Choosing PSU for new build

[EMU]

It has been a few years since I have built a system...

This is what I am looking at getting:
DFI P35 Blood Iron
E2140 Allendale (I want to start with the bottom of the barrel)
2x1gb Crucial Ballistix
ATI HD3850
7200rpm HDD 80gb
3x120mm fans
RoseWill RZS05 case

I have been considering getting the Xclio Goodpower 500, but have my doubts as to its compatability with the DFI board (I know these boards can be tricky). My next choice would be the Corsair VX 450 (since the shipping is free, which makes the price difference ~15ish between them).

I plan to overclock. Would these PSUs be able to handle the setup. I would like to go as cheap as possible, around $50. The case also cannot accomodate a long PSU, so it cannot be a large unit.

[mpilchfamily]

The corsair would be your better choice.

You may want to consider a different motherboard. I've heard allot of people have trouble getting a good OC out of the Intel based DFI boards. DFI makes great AMD based boards but they don't do so well with Intel. So it may be a good idea to reconsider the motherboard choice.

[901-Memphis]

The Corsair VX450 should be a good match to the setup you listed.

[EMU]

Originally Posted by mpilchfamily

The corsair would be your better choice.

You may want to consider a different motherboard. I've heard allot of people have trouble getting a good OC out of the Intel based DFI boards. DFI makes great AMD based boards but they don't do so well with Intel. So it may be a good idea to reconsider the motherboard choice.

Right now my fastest rig (and only one up) is the 3200 Clawhammer s754, ATI 9800pro. And it is very outdated.

I know the Corsair is a better PSU, hands down... but I will be honest, I really dont have a lot of funds to put to this PC. It has to be under $400 build initially, and I can put money into it as the months go on... If I go with the Corsair, I will change the CPU to a Celeron 420. If I go with the XCLIO 500w, then I can stay with the e2140... The PSU will outlast the CPU, so I think it would be a better option to skimp on the CPU...

The DFI Blood Iron is the cheapest P35 board with RAID. I could get a cheaper board, but then I would have to spend $30-40 on a raid card, which would actually be more expensive. Other boards considered were the Biostar TP35D2-A7, Abit IP35-E and Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L. I also toyed with the idea of getting the GA-P31-DS3L or GA-P31-S3G. I have only really seen issues with the Blood Iron with quad cores. If you have any data to support this board not performing well with a dual core, please let me see. Other suggestions would be nice as well. Every dollar counts... I do not want to spend more than $110 on a motherboard. Cheaper would be better. I would prefer the Abit, and have never really liked Gigabyte or Biostar, but see that their boards have good reviews. I refuse to get Asus.

My budget has changed, I have quite a bit less to spend. I have decided to get a cheap 7600GT for the time being, and get an 8800GT in a couple weeks when I can afford it. The ATI offerings are nice, and I have been an ATI fan for many years... but the 8800GT edges out the 3870 in performance, at roughly the same price, and uses less power than the 3850 at load.

A lot of people have a good deal of cash to throw at their computers, I dont. I am focusing the initial stage of the build on the PSU and motherboard. When I get more cash I will start upgrading other components (cpu cooling>Vid>CPU>HDD>case). Its just tough since this is my first PCI-Express setup, so I cant do one component at a time... Im not going to get a new case, just going to use an existing Chieftech. Going to use stock cooler for a little, then upgrade when I have the cash. I dont rely on rebates, since I dont have the up front cash to spend.

[Darkmind]

Originally Posted by mpilchfamily

The corsair would be your better choice.

You may want to consider a different motherboard. I've heard allot of people have trouble getting a good OC out of the Intel based DFI boards. DFI makes great AMD based boards but they don't do so well with Intel. So it may be a good idea to reconsider the motherboard choice.

+1 on the Corsair


But heh, I beg to differ on your DFI comment.

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[Josie Wales]

I would not be so fast to suggest the Corsair VX450. DFI boards have had some compatiblity issues with Seasonic built units in the past. A Channel Well built PSU like the XClio Stablepower 500w would be a better bet. It is a considerably better unit than the Goodpower making it a terrific bargain for only $10 more. Corsairs lowest price Channel Well built unit is the VX550 which is considerably more expensive.

[EMU]

I was under the impression that the VX series were all Channel Wells... And the HX were Seasonic.

I should be ordering soon (day or two), so I need to finalize what PSU I am going to get. I know that the PSU is the most important part of the system, so I definitely want to get the right one. I will definitely consider the Stablepower... I was looking at it earlier, and was wondering what differences it had compared to the Goodpower. Does anybody know who makes the Goodpower?

[Josie Wales]

The Corsair VX450 is Seasonic and the rest of the VX series is Channel Well. The XClio GoodPower 500w is a reliable low-end Channel Well unit. I own one and have frequently recommended them. If you intend to upgrade your system down the road I would suggest paying the extra $10 and getting the StablePower. There is a substantial increase in component count and component quality by stepping up to the StablePower line which is a superior mid-range Channel Well design.