Recommended Case + PSU Combo?

[PrOLifIC_onE]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

I come up with 463W at 100% load.

I got about the same as you, under 500.

Originally Posted by Nikolai

thanks for that heads up on the processors option .... does it matter if the PSU is more powerful then you need, does this cause problems in the computer?

Having a PSU with more watts than you need will not pose a problem. You could get a 700 or even a 1000 watt PSU and it would not damage your system in any way. You would just be paying for all that extra wattage and not using it.

If your original calculations were correct you could go with a high effecient and stable PSU in the 600 to 700 watt range. Go with effeciency and stability from a respectable company ANY DAY over a higher wattage unit.

If One4 and my calculations are closer to correct then pick up a 500 to 600 watt unit. If you need some more specific help then just ask. If you are deciding between 2 or 3 different units, then post their links and we will help you out.

[One4yu2c]

650(ish)W is the sweet spot for your system, providing plenty of power and room to upgrade. Specifically, I'd look at the Silverstone Olypmia 650, a very strong contender that we reviewed not that long ago (LINK).

For more of a bang/buck solution, the OCZ StealthXStream 600W can be had for under $100 shipped before rebate, and just over $80 afterwards.

Also be sure and check out our Recommendations page.

[Quakindude]

Originally Posted by PrOLifIC_onE

Having a PSU with more watts than you need will not pose a problem. You could get a 700 or even a 1000 watt PSU and it would not damage your system in any way. You would just be paying for all that extra wattage and not using it.

Just to clarify something here. I know Prolific knows this, but wanted to point it out in case you took what he said literally.

You could buy a 1000W PSU and it won't hurt your system. You will not pull 1000W all the time either.

If your system uses 450W, it doesn't matter if you have a 600W or 1000W PSU in there, it is still going to use just 450W. Running a higher wattage PSU will not increase your electric bill until your computer uses more wattage through upgrades or something like that.

[Yellowhello]

I have a Silverstone Decathlon 650W (same internals as the Olympia 650W) and love it. I would also recommend the Silverstone Olympia/Decathlon 650W.

[frostybrad]

Originally Posted by Capper

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5

You can use this handy little program to spec out your system and get a good idea of how much power you need.

thanks for the link Capper.... very, very useful!!!!

[screwballl]

I am extremely happy with this Corsair HX620W but have also had nothing but GOOD experiences with Antec

[Nikolai]

Hey Guys,
thanks for all your suggestions ... after careful consideration and research ive come up with the following combo that would be best for what im attempting to create.
Corsair HX620W Power Supply
I loved the cabling system on this plus the fact its made by corsair is a huge bonus as they are going to put only top quality products on the market, also the design is in-line with the antec 900 (important to me!)

Antec 900 Case I have heard way too many people rave on about this case, its will provide a hefty amount of cooling, i love the top fan and the fact that there are two front fans for HD's (i will be run 2 HD's in raid and have others aswell). Love the design which takes a lot from the PowerMac's grill design but makes it black rather then silver.

My decision isnt yet set in stone so if anyone feels im misleading myself or am making a mistake, please let me know what you think...

[frostybrad]

Hay Nik.....




I myself have the Antec 900 case. Can't say I can complain about anything, except the fact that this case will suck in anything that gets near it. There is a very, very strong current of air running through the case, which in my opinon cools very well. My kids like to blow those "bubbles" made for the inside of the house....... I have to make sure the computer is off becasue you can actually see the bubbles being sucked in the direction of the case. Also, dust is the other issue..... the case needs a frequent cleaning, but hay, your place might be cleaner than mine!! LOL..... Also, if noise is an issue with you or play apart in the decison to choose a case, then please be aware that this case (IMHO) is some what loud. The TV deffinitley gets turned up a few notches when the computer is on. I have all the fans on "high", also the GPU fans runnin at 100 percent. But I love the sound..... find it quite sooothing, sometimes when the girlfriend is "cold", ill grab my pillow and binky and sleep on the floor next to it... shhhh don't tell anyone...

im sure you have seen photos, watched a video and such about the case..... here are some photos for you to view if you like, with/without components inside the case. Have fun building when it does happen....

PictureTrail Photo Sharing and Image Hosting"
PictureTrail Photo Sharing and Image Hosting"
PictureTrail Photo Sharing and Image Hosting"
PictureTrail Photo Sharing and Image Hosting"
PictureTrail Photo Sharing and Image Hosting"
PictureTrail Photo Sharing and Image Hosting"
PictureTrail Photo Sharing and Image Hosting"