suggestion?

[arameth]

So, I've caught the "bug" after building a new system for a friend after being away from the PC scene for a few years. I'm spec'ing out a new system for myself to replace my old machine.

On the subject of PSU, I'm getting caught up to speed (fantastic info in this forum) quickly. I'm building a new Q9450 based system...will have single 750gb 7200rpm drive, 4GB RAM, single optical drive, 8800GTS video. I don't plan on OC, but will be buying the right stuff that will allow me that option later on. I'll be going ATX, probably a full tower case that has a window to see all the neato stuff inside.

SO, the PSU that recently caught my eye was this:

Xion Supernova 800W at Newegg

I thought that the price was OK, but what I really like was:

1. 800W...plenty of power so I have room to grow.

2. Tons of connectors (or so I thought).

3. Modular connectors...can't tell you how cool I think the illumnated connectors are.

4. LED Fan...gotta love the glowie effects.

But I found some negative forum posts about this company and this review:

HardwareCanucks review of Xion SuperNova 600W PSU

This review is about 8 months old, and granted it's not the exact same unit, but I'm really gunshy about buying a cheapo PSU. So, I've tried to find a quality PSU from a reputable company (corsair, etc) that has modular connectors AND the cool illuminated connector feature, but I'm striking out. Anyone know of anything like this?

I realize this may not be possible, and if so, I will side for quality over the glowie/bling factor.

Thanks!

 

[HOOfan 1]

If you absolutely must have the glowing connectors I think this line would be of much better quality. The primary caps are kind of unkowns, but at least they aren't known to suck like the Fuhjyyu brand that are in the Xion

ABS Tagan BZ Series

 

[arameth]

Wow...this one is nice, and got good reviews too.

But the prices seem steep. I may watch for a while and see if a special deal on these comes around.

Thanks!

 

[jonnyGURU]

Yeah... the price is steep.

Bling aint free.

That's why if you see a PSU with a lot of bling at a "reasonable" price, it's probably not that good of a unit to begin with.

 

[arameth]

Yup, I've decided to go with the ABS Tagan BZ Series BZ800.

Found it via Pricegrabber at ChiefPick.com for $182.99, and drops to 157.99 after $25 MIR (valid 3/1 to 5/1). Link to site:

http://www.chiefpick.com/Produ...p?ProductCode=PS-BZ800

Seems to be a fairly good deal for this unit, considering it has modular cables and the "glowie" factor as well. Vendor seems to have a few mostly positive ratings on resellerratings.com.

Is this worth posting in the "hot deals" section? don't know if anyone else would find this interesting or not....

Thanks

 

[arameth]

ARGH!

Had a friend who had a bad experience with this same PSU, so I'm not too sure. I know one experience does not accurately represent a product. But just in case...if price was not a limiting factor, are there any "superior" brand PSU's (Corsair, etc) that have modular connectors and the lit connector feature, like Tagan or Xion?

Why is it that the brands that deliver high quality do not really market on the "looks" side of things? Or is that an inaccurate observation? Does adding visual effects and modular connections mean sacrificing high quality?

Thanks!