Computer Q

[kandrathe]

ZALMAN ZM1000-HP 1000W Continuous @ 45°C (Maximum Continuous Peak: 1250W) Modular Heatpipe-Cooled SLI Power Supply - ~$240

I guarantee that this is extreme overkill.

Yes, yes it is. I could probably get by with;

COOLER MASTER GX Series RS750-ACAAE3-US 750W ATX12V v2.31 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply for $90

With duel SLI, and quad core i7 (min. 130W) I'll be pushing 700W under load. I wouldn't want to go below 750W. Giving some room for newer SLI cards I might get in the future (250W each), I looked at the >750W range, so I was in the $150 to $200 range already.

I feel it would be better to build in the capacity now, and take advantage of the 86% efficiency. When the day comes when I need 1000W, I won't have to add in a new 1000W PS to the price tag of two new expensive SLI graphics cards. The Zalman is more efficient, quieter, and runs cooler than any other I could find for about $50 more than the one I might settle for.

Then again, it is a place I can trim some $ out of the build while still making a solid machine.