Recommended PSU for AMD system?

[GaleForce]

I've pretty much decided on my system; 3500+, MSI K8N, 6800 GT, 1 gig corsair XMS, optical drives, and then a bunch of vanity mods as I'm into that kind of stuff (cooling, lights, etc.). I was wondering if someone can recommend a good (performance vs price) PSU for my computer, and what a minimum wattage should be for it. I was looking at the Thermaltake 480w on sale on newegg, but I don't know much about PSUs. Any recommendations would be great. Thanks

 

[Liam]

First, I dont think it's wise to get that mobo, there are alot of problems that peopleare having with that board. Now, on to your question. The best PSU for your money is probably the 530W Fortron PSU; thats probably the best PSU out there other than the extremely expensive PC Power & Cooling ones.

 

[GaleForce]

Why isn't it wise? Everywhere I've asked it seems to be the board of choice, and many people here are using it.

 

[k1114]

I love my Antec TrueControl 550w, the rule of thumb with power is that you can never have enough, it's all limited by what you are willing to spend. I think mine was around $100.

 

[k1114]

First, I dont think it's wise to get that mobo, there are alot of problems that peopleare having with that board. Now, on to your question. The best PSU for your money is probably the 530W Fortron PSU; thats probably the best PSU out there other than the extremely expensive PC Power & Cooling ones.

Another vote for the Fortron as well, that would have been my second choice had I not bought the Antec (I wanted externally adjustable rails)

 

[jinu117]

One vote for either OCZ powerstream or Enermax Noisetaker. Strong 12v rails. More adjustability on OCZ, better efficiecny on enrmax.

 

[jhatfie]

I'd steer clean of the Thermaltake 480W. I had one on my A64 system and although it is a decent power supply, it's 12v rail took a huge dive under load. I've actually tried several PSU's with my two overclocked A64 systems and by far the best I have used is the new OCZ Powerstream 520W, The rails do not move under heavy load and allowed for a more stable overclock compared to the thermaltake. The OCZ 420W version should have ample power if you are looking for something cheaper. The Enermax Noisetaker 470W is a very good performer as well. I have that in my backup A64 machine and the rails are very solid on it as well. Both PSU's are quiet, powerful and recommended.

 

[fierce750]

ULTRA Xconnect 500

 

[masshass81]

Definitely get the OCZ PowerStream 420

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-150&depa=0

92.50 shipped, but add tax in your area

Look at this review
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/OCZ420/

The reviewer ran

P4 3.4ghz @ 3.8ghz & Prescott 2.8ghz @ 3.5ghz
Abit IC7 MAX3
Zalman Reserator
X800XT Video card
1 gig of OCZ 4400 ram
2 Western Digital Raptors
2 Western Digital 120 gig JB SE drives
1 Western Digital 80 gig JB SE drive
1 Liteon DVD player, 1 NEC 1300a DVD burner
1 liteon 52x CD writer
Audigy 2
Promise IDE Raid card

For two days straight with no stalls, lock ups, or reboots. All rails were stable even during full loads in the system's overclocked state. If this PSU can run that crazy high-end setup, it will easily handle your system. What makes it even better is the price, comparing its quality and rails to other PSUs at the same price. AND this 420W PSU is almost on par with other PSUs rated at 520W

 

[bvincent]

The thermaltake 480 is a piece of crap with weak 12v power, I would advise against it, and yes I HAD one.