SATA Cables?

I am planning on building a new computer, and was looking at power supplies. Most of the reviews complained that it only had one SATA cable. How do I know if I need more than one? Thanks

 

How many SATA devices do you plan to have in your PC?

You will need 1 SATA power connector for each device.

If your power supply doens't have enough connectors you will need to get adapters from 4-pin to SATA.

 

Okay, thanks. I just checked on Google images to see what SATA cable look like, and mine are not SATA, they are IDE. Thanks for the help.

 

the lastest power supplies come with more than one sata power. some don't even have ide power anymore because that is the way things are heading.

 

If it only has one S-ATA power connector, it's probably a cheap crappy PSU, and albeit not for that reason, cheap PSUs are ALWAYS BAD.
If you need a cheap power supply, buy this one, not anything else:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005

 

Thanks again sammorris. You have helped me a lot. What about cases? Are cheap cases not worth it? You recommended a NZXT Alpha and that was too much for me.

 

The Antec Three Hundred is the cheapest half-decent case (becomes fully decent when you buy extra fans for it), and that's $50. If you need something cheaper than that buy a Coolermaster Elite 330. That's $35, but only comes with one fan, and you ought really to have two.

 

Then I guess I will go with the Antec Three Hundred. Will my system still survive with its two included fans?

 

Yes, it'll be fine.

 

If I buy a OEM power supply, could I just take the old power cables from my Dell Dimension 2400? Is there anything else I would need?

 

That idea makes zero sense. First, power supply cables in the majority of cases aren't detachable, and secondly, the only OEM PSUs I know of are bad PSUs. Lethal PSUs, even.
Buy the Antec Earthwatts 380W. It has all the cables you need. Forget the Dell, forget every part of it.

 

Okay. I did not know that. Is this power supply good? It's an OEM, but its still made by Antec.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371019

 

No, not really. It costs more than the one I suggested, why did you consider it? 380W is ample for your system.

 

I considered it because it is 500W for only $5 more. Is it worth it, or should I still go with the 380W? Is it any better?

 

The 380W is a Seasonic unit, it is effectively more powerful than the 500W unit you posted, despite what the numbers suggest. Stick with the 380W unit.

 

You gave me a link to a Antec unit, not a Seasonic unit.

 

I know I did, it's an Antec Earthwatts, but it's a Seasonic under the cover, but cheaper

 

Thanks for all your help.