Ok i want to get a new psu for my build coming up but i need it to be a flat top because i want to paint/ etch something on the psu if its safe to do that, but i i dont know how strong the psu has to be i wa thinking 500 watts was going to be plenty. Not to sure though i was looking at the smartpower 2.0 500w but if i can mount the psu upside down with out messing it up in the long run i would like to pick up a Truepower 2 550w any thoughts on what i should do. not to sure what i am going to have in it i am aiming for a core duo 2 (conroe real name i think) a sound card, micosoft xp home edt, few fans, fan switches, a cpu fan,a dvd drive and a cd drive, and 2 gb of ram, and my bfg 7900 gt oc. i also plan to oc if that has and effect on the watts used.

Overclocking does affect the power consumption of your system, but with a 550W you would have plenty to spare.
The Antec is a good PSU, if you want other options check my post here with detailed pricing and recommendations.

In that very post you'll find my recommendations as well... Just remember... in a modern PSU there is
"more to the eye" than just "raw power" on single lines...

From what you've told us you're going for a future Intel processor/mainboard which will probably
consume less power than the current fastest Intel processor/mainboard 'champion... completely
new architecture on a smaller scale.... 'kudos to Intel for that...

Plus a single 7900GT....

Sounds to me 550W is more than enough... I'll bet a 480W Seasonic would handle the load, with ease!!!

TDR