Need decision on PSU

[theletterP]

Ok, I am trying to pick a PSU for my new build and it is making my head hurt. Components so far:

Gigabyte GA-EP35C-DS3R Motherboard
Intel Q6600 (SLACR)
4GB (2x2) Corsair PC-6400 DDR2 TWIN2X4096-6400
eVga GeForce 8800GTS 512MB (670Mhz)
320-500GB hard drive (cant decide on one of those either)
2 DVD RW drives
2 case fans

I was leaning toward the Corsair CMPSU-520HX or the CMPSU-550VX but the guy at my "local retailer" said they would be underpowered and recommended the Antec TruePower 650. I am not a huge Antec fan in general so I have been looking at some others like the CMPSU-650TX, CMPSU-620HX, SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus SS-650HT, and the PC Power & Cooling S610EPS. Reading around here and other sites it appears that all of these are made by SeaSonic which may or may not be a big deal. So my questions are basically, will the 520 or 550W suffice or do I need power in the 600-650W range? Is the Antec a good unit? Should I pick from the 600-650's listed based on price since they are all SeaSonic made? Am I overlooking a good unit(s) in this range for $100-150? I really need to make a decision soon as this is starting to have an adverse effect on my normal life...:crazy:

Thanks in advance.

[Stefan555]

You will be just fine with Corsair HX520 or VX550, no problems at all.

Chose HX520 if you want a psu with modular cables, if not take the VX550. Corsair VX450 will also do.

[burebista]

+1 for HX520.

[theletterP]

I can get the HX620 for 129.99, the TX650 for 109.99, the HX520 for 119.99and the VX550 for 99.99 (all after MIR). Are all of these basically the same PSU design? Should this pricing alter my decision process at all? Modular doesnt seem worth the extra cash to me if that is the only difference between the HX and the VX and TX.

[Stefan555]

The VX550 is built by CWT, the other units are built by Seasonic. The VX550 is an excellent unit, just as good as the other units.

Considering the prices I would chose VX550, but whichever of the psu's you chose, you will not regret it.

[theletterP]

One more question...I have read that the -5V has been removed from the ATX spec and thus removed from the Corsair PSU's. Will this cause a problem with my Gigabyte GA-EP35C-DS3R mobo? I seem to recall reading somewhere that this was an issue with Gigabyte boards. Does anyone have any input on that as I am having a hell of a time finding anything other than gibberish.:wtf:

[spursindonesia]

......the TX650 for 109.99.......

Get that, great bargain indeed ! (if you don't give a $hit about modularity) 25% more power at the 12v rail with just 10 bucks added cost, compared to the VX 550 unit, and should be a smidge quieter/more quiet (which one is correct ? LOL).

[treshix]

either a "smidgen more quiet" or a "smidge quieter" are both correct, assuming you accept the alternate spelling of "smidge" as correct, which I do :)

[theletterP]

Any thoughts on the -5v? I sent Gigabyte an email but I have not received a response, not that I am surprised with everyone moving support to Guadalahara :@

[jonnyGURU]

Sorry... missed that post. You don't need -5V. No motherboards made today does.

[fsh42na]

The TX 650 can be had for $97 with free shipping from Buy.com

http://www.buy.com/retail/usersearchresults.asp?querytype=home&qu=corsair&qxt=home&display=col&dclksa=1