Looking for advice on power supply

[Sancho0012]

I'm in the process of building a new system. Most of my decisions are finalized but I am not sure about the power supply:

https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=6249292&WishListTitle=Oct+2007

In addition to everything in the list, I have a RAID controller with 3 x 250gb seagate hard drives. I'm not sure of the exact models but based on similar drives I'd assume about 20-30W each for startup, then about 10W after that. I also have a 4th 200gig HD I might use as well.

Most people I have talked to have said that 580W is plenty for my 8800 video card, but aren't sure about my RAID drives. I really don't want to push my PSU to death after spending so much, but I'm getting close to my budget.

I would appreciate any advice on this. Advice on my other equipment would be appreciated as well, though I feel comfortable with what I have..

[Cricket]

Take a look at this power supply review (http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTM5NywxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==) which tests a 480 watt Hiper PSU...it's not the same model but will give you an idea of how good the brand itself is. Personally I would look at a different PSU brand...Corsair, Seasonic or Fortron Source.

And instead of the E6600 I would get the E6750 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115029)...faster FSB and faster overall speed for less.

:) Cricket

[Sancho0012]

Wow, nice find on that processor! I'm not sure how I missed that but I'm definitely taking it now :)

Thanks for the link on the PSU reviews. I am definitely looking into other brands at the moment. I am still concerned about Wattage level, however. Given that I have 4 hard drives, is the 550-600W range sufficient or should I be looking for a bit more? This is assuming I don't plan on upgrading or adding anything before replacing it, which I don't really.

[flanzig1]

You should be OK with the 550 to 600w range with the number of HDs you plan to use. A HD draws about an amp on the 12v and that is probably peak draw at start-up.

[Sancho0012]

Thanks for the advice, I ended up going with this:

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817139002

[Alaron]

Excellent choice.

[moodyblues100]

I recall seeing a post listing recommended power supplies and PS's to stay away from. Is it posted as a sticky? If not it should be and in the 'Build your Own PC heading. I would appreciate a point in the right direction. TIA

[Alaron]

Here it is moody: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

It is stickied in General Hardware.

[moodyblues100]

THX, don't know why I overlooked that heading, I looked in several of the others. It is definitely a useful list to guide in the right direction.