Which is better, single 12V or dual for my setup?

[aznkc730]

Hey guys. I've decided to bite the bullet and go amd 64 now. I've picked out the venice 3000+ and DFI UT LanParty SLI-DR and some Geil ONE handpicked TCCD. now the question comes to power supply.

As of now, I will be having 4x80GB hd's in raid, 2 cd/dvd roms, 7800 GTX and a watercooling system (my koolance) with that setup. Basically, I plan to have 2 7800 gtx's sometime in my life, just not now, so I want a good PSU that will be able to handle the SLi when I can afford it. I've heard that single rail is better than dual in terms of overclocking and that Active PFC helps too, so I've narrowed it down to these 4 choices.

Aspire 520W $55 Single 12V-35A No PFC
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817148008

Sparkle 550W $103.50 Single 12V-36A Active PFC
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817103478

Aspire 680W $108.99 Dual 12V 22A/24A No PFC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817148021

Aspire 680W $129.00 Dual 12V 22A/24A Active PFC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817148021

So, my questions are:

In my described setup, will a SINGLE 12V rail at 35/36 A be better than having DUAL 12V rails at 22A & 24A?

and Does Active PFC makes a noticeable difference in stability and overclocking to justify the extra money?

[LordDarik]

The OCZ Powerstream will blow away any of those power supplies, as most will tell you. Single rail is ussualy the way to go, esspecially if you're planning on overclocking that 3000+ (Which I'm more than assuming).

[Oklahoma Wolf]

The OCZ Powerstream will blow away any of those power supplies, as most will tell you.

Except #2.

I'm not too keen on Aspire - they're all overrated and barely average quality. I very much doubt even the 680w will manage to hold its own against the Sparkle. While you don't necessarily need a powerful single 12v unit for your plans, since SLI is included those are the kinds of units that will best serve you. In addition to the Sparkle PLG and the Powerstream 520w, I'd suggest the forthcoming Silverstone 560w, PC P&C 510w, or Zippy HP2-6500P 500w or PSL-6701P 700w.

[aznkc730]

i was leaning on the sparkle since they are one of the best psu companies, but those aspires were just so damn cheap and had really good ratings on newegg. Out of the others u recommended, the PC P&C definitely looked uber, but way out of my price range. The OCZ powerstream looks pretty good too. Of the two, which should I get, the sparkle or the OCZ?

[Know Nuttin]

Either the Sparkle or the OCZ. Don't bother with the Aspire as previously mentioned.

The OCZ is a quieter unit than the Sparkle so if noise is a factor, go with the OCZ.

Neither will disappoint.

[LordDarik]

The Sparkle may provide an ammount of power that's just a little higher than the Powerstream, but it still can't beat its warranty, looks, and quietness. Both are great PSU's though and trusted brands.

[aznkc730]

[QUOTE=Know Nuttin]
The OCZ is a quieter unit than the Sparkle so if noise is a factor, go with the OCZ.QUOTE]

I guess that does it for me. OCZ it is! I'll take quiet over some extra amps on the 12V anyday.

thanks for the help guys! :p

[fhanderson]

I think this is the best value for the money.
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-SP550PG

[3DFlyer]

[QUOTE=Know Nuttin]
The OCZ is a quieter unit than the Sparkle so if noise is a factor, go with the OCZ.QUOTE]

I guess that does it for me. OCZ it is! I'll take quiet over some extra amps on the 12V anyday.

thanks for the help guys! :p

With the OCZ you'll be getting the extra Amps too if you go with the 520 single rail. That unit is rated at 33a. Only 1 amp less than a PC P&C 510. For half the price of the PC P&C it's the best value out there IMO. It is very quiet, but don't let that quiet fool you...it also runs cool, and it's efficient.

Guys that OC these (like me) will tell you that you can OC a system to the max and this thing will only blow cool air out the back. I haven't seen a system yet, that would work one of these things and heat them up.

They really are great units, and the rails are solid as a rock at even extreme OC's.

When that unit shows up at your doorstep, you're gonna love it. When you get it installed, you're gonna love it even more.

I know mine has been great. I tested it, and the meter don't lie. The thing is as solid as they said it was before I bought it, and my OC went up also. It's a quality unit.

[DeepScience]

OCZ520 is a great choice.

off topic but with such a top system you should consider going dual core x2-3800 at least. That would be better than the raid

[aznkc730]

i have thought about going dual core, since you can do so much more with multi-tasking, etc. however, i am not made of money :bang head , although i wish i were! Im hoping i can get my venice to run at 2.8ghz with my koolance watercooling system. that way i'll technically have an fx-57 which is great enough for gaming.

however, if you're willing to cover the difference between an x2 and my venice, i'll be happy to go dual core :p

oh yeah, do any of you guys have links for deals on the OCZ powerstream? Newegg sells it for 139 with 20 mir= 119. can anyone tell me where i can get it for cheaper?