Noob questions about Power Supplies

[Gq29]

I built only one computer in my life about 3 years ago so basically treat me as a total noob.

Well I need to figure out what power supply I will need for my new system I am building. While it has taken some time to get to this point the prices are dropping on some parts and I may be able to go with a higher end part by the time everything is said and done. So I will list the parts I have chosen so far and give the option of what I may get if the price keeps dropping into my budget range.

First off I am getting the DFI nF4 Ultra-Infinity Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard.

I am planning on going with the AMD Athlon 64 3500 Venice but if the price drops more or a special happens I may go with the AMD Athlon 64 3700 San Diego.

I am looking at going with a MSI Geforce 6800GT but if I can scrape enough together I might go with even a MSI Geforce 7800GT.

Memory is still up in the air atm due to having to figure out what is compatible with the board I am getting. But at least 1 gig (2X512MB) if not 2 gig (2X1gig) is my plan.

Now the thing with this board is the fact it has only x3 3-pin fan headers (one each for the CPU, chipset, as well as one free header). I might be screwed when it comes to the number of fans I can have in my system, (remember I am noob so I have no clue).

I know the manual for the board says it is strongly recommended for a minimum of a 400W or greater power supply.

Back when I built my system I remember hearing that it was better to not to push your power supply and to always get more then what you need. What range should I be looking at realistically for a power supply?

I know I will need a 24-pin and a 4-pin to connect to my motherboard are these standard for all power supplies or is there something I have to look for something specifically?

Is there any real value of getting a two-fan power supply over a one fan?

Are there any recommendations for power supplies by brand, (considering a tight budget of course)?

Well I guess I will start off with this and add more as it comes up. Thank you in advance for any and all replies.

 

[Rugger]

<A HREF="http://www.directron.com/201tblk.html" target="_new">Super-Flower SF-201T</A> and an <A HREF="http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=270402" target="_new">Enermax 535W Whisper II model EG565P</A>. Total is $158.98. That PSU will be good for the 6800GT or the 7800GT. BTW Tigerdirect has the 7800GT for $289 after rebate - it is a 3DFuzion.

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[Gq29]

Well with the only response I have gotten so far I have to assume I need something at the 500W+ range for a power supply.

I still don?ft know if a dual fan power supply is any better over all compared to a single fan power supply. But considering a dual was suggested and that is what I have in my system atm, I will probably favor the dual fan design.

I figured out from the suggestion I got and by some more reading I have to get an ATX12V type power supply.

So from what is available at newegg.com for $90 or less are there any suggestions other then the Enermax? Anyone have experience with any of the others that are there?

Thanks for any suggestions; I just want to have a few to choose from if possible is all.

 

[Rugger]

<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104154" target="_new">OCZ Modstrem 450W</A> for $65 after MIR. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954" target="_new">Fortron 450W</A> for $50. For the few extra dollars, the Enermax is a great deal.

*Steam rising*
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BUNNY STEW FOR DINNER!!

 

[Gq29]

Thanks for the info wusy that opens up a lot more what I can get. I wish I would have known this when I built my first system. I used an Allied 400W for an AMD Athlon XP 2100 system.

Anyways if I pick up a power supply in the 400W to 450W range I should be in good shape with a lot of extra to spare. I can also pick up a good brand name now within my budget easy.

There is a nice ENERMAX EG425P-VE SFMA 2.0 ATX12V 420W Power Supply for a good price that has caught my eye at newegg. But not set in stone yet.

 

[Gq29]

So far as the power supply, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103459 goes I think that it will work for me.

Only thing that gets me a little worried is that it adjusts input voltage automatically. I have noticed that not being a regular thing on most power supplies. Could that be an issue or is that a feature to be happy with?

 

[Gq29]

Now I just have to find a case for it or forget about it and get a case with a power supply. It seems I am doing things a bit backwards for some reason lol.