Im pretty much ready to buy a new power supply, i definitely want an 800 Watt PSU but i don't really know much about the brands out there so i'd really appreciate some suggestions, especially with modular cabling!
Hey phaedrus55,
I just went through this identical search and destroy mission, combing the forums for recommendations and such from around the 'net.
One thing that I found out, is that with the new microprocessor based PSU's, one can over-spec the PSU, BUT the PSU will still ONLY draw the power the unit requires.
IE: Your system requires 750W to run.. Both an 850W and a 1000W will draw roughly (given required overhead) the same amount of wall current to run the system. Just because it is a 1000W PSU, for example, does NOT mean it will constantly draw 1000W from your house current.
Given that, I preferred to err by getting 1000W units vs. 850W, as my system was "rated" (by several of the online power apps) to need 790W. I'm NOT an electrician, I'm a musician, and all of my life in any sort of audio equipment, it was always important to build in "overhead" space to allow for unexpected pops and spikes when calculating needed power. Also, at least as far as audio amps go, a 2000W amp running at 800W is going to run VERY cool, whereas an 800W amp running at 800W would run very hot on a consistent basis.
Just my .02, I prefer to allow myself the overhead space. I use an APC 3KW UPS, and it reports the computer using max 820W to date (by the logs the UPS keeps), so I haven't yet "drawn" the full 1000W that my PSU is rated. Your mileage may certainly differ!
RECOMMENDATIONS:
From my running around and reading countless reviews and forums, I settled on the following:
Antec Quattro 850W - 1000W (80 Plus Certified)
Enermax Galaxy 1000W (85 Plus Certified)
I installed the Quattro 1000W in my office computer, and the Enermax in my RAID server. Both are CPU controlled, have modular power attachments, which (in my experience) came in the box with WAY more wires than needed, making them very versatile for a multitude of options.
NOTE: Both came with TWO GPU power cords, and for the main power, they had both the 4 and 8 conductor secondary CPU power cables.
I paid $149.00 for the Antec Quattro 1000W (on sale at Microcenter), and the Enermax ran me $259.00 at newegg.
Both have been installed and running since last November and I have had absolutely no problems with either power or internal heat problems. Both systems I'm running in a 4U rackmount case, both with the CPU heatsinks that came with the CPU, and I added at least one additional fan aimed at the GPU.
FAN NOTE: I found some neat fans (cannot remember the brand) that were mounted on rear slot covers, so they installed in an unused slot in the back of the case, and they came with a 3 pin header that works with my motherboards.. They cost a princely $5 each!
I wish you luck with your PSU search!
Rick