PSU Purchase help...(long winded warning)

[jb10]

So, the PSU on my admittedly old Vaio died the other day and I am in the market for a new one. While I am at it I will have to get a new case as well. (COOLER MASTER CM690 II Advanced is what im heavily leaning towards) I have been reading this forum for the past couple days and have sort of become overwhelmed with all the information here lol.

I started out looking at the CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W PSU but as I read more and more posts/threads I came to the conclusion that, for what I want to end up doing with this new case and PSU I might need something bigger. I am now looking at the CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W PSU and I am just trying to find out if the more knowlegeable people around here think it will be sufficient.

Basically, I know the PSU will work with my current outdated setup.

Intel P4 HT 2.6Ghz 800Mhz FSB processor.
Asus P4SD-VX OEM Motherboard
2gig DDR PC3200 ram. (4x512mb)
Integrated Graphics (Intel 82865G Graphics Controller 64MBytes)
1x320gb pata drive
1x500gb pata drive
1x dvd-rw dl drive

My question is, with the new case having support for 6 drives to start with and the ability to add a 4in3 bay to bring the drive total up to 10. And the possibility in the future to upgrade the mobo and processor, will the 550w be ok? I know having a bunch of unkowns is a pita to try to make a decision on but unfortunately as this is an unexpected expense its the best I can do.

Here is the run down of what the machine would be at some point in the future:

No gaming on it at all.
No overclocking at all.
It will be my day to day 24/7 pc used for general purpose activities, storage and media streaming. (1080p streaming to PS3 or future htpc.)
DVR function from my hd cable. (Unless building a separate htpc for dvr duties and playback/streaming is suggested. In which case just storage for the recorded shows.)
6-10 Hard drives. (Sata when I either get a pci card or a new mobo.)
As stated above possibly a new mobo and updated processor. I realize without stating a specific chip it is hard to take the power consumption into account. The best I can say is nothing to crazy because like I said I dont game. So really the ability to play/stream (possibly encode) HD content at the lowest price point is my only concern.

So in the end will the 550w be a smart purchase for my future plans? (Or is it more than I need?)

Also one more question, I am currently using a spare PSU sitting next to the computer with the case open. Is there any possible negative effects of doing this? I ask because I may end up getting the PSU right away but wait a short while on the case. If I do, the only way to power my computer is to leave the PSU on the outside sitting on my desk with the computer case open. I am using a static wrist strap for added measure while actually sitting at the computer if that matters.

I apologize in advance for the length/mess this post is in, but its the best I could make it to communicate everything on my mind. Thanks for any help/input on this issue.

 

[Zero82z]

I think the 550W would be a better choice if you really plan on using 10 HDs. And it would definitely be enough for everything.

 

[Arkuatika]

With how cheap some well built PSU right now I see no point to buy something like
http://www.svc.com/ocz700gxssli-b.html
factory recertified are usually returned items and theres nothing to lose; if you buy a new item you'll still have the chance of it breaking or it had already been broken.
They're basically just as good

To answer your question about the psu outside the case there really aren't much negative effects but there are possibilities:

more dust flowing in
might disrupt your case air flow(positive negative airflow, depending on how powerful your front and rear fans are

BUT there's really nothing bad to come from your system with the psu out since you're not doing any overclocking.

 

[jb10]

Thank you for the fast response and helpful information. I will be placing my order on the 550w in the next day or so.

@Arkuatika: Thanks for the info on having the psu on the outside it has put my mind at ease.

 

[Costa]

Be very happy you didn't buy that OCZ700GXSSLI-B from SVC. I did and it came DOA. I choose to deal with the Manufacture but they are taking their sweet time replacing it. Read reviews on this PSU on Newegg... not to much luck on this model. Would not recommend! Many people, including myself who have problems with this unit are urging OZC to no longer sell refurbished items...