Power Supply for new rig

[Kelvarr]

I've been trying to decide which power supply I want in my new build. Basically, I am trying to decide whether to go modular or not. The idea seems really great to me, as I wouldn't have to route/hide unused cables.

If I go non-modular, I was thinking about the Corsair 550VX (or 650TX for only $10 more), as both of these get high reviews, and they are only a single rail and 80% efficient.

If I go modular, it seems there are no PS that are single rail and 80% efficient. One of the ones I'm looking at is the Corsair 520HX. This has 3 rails at 18A each. It may be hard to say, but is this enough for my system? The 550VX has 41A on one rail.

Also, in the case of the 520HX, it has only 4 SATA power plugs, but 8 4-pin peripherals. The Gigabyte board I am getting has 8 SATA ports. If I were to use 4 of the 4-pin peripheral plugs with 4-pin to SATA adapters, would that affect anything? I have been trying to find PS with more SATA plugs native to it, but I don't think they exist in a 500W-600W modular PS (the 650TX has them though).

Here is my proposed system:

CPU: Q6600 (this is the only part I have actually purchased)
Mainboard: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3R
RAM: G-Skill DDR2 1000 2x2GB
Video: nVidia 8800 GTS(G92)
Hard Drives: WD Caviar SE SATA II 320GB, 250GB, (maybe add a Raptor or 7200.11), I might possibly use 1-2 old IDE drives with an IDE-SATA adapter on them.

Thanks in advance. I am still looking at Power Supplies trying to find one I like. I saw on BFG's site the BFG/8800GT combo for $235 that is tempting, but the PS isn't 80% or modular (80% being more important), and it only has 4 SATA and 6 4-pin.
CDRW, DVDRW


Edit: How is Ultra as a power supply? That one is 80% efficient, modular, and has plenty (10) of SATA or 4-pin.

 

[Dangman]

First of all, please read this: Single vs. Multiple +12V rails: The splitting of the +12V rail

I think you may have a slight confusion about the above info.

Second, the 520HX and 620HX are indeed single-rail designs. There was a misprint (or the PSU specs may have changed) on the PSU labels and by the time it was found out, it was too cost-prohibitive to replace all those labels. So the 520HX and 620HX are single-rail PSUs. And all of the Corsair PSUs you've mentioned so far can power your system with no problem.

Third, no problem whatsoever from using 4 pin to SATA power adapters.

Fourth, as for that Ultra power supply, please read this review of it:
http://hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQzNywsLGhlbnRodXNpYXN0

Fifth, I wouldn't bother using IDE to SATA adapters. It's just cheaper and less of a hassle if you use a PCI to IDE controller card. Egg hunt for ya:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...Subcategory=410&description=&Ntk=&srchInDesc=

 

[Kelvarr]

Danny Bui, you are the man!

I still don't think I fully understand the whole rail bit....but I suppose it really doesn't matter. Your info on the 520HX and 620HX are invaluable (I never saw that information before). I didn't realize it was a misprint (that apparently every reseller blindly copies) and that they are single rail. That, coupled with the 4-pin to SATA adapters (I suspected it wouldn't be a problem...just wanted to make sure) really makes it easier.

I think I am going to stay away from the Ultra. I don't know how I missed that review when I went looking, but I will stay away now.

Lastly, I have no idea why the thought of a PCI IDE card never crossed my mind! I agree, it would be a much easier solution, so kudos to you for that as well!

Thanks a ton!