPower series are made by Seasonic and as the 550w one has 42w max on the combined 3 +12v rails the 650w should be fine and room to spare

I'm really looking at one that'll last a few years, would the NeoPower last? And i want ot make sure that either that or the 850w would fit in my case I bought...

[Pob255]

Yes/maybe depends on how power demands change over the years.

Sounds odd? well 5 years ago the +12v rail was not where near as important as it is now and the +5v rail was far more important.
So a high end PSU from back then will struggle to run a current system, even though it's total wattage is high enough the watt on the +12v would not be.

In theory that 650w neopower should be able to keep you going for a good while and should be capable of running an OC'd q6600 & SLi 8800GTX

EDIT: if your worried then consider the Corsair HX650 as it comes with a 5 year warranty

[Webby]

The easiest way to tell if its going to last is how long a warrenty does Ante offer on the PSU? ANd looking at the website for the Neo Power 650W they offer a 5 year warrenty on it so I would guess it will last a few years!

As to if it will fit in your case I cant see why not it is normal ATX power Suply sized at 8.6x15x15 cm.

[Pob255]

Strange the way 5 year warranty and Seasonic appear inconnection with a PSU

[2Cold Scorpio]

Strange the way 5 year warranty and Seasonic appear inconnection with a PSU

Why is that strange? Something I oughta know?

After looking at some specs, I *might* get the 850w one just because it has more SATA connections. I do plan on adding more hard drives and possibly a BLu-Ray burner down the road.

[peterb]

Why is that strange? Something I oughta know?

Yes - that Seasonic (and Corsair) are confident enough in the quality of their kit to offer a 5 year warranty!

[2Cold Scorpio]

Yes - that Seasonic (and Corsair) are confident enough in the quality of their kit to offer a 5 year warranty!

Oh! They way you said it, I thought Seasonic had had problems with PSUs in the past... I misunderstood.

By the way, I read the 850w Quattro is manufactured by Enhance...are they good/reliable?