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Quiet decent ps needed

Joined
Jul 18, 2006
Messages
16
I am completely new to building a computer. Actually, I’m making my brother assemble it for me like the good sister I am. Anyway, I’m not going to be overclocking and I’m striving for a quiet but decent computer. So far here’s what I have on my list:

Kingwin SK-523SW case
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS
Nexus 120mm Real Silent Case Fan
Samsung Lighscribe dvd burner
7800 or 7900gt
Conroe 6600
Mobo unknown
2x1gb memory
Samsung Spinpoint P hd

As for a power supply, I don’t have a clue. My brother suggested about 480w with modular cabling, though is modular cabling really necessary? I’m looking at these:

AeroCool ZERODBA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817331001

COOLMAX "EZ Wire" CU-500T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?Item=N82E16817159048

ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194003


I think I‘m leaning towards enermax based on reading these forums, but would something other than these be better (hopefully not more than $100)? Remember, it has to be quiet but can’t die on me. My brother is 100 miles away and I don’t want to drive there and have him replace it. I mean, I could do it myself, but…eh. Thanks! :)
 
Honestly, i dont think you could go wrong with the enermax, but there are a few things to take into consideration;

That particular version of enermax is pretty "blinged" out, which you are paying extra for. Are you going to be using this in a case with a window? If so you may want to go with one like this, but if not i'd lean towards one with less looks for a lower price.

Modular cabling is REALLY handy, i'll be the first to admit that, but it's also not a must. Again this is whether or not you are into the way your computer looks, if you are a really good cable router i'd say you could get almost the same look with non-modular for a lower price, otherwise the modular cabling will help your case stay neat, as well as improving some airflow if you would have had loose cables hanging down.

Out of the three, i would definitely go the enermax based on performance, but if you wanted a second look check out this thread, which is a list of recommended power supplies people from [H[ard forum put together, whether based on looks or not, these are some of the best performing power supplies on the market, so i would definitely take a second look before you buy.
 
Seasonic? Antec's Phantoms?

Seasonic is awesome all around, but a bit more expensive (duh ;)).

Of your choices, I would go with Enermax though. Coolmax is ehhh...Aerocool is meh.
 
modular cables is not necessary but does help with cable management.

the absolute king of quiet power supplies is the Seasonic S12 line (from 300w - 600w). A bit expensive but worth every penny (i cannot hear mine at all)

if you really want the modular cables and all that the quietest of bunch is the Antec NeoHE line. however, they are known to not get along with ASUS mobos. but that depends of which one and which revision of the power supply you get

 
Thank you for all the quick responses! I'll look into those seasonic ones, it seems like what I'm interested in. Thanks also for the modular cabling help. The case does have a window so it might be a good idea...then again I plan on painting a giant gerbil onto the window so who knows how important it is asthetically.

454casull- I've looked at a lot of cases and tend to be very picky but I'm open if there's something better (I am factoring prettiness into my decision ;)
 
even without modular cables one can do alot of cable hiding. take a look the the cables thread in the case mod gallery section. There are people in there that does insane work
 
hamstergirl said:
Thank you for all the quick responses! I'll look into those seasonic ones, it seems like what I'm interested in. Thanks also for the modular cabling help. The case does have a window so it might be a good idea...then again I plan on painting a giant gerbil onto the window so who knows how important it is asthetically.

454casull- I've looked at a lot of cases and tend to be very picky but I'm open if there's something better (I am factoring prettiness into my decision ;)
What are you looking for in a case? Window? Front door?
 
I'm loving my Liberty 500, so I have no problem recommending it. I don't think it's nearly as "bling" as some people do. The modular cables are great, but 4-pin and SATA on the same cable is stupid for sure.
 
Thanks for the added recommendations. Some seem to have a little more power than I need but who knows what I'll be doing in the future. I like the reliability as well. I still have awhile before I get my hands on a conroe so I'll have lots of time to think about these options. Thanks a lot! Prior to this post I had absolutely no clue what ps I should get. I'll see if my brother really wants the modular cables or if he can manage to hide the wiring of a regular ps.

Oh, and to the case questions...I'm actually pretty happy with the Kingwin and I've looked at a lot of other cases. I just thought you had a specific one in mind that would be much superior. I realize there are many better cases out there, but I liked certain features and the price of the kingwin and it seems to get good reviews. And it's pretty. I'm a sucker for blinding blue lights ;)
 
Just keep in mind that you'll get barely any airflow in the front when the door is closed. If you have a fan there to keep the HDs cool... good luck.
 
PCP&C say modular cables on a PSU are not a good idea as they add resistance. I still say Seasonic S12-600 over the 430w model as it gives you a bit of headroom for future upgrades.
 
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