New System build, PSU question

[bourgeoisdude]

So I have a new system almost all picked out. Main reasoning behind the uber mobo and case is longevity and expandability. Anyway, here's what I'm getting:

Antec 900 case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021)
ASRock X58 SuperComputer mobo (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157150)
Intel Core i7 920 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202)
Kingston HyperX 6GB memory kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104084)
2x WD Black 640GB HDD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319)
LG Super Multi Blu-Ray Disc burner (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136137 ; already purchased)

Right now I'm just going to transfer my existing GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB card for video so I can compare speeds with my existing build (see my profile for system specs) before upgrading to a CrossFire or SLI build. The new GTX 275 catches my fancy but basically my question is:

Assuming I get two top-end video cards in SLI or Crossfire for this new build, what size power supply do I need?

I'm thinking the 850 Watt range using a good quality brand, but I've been out of the "Power Supply" loop for a while and I'm just not sure what the great brands are. I like Antec, but I'd also like to know what other brands are good. Remember I want something that will last me a while, but not something that is overkill for what I'm getting. To clarify, I will likely never have more than five SATA drives (including optical) at a time, and will never use more than two video cards for SLI/Crossfire.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You're correct, a quality 850W PSU will safely power a system like yours with up to SLI GTX 285's. The Corsair 850TX is a very high quality PSU. Other quality PSU manufacturers are PC Power & Cooling and Seasonic. Pretty much any PSU from those 3 manufacturers are a sure bet. Antec makes good PSU's, but they also make some cheap PSU's. OCZ, Zalman, BFG, and a few others fall into the same category IMO.

 

[bourgeoisdude]

Thanks for the info, shortstuff_mt. So having a single 12V rail is okay?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Thanks for the info, shortstuff_mt. So having a single 12V rail is okay?

Yes, a single rail is fine.

 

[jroach17]

This also helps me with my question as they are similar. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264400-31-power-supply-setup

Thanks for the help!

 

[WR2]

I think 2x GTX 275 / GTX 285 or 2x GTX 4890 are fine with a 750~850W PSU. And you say you won't ever use more than two video cards.

Main reasoning behind the uber mobo and case is longevity and expandability.

How is the ASRock X58 SuperComputer mobo better for "longevity and expandability" than the Asus P6T or Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD4P?

 

[bourgeoisdude]

How is the ASRock X58 SuperComputer mobo better for "longevity and expandability" than the Asus P6T or Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD4P?

I chose the ASRock mobo because of the good reviews and the fact that I like the brand. If the Asus or Gigabyte boards are better, do tell.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I'll add my vote for Asus or Gigabyte over ASRock. If I was building an i7 computer today this is the motherboard I'd use:

ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131365 $269.99

I would also pick these boards over the ASRock board:

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128362 $288.99

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128374 $259.99 - $20 MIR