Yet another "which PSU for me?" thread...

[DenverJeff]

Ok, just like the previous 50 people, I've hit information overload trying to figure out the right PSU for my new build, so it's time to get some direct input from you experts. :)

I just can't quite seem to find a PSU that matches all of these requirements. Maybe I'm being too picky...

1) Has 4 PCIe connectors, or can be easily modified so. Getting the 8800GTX and want to be able to go SLI down the road.

2) Fits in the P180 without mods. So, I want to keep the lower chamber fan to draw air across 4 harddrives. This seems to rule out the 850 Zeus, not so sure about the 750. Sounds like people prefer the modular PSUs in this case as well. And this probably also means it should work well with the straight-through airflow.

3) Is at the 80+% efficiency mark, even when drawing mid-100 watts at idle. Yeah, I know this is only $2/month, but still. It's the principle of the matter.

4) Is reasonably quiet up through 500+ watts. A pair of 8800GTXs at 48dBs each is going to be loud enough. :) This is sort of subjective, I guess...

5) I'm willing to spend up to just over $200 (unless I *have* to go higher.) I've got other things to burn the money on. :)

Does such a creature exist?

Jeff

[jonnyGURU]

Seasonic M12 700?

[DenverJeff]

Looking at the chart I thought it only had 2 PCIe connectors, but upon closer reading I see that you say each of the two cables has two connectors. Ok. 1, 2, 3, 5 -- check.

Now 4. You say you were a bit surprised by the noise at 540W -- how would you characterize the noise? I'm not sure this really matters -- I'll generally have the speakers turned on when drawing that much power. :)

Thanks for pointing me back at this unit -- I had dismissed it because of my failure to read your review close enough. :)

[jonnyGURU]

The noise was the noise of a 60MM fan. That's the best way I have to describe it. ;) 40MM fans aren't quiet. But how often are you going to be putting that much of a load on a PSU? ;)

[Giveup]

Hey... sounds like we are in the same boat. I just got my Antec p180 from frys today. Looking for a supply to run SLI and not completely break the bank and not sound like a frieght trian either.

For what it's worth I think I'm gonna go with the Zeus 850. It's a bit over $200 and it's gonna be a tight fit in the P180, but I like having the extra headroom watt/amp wise. (I'm only going 8800GTS, but want some extra in case a 3rd GPU/PPU takes off...)

From what I gather, if you're not afraid to drill out the 4 rivets in the bottom front bracket you can just barely squeeze a 120 fan in there instead of using the one in the middle of the bottom chamber. (which will have to come out to fit the Zeus) That should give a push/pull with a front 120 blowing over the drives and the 80 on the zeus doing exhaust duty.

Now that doesn't meet your requirements... because it's over $200, not at least 80% at 200w and you will have to mod the P180. BUT... if you find one that works please let me know before I buy mine!!! :) I'll have to look into the Seasonic also... I thought it was more, maybe I missed something.

[GalvanizedYankee]

jonny, the M12s have an aux 60mm fan. It is the the Zippy 850W that has an internal 40mm fan. Is this not so?
I do read your posts ;)

[jonnyGURU]

Dammit.. I know. For some reason I keep typing "40MM" instead of "60MM." :(

Fixed.

[DenverJeff]

Dammit.. I know. For some reason I keep typing "40MM" instead of "60MM." :(

I swear that "6" is the hardest key to hit on the entire keyboard. Much easier to just lazily hit the "4". :p