Buying Guide - The Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Power Supply Units (PSU)One thing to consider is that no matter which case you choose, you will need a power supply unit (PSU). Some cases come with a PSU, and others do not. Those that come with the computer are generally fine for every-day tasks, but if you are building a high-end machine, consider upgrading to a more-reliable, higher-wattage PSU. When choosing a PSU, first consider the maximum wattage output that you will need. Every-day computers need only 300-400w, while computers built for intensive speed and graphics will need upwards of 600w. Check out this chart that will tell you a bit more about your expected power consumption based on what components you install. A rule of thumb is that it's best to overestimate how much power you need, and consume no more than 70% of your PSU's peak wattage. The newer bus technology called PCI-Express (PCI-E) requires a 24-pin connector to the motherboard instead of the older 20-pin connector. If your motherboard has PCI-E, it will need a PSU that will both connect to it and power it sufficiently. Almost any leading 500w PSU will be sufficient. In the case of XPC's and most micro-towers, they typically come with their own PSU that is customized to fit the limited space requirement, so you won't even have to worry about it. I tend to stick with Antec Power Supplies since they're the leader in quality and reliability. I wouldn't be afraid to run a nice computer with another name-brand such as Thermaltake or OCZ either.
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