PSU suggestions plz

[Finrir]

ok here's the deal. i've got most of my parts picked out and this is what my computer is gonna look like
Case: Antec 900
Mobo: EVGA 680i
GPU: EVGA 8800 GTX
CPU: intel Q6600
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2GB
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200rpm
PSU: ?? this is where i need help

alright so that's my setup. my questions are, when i comes to PSU do they come in different dementions? how will i know what size fit's the antec 900. what does 12v rail mean? when i look at PSU specifications it's like trying to read japanese.
basically i don't know anything about power supplies. somebody help. give me some suggestions on what i should use with this kind of setup. keep in mind that i'm planning on overclocking the 2.4 ghz q6600 to like 3 Ghz. i also want to keep the option of multiple GPUs. i'm also going to be using a 20" widescreen monitor.
i'm looking for a modular PSU that's reliable, and stable and be able to handle a heavy load and work for years to come. it's possible that i might pick up a penryn when it comes out.
any insight you can give me would be appriciated.

[Yellowhello]

OK where to start.........

1. Look the Wattage of the PSU. With that system, I'd look at a 750W - 1000W PSU.

2. The 12v rail...... The more Amps on the 12v rail, the better. Some PSU's have multiple 12v rails, and some have a single one. Pretty much your choice as to what you pick.

3. Pretty much any PSU will fit in the Antec 900.

4. Read these guides: PSU Knowledge Guide/Article With Recommendations! and Buying a PSU

[Finrir]

like how do you decide how many watts you need?

[sean126]

I'm relatively new to the build scene, but how I decided was.....I kept reading that you need a good psu and I looked at the prices for a 500-600w in comparison to a 700w+.

I don't game, so i didn't need a power hungry video card or two of them cross fire or sli mode. I just figured a 700w would do me just fine now and in the future.

I'd at least get a 700-750w and make sure you check around for a good name brand psu to get.

personally, I like the cable management psu's. You only use the cords you need and you keep the rest in the box.

[Capper]

CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W Power Supply
FSP Group (Fortron Source) FX Series FX760-E 760W Power Supply

I've used both of these, and am using the Fortron PSU in a similar system to yours without issue.....Fortron makes great PSUs

[halutzparilla]

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5 it would be a lot easier to calculate first then look for a decent PSU

i would go

Antec
Thermaltake
OCZ
Corsair

and yes its a good call to read the buying guide which St!x made... yellowhello posted the link already...

[Tyreal]

Might I suggest the Silverstone Decathlon 650/750w. It's going to be performing about the same as the Corsair HX620 but I've became awfully found of Silverstone's powersupplies as of late.

[Finrir]

wow, that watt calculator is a really good tool. alright it calculated for me using what i'm using with an overclocked CPU i should use an 860 watt PSU. computer ed's guide says to use 50% more than stated in the calculator, which is like 1230watts which i think is unecesary. maybe more like 1000 watts? what do ya'll think? it still seems pretty high

[Stormcrow]

In my opinion, watts are to PSUs as Mhz are to processors. Equally unreliable measure of what you're getting. Take note that most PSU manufacturers like to be really generous with their specs, often rating the PSU much higher then it's capable of preforming in order to sell it. When you look at a PSU, skip the listed watts and head right for the +12v ratings. Thats where the power is, as about 90% of all computer components nowadays draw their power from them. You can get a PSU rated for 1200watts, but the rails might tax out before the PSU ever peaks.
Without going to far into explaining it, your system would do just fine with about 50 amps on the +12v rails, and a good name brand PSU of about 600-700 watts will be plenty. That Forton that Capper listed is an excellent choice, good price and 4 rails with a high amperage.

Some good picks for your system:
The Fortron above

Newegg.com - SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus SS-650HT ATX12V/EPS12V, 80Plus, Active PFC, RoHS, 2PCI-E(6Pin), 650W Power Supply - Retail
Cheaper with the added benefit of having 80%+ efficiency

Newegg.com - OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply 100 - 240 V - Retail
Good rep, nice price. My next PSU purchase probably

Notice how the PSUs all have about the same +12 amps even though various wattages?

If you plan on going SLI in the future with both 8800's overclocked:
Newegg.com - SILVERSTONE ST85F ATX12V / EPS12V 850W Power Supply 100 - 240 V RoHS, FCC, CE - Retail

Really the only reason to get those monster 1200w behemoths is if you need the extra connectors for Crossfire/SLI or your extensive HDD collection.

[Tyreal]

Originally Posted by Finrir

wow, that watt calculator is a really good tool. alright it calculated for me using what i'm using with an overclocked CPU i should use an 860 watt PSU. computer ed's guide says to use 50% more than stated in the calculator, which is like 1230watts which i think is unecesary. maybe more like 1000 watts? what do ya'll think? it still seems pretty high

Make sure, when you are using the tool to select single processor under system type.