Ok, in choosing a power supply, I have a few questions to be answered first. How does the install of a PSU with Multiple +12v rails differ from that of a single rail PSU?
No difference in install. You unhook the old power supply connections and hook up the new ones.
1. With the list of components I have, what PSU would you recommend, or what wattage.
I
would recommend that you take a look at one of the following:
Antec Trio 650
Corsair 620
OCZ 700
Thermaltake Toughpower Series 650 or 750
PC Power & Cooling 610 or 750
Note: These supplies will meet your current needs and permit you some room to expand in the near future. All are top quality supplies.
I have read the entire sticky on PSU's thoroughly and still have trouble calculating all the voltages from different CPU components (dvd, fans, leds, fans WITH leds, etc.) I got a rough estimate from that freeware website (don't remember the url) that shot out a number around 460w. If I plan on maybe going with an SLI setup in the future, how would that affect it?
If you set something up in SLI, it will take more power. If you plan on going up to something like the 8800GTS in SLI mode, then you need to look at buying at least the 750 watt brand name power supply from the list I have given you above.
2. Also, how can you install a fan into the side of a plastic acrylic case? I don't have any mounting points for a fan on either side.
I would not do that unless absolutely necessary, then if it is (which I doubt), you would have to drill holes someplace and cut a hole. (ouch)
3. When I install the two fans in the front portion of the case, where will I plug them in? On the motherboard, or into one of the PSU "outlets" (I'm not even sure which one of the PSU plugs would be appropriate.
)
Pardon the Pun, I am not a "fan" of plugging front fans into anything except the power supply. YOu can plug them in to the other outlets for fan control, but I prefer (remember, my preference), I like to get the three speed Antec fans and see what speed is necessary to run them and keep things cool. Then, I just leave them like that.
For example, I have two 120mm fans in my present two personal cases. (one front, one rear) I have found I can run them at the slowest speed and it stays cool without a problem. And, that also makes it quiet and no changing speeds noise.
. I noticed that some of the fans I ALREADY have installed are not reflected in my SensorView Test. Should I go in, and plug them in somewhere else? Like I said, I bought this computer, not built it, so I am unsure on alot of these things, but am definitely trying to learn.
If they are plugged in to the motherboard, they normally are reflected in these types programs. I would leave them where they are and not worry about them if it were me. Just make sure they are running.
I see what you're saying about too many fans creating a turbulance, so please ignore the [installing a] side-fan question, and I'll wait on putting on the RAM fan.
I don't use ram fans, but again, that is a personal choice. Put the front fan in and don't do anything else until you see what happens. Again, your temps are pretty normal anyhow, so I think you are worrying too much at this point in the game. Relax and see what happens.
Do you think the upgrade to a 140 fan in rear, and the PSU with a 140fan facing down into the case is a good idea? Or should I try and find a PSU that just pulls in hot air from the case, and exhausts it to the
rear?
A 140 fan pulls (or pushes) a lot of air and they are quiet in comparision to smaller fans most of the time. I use the 120mm fans where I can do that. If you buy one of the PSU's that I have listed, then any power supply cooling will take care of iteself.
Again, relax and see what happens when you get a decent power supply and a front fan running. I think you will be surprised when you get those two simple things done.
Thanks again,
Oliver