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I am not in need of a high wattage psu, I realize that, just a well-built and dependable one. I like the thought of the CWT built HX550, since that's who built my current psu running strong and no prob's for almost five years but also know that Seasonic is reliable as well. I am also considering Antec EA380 and EA500 (but only if I can find the Seasonic model). The EA380 appears that it would do just fine but have concerns when I start running an 8800GT but even then from what I've seen, it should be fine. I am one of those people that would prefer to have the fan at the back of the case drawing air through but only because I am locating my psu at the bottom of my case. EA430 I looked at but read too many reviews of it smoking.
So the list is:
CORSAIR 450VX 450W
CORSAIR 550VX 550W
CORSAIR 520HX 520W
ANTEC EA380 380W
ANTEC EA500 500W
I have allocated $100 +/- for the psu, knowing it is the foundation of the system. The rebates should help with cost, as well but only if I order tonight since they expire. If the opinion were that the EA380 would be fine for this build, then I might consider going down to a different case that comes with it, albeight, a tighter fit and less fans but I would keep it cool. Otherwise, it's the Antec Three Hundred Series for me.
I've always been of the thought that least resistance is better but the modular cabling on the 520 doesn't seem to effect it's output at all; ie, any power flucuations are minimal and well within specs. So the thought of only using the cables I need is a fine one but isn't a must for me; ie, not a deciding factor, necessarily.
My build specs:
Abit AN78GS Socket AM2+|GeForce 8200|FSB 5200|DDR2-1066|Hybrid SLI|ATX
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition
AMD OCZ Platinum 2048MB PC6400 (2x1GB)
WD Caviar SE16 500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
LITE-ON Black 20X 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner
Antec Three Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Case
Fans: 140mm top x1, 120mm x1 back, HSF, 120mm x2 front (Silverstone or Scythe)
Future Additions: EVGA 8800GT 512MB 256-bit or EVGA 8500 GT 512MB 128-bit to use GeForce Graphics Boost w/mobo
I only plan on using x1 SATA HD but might add a 2nd drive at some point, maybe small one for programs and for boot so I included it in my power calc's (it adds 29W). I included three different possible setups; ie, onboard video | 8500GT | 8800GT.
BASIC COMMON SPECS
System Type: Single Processor
Motherboard: High End - Desktop
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ EE 2600 MHz AM2 Brisbane
CPU Utilization (TDP): 85% TDP
RAM: 2 Sticks DDR2 SDRAM
SATA HDD: 2 HDDs
DVD-RW/DVD+RW Drive: 1 Drive
PCI Network Interface Card: Yes
USB: 2 Devices
Fans | Regular: 3 Fans 120mm; 1 Fan 140mm
Keyboard and mouse: Yes
System Load: 90 %
Capacitor Aging (+ W %): 20 %
WITH ONBOARD VIDEO
Recommended Wattage: 253 Watts
Recommended Amperage: 7.8 A (+3.3V) 11.4 A (+5V) 14.2 (+12V)
Recommended UPS rating: 500 VA
WITH 8500GT
Recommended Wattage: 296 Watts
Recommended Amperage: 8.3 (+3.3V) 11.4 (+5V) 17.6 (+12V)
Recommended UPS rating: 500 VA
WITH 8800GT
Recommended Wattage: 340 Watts
Recommended Amperage: 9.1 A (+3.3V) 11.4 A (+5V) 21.1 A (+12V)
Recommended UPS rating: 600 V
I am not a heavy gamer but plan on doing more once I build this (most of it is on the way). I will not have a need for SLi. In the least, I will add an eVGA 8500GT but am considering the eVGA 8800GT. If I use the 8500GT, I will be able to use Nvidia's GeForceBoost and the onboard video will work in tandom with the card, resulting in 8600GT-level graphics. But moreover, I would hook my LCD up to the 8500 or 8800 and use the onboard graphics out to my TV.
My only other concern is that I am using an Antec 300 case, which I like. The psu will be mounted on the bottom and will need to be upside down. I have concerns about dust (bunnies) getting in the psu in that orientation. Should I be concerned? Also, I read some users were still pointing the fan down w/o hole mod in case since the psu sits on risen area on bottom. That couldn't possibly get enough airflow, could it?
I know you get alot of rec' requests and they are old hat to you but I really am stuck and want to pick the best for my build. I haven't been able to make the decision and tonight's deadline is looming over me. Thank you for your time and help.
So the list is:
CORSAIR 450VX 450W
CORSAIR 550VX 550W
CORSAIR 520HX 520W
ANTEC EA380 380W
ANTEC EA500 500W
I have allocated $100 +/- for the psu, knowing it is the foundation of the system. The rebates should help with cost, as well but only if I order tonight since they expire. If the opinion were that the EA380 would be fine for this build, then I might consider going down to a different case that comes with it, albeight, a tighter fit and less fans but I would keep it cool. Otherwise, it's the Antec Three Hundred Series for me.
I've always been of the thought that least resistance is better but the modular cabling on the 520 doesn't seem to effect it's output at all; ie, any power flucuations are minimal and well within specs. So the thought of only using the cables I need is a fine one but isn't a must for me; ie, not a deciding factor, necessarily.
My build specs:
Abit AN78GS Socket AM2+|GeForce 8200|FSB 5200|DDR2-1066|Hybrid SLI|ATX
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition
AMD OCZ Platinum 2048MB PC6400 (2x1GB)
WD Caviar SE16 500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
LITE-ON Black 20X 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner
Antec Three Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Case
Fans: 140mm top x1, 120mm x1 back, HSF, 120mm x2 front (Silverstone or Scythe)
Future Additions: EVGA 8800GT 512MB 256-bit or EVGA 8500 GT 512MB 128-bit to use GeForce Graphics Boost w/mobo
I only plan on using x1 SATA HD but might add a 2nd drive at some point, maybe small one for programs and for boot so I included it in my power calc's (it adds 29W). I included three different possible setups; ie, onboard video | 8500GT | 8800GT.
BASIC COMMON SPECS
System Type: Single Processor
Motherboard: High End - Desktop
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ EE 2600 MHz AM2 Brisbane
CPU Utilization (TDP): 85% TDP
RAM: 2 Sticks DDR2 SDRAM
SATA HDD: 2 HDDs
DVD-RW/DVD+RW Drive: 1 Drive
PCI Network Interface Card: Yes
USB: 2 Devices
Fans | Regular: 3 Fans 120mm; 1 Fan 140mm
Keyboard and mouse: Yes
System Load: 90 %
Capacitor Aging (+ W %): 20 %
WITH ONBOARD VIDEO
Recommended Wattage: 253 Watts
Recommended Amperage: 7.8 A (+3.3V) 11.4 A (+5V) 14.2 (+12V)
Recommended UPS rating: 500 VA
WITH 8500GT
Recommended Wattage: 296 Watts
Recommended Amperage: 8.3 (+3.3V) 11.4 (+5V) 17.6 (+12V)
Recommended UPS rating: 500 VA
WITH 8800GT
Recommended Wattage: 340 Watts
Recommended Amperage: 9.1 A (+3.3V) 11.4 A (+5V) 21.1 A (+12V)
Recommended UPS rating: 600 V
I am not a heavy gamer but plan on doing more once I build this (most of it is on the way). I will not have a need for SLi. In the least, I will add an eVGA 8500GT but am considering the eVGA 8800GT. If I use the 8500GT, I will be able to use Nvidia's GeForceBoost and the onboard video will work in tandom with the card, resulting in 8600GT-level graphics. But moreover, I would hook my LCD up to the 8500 or 8800 and use the onboard graphics out to my TV.
My only other concern is that I am using an Antec 300 case, which I like. The psu will be mounted on the bottom and will need to be upside down. I have concerns about dust (bunnies) getting in the psu in that orientation. Should I be concerned? Also, I read some users were still pointing the fan down w/o hole mod in case since the psu sits on risen area on bottom. That couldn't possibly get enough airflow, could it?
I know you get alot of rec' requests and they are old hat to you but I really am stuck and want to pick the best for my build. I haven't been able to make the decision and tonight's deadline is looming over me. Thank you for your time and help.