I did the paperclip and the PSU is DOA

. The old one is a Cougar 760 and I got 5 years out of it so I can't complain.
So is anyone have any advise on what PSU to buy or not buy? How about mail order in the states? Which companies are good and which ones to stay away from?
Dave
With any PSU Provider, you will find that they have DOA brand new out of box situations..........
Price Point and Affordability is going to determine who the best option is, but make sure you do the paperclip test of the PSU you do get prior to installing to limit other component issues.......
I would hate to have to read this happened........
Antec/EVGA/Corsair/Seasonic/Zalman are very reputable power supplies........
The advice in Overhead Excess Power is by far excellent advice and will also allow for additional power protection capabilities with surges and having to compensate for weak power distribution........
My advice is to look at Newegg and Amazon first.......... Tiger Direct third, but I find they are higher in price..........
To avoid mail order DOA issues, if you know where you will be in the states, search MicroCenter and if one is within a reasonable driving distance.....
You might pay a little more in this category cause they do make up for other sale prices to compensate for their bottom line profit and in hopes you'll buy all your parts thru them......
MicroCenter if you can be patient has a Technical Service Center on site at every store, and if you ask they will test the power supply right there for you, and then you can exchange if it is defective.....
In your case, a fantastic reason to choose MicroCenter.......... Maybe someone can suggest Fry's for this service, but I do not have any on the eastern side of the country.........