power supply opinions, please

[hemicuda]

Have one of these on my current server

Neo 500

and I'm building a new box this weekend with the following stats:

Intel Q6600 SLACR (probably OC later)
Zalman CNPS9500
Gigabyte EP35-DS4
nVidia 8400GS
LG BD/HDDVD/DVD
Hauppauge 350 & 500MCE (if they clear the SATA ports )
2 PATA drives less than 4yrs old
2 SATA drives less than 2yrs old
several USB devices, but all self-powered.

I'm trying to get a feel for whether the PS will handle things or not. Picking parts for a box used to be soooooo easy a few yrs ago. It took me a week to decide on these components.

[If this thing can't transcode HD to the MVP realtime I'm going to have an unhappy spouse (and me too).]

[BobPhoenix]

Looks like the motherboard you have selected uses an 8 pin CPU power connector that your current power supply doesn't have. But the board may work with just a 4 pin CPU connector since the Newegg picture almost looks like it comes partially covered. I would download the users guide for the motherboard and see if it will work with a 4 pin CPU connector. If it doesn't say an 8-pin cpu connector is required then your current power supply may work - assuming other components on your list don't require more power anyway. If it does look for EPS compatible power supplies.

[hemicuda]

yeah, that header had a plastic "cap" on 4 of the pins when I took it out of the bag. However, the manual for the Neo says it has the 8-pin plug and "supports ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V systems." I'll have to look when I get home.

[MeInMaui]

If you decide to get a new PS, check out Silent PC Review. They have the best info and recommendations on power supplies that I have seen.

Aloha,
Mike

[BobPhoenix]

Originally Posted by hemicuda

However, the manual for the Neo says it has the 8-pin plug and "supports ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V systems." I'll have to look when I get home.

Good newegg only lists the 4 pin as far as I could tell. Sounds like it should work then.

[hemicuda]

I was mostly worried about it being big enough to handle the new server. The A7V600 board I have now reports a low 12V rail, but I might have a load balance issue. My older 350 had the same issue. We'll know in a couple of days anyhow.

[hemicuda]

Didn't want to take a chance and needed to keep the old server running while I got s/w installed on the new one. Picked up a 650W Antec Earthwatts. All reported stats are within expectations.

Does anyone know if MBM5 (for the Motherboard Monitor STVi) works reliably w/ my new board? I've heard 'rumor' that it is a bit inaccurate for some readings.