Gateway Parts

Request for suggestions on a new computer's power supply.?

I'm working on building a computer for the first time, and although I've read and read, trying to learn about what I'm actually looking for, I've run aground with PSU's and decided it would be easier to ask for advice. My rig-to-be includes: Foxconn P35 Mars Intel Core2 Duo E8500 (3.16GHz) nVidia GeForce 9600GT (Possibly SLI, later on) Kingston 2GB DDR2 1066MHz (2x 1Gb) 2x HDD's (160Gb+ each, if it matters) I'm currently quite under my budget, and therefore don't mind on pricing, as long as it's not an overkill part. Though, I would like to get something with a little headroom incase I do decide to upgrade parts (or OC) in the long run. If it's not too much to ask, I would like not only some suggestions to which power supplies to look at, but also some reasoning so that I can learn from this. On that note, I don't mind tech terms at all. I also wouldn't mind some simple brand recommendations, mainly 'cause I'm very new to the PSU field. If you have any to suggest, that is. Thanks. I just looked at the Thermaltake Toughpower 750W (W0117). It has the same number of SATA connections as my motherboard supports, which would be handy if I get more drives. Opinions on Thermaltake in general?

Public Comments

1. Get an Antec Neo Power Supply. Or get this Antec True Power Trio 650W on sale...99 beans http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001 TP3-650 will be around for a long time to come, with an MTBF of 80,000+ hours. With one main connector (20 + 4 pin), one 12V (P4), one 12V (8pin), seven peripheral, four SATA, two floppy, and two PCI-E connectors you can wire in all of the necessary pieces for a killer PC. Industrial grade components provide stable and unflappable output and protection against power and voltage surges. It sports three +12V output (12V1, 12V2, 12V3), which allow support for the most high-end of PC systems. You even have Fan Only power connectors (which allow it to control case fan speeds, thereby reducing system noise) and gold-plated connectors (for superior conductivity).
2. get 450watts or higher. the devices you mentioned are power hungry. thanks.
3. There's at least one 1000 watt PSU available now, and it wouldn't be overkill if you're planning to expand in the future. (Maybe even a 128 bit motherboard, a few multi-terabyte drives and a 750 watt GPU - when those things come out?) I believe the price was in the $200 range, but it's a PSU you're not likely to outgrow for a long time, and it'll be loafing under any current hardware.