PSU what do you have?

WhichDawg · **on:** November 10, 2009, 04:59:27 PM

I've had my original (generic intel) PSU since I put together my system (8 yrs)
so I was wondering what you like and recommend?

I ask because we've had to repair it once already (one fan stopped) and it's still loud!
I think it caused my HD to freeze up when that happened.

not a gamer here (not anymore, much, ahhh often!) and I don't have lots of power hungry things in my system.
I need to have at least 400 w to run things good.

suggestions and recommendations? thx

WhichDawg · **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2009, 09:31:27 AM

okay I ordered an OCZ stealthstream 500w Power Supply

with rebate (hate them) it will be 25 bucks (free shipping, luv newegg)!

now I need a case fan!

I'm looking at Noctua (92mm) but the price

but the reviews are great and a 6 year warranty! wow

Whoey · **Reply #2 on:** November 11, 2009, 11:46:50 AM

sounds nice... I really want to rehome my current HP setup into my old case, but I lose the front audio ports and the cardreader (although my old case has a 3 1/2 bay usb card reader in it) the main reason to rehome is cooling... I have way more drives in it that it was meant to have, and a non stock power supply, plus the addon videocard... It gives off a lot of heat compared to stock... to do that I also have to rehome the wife's setup, which is now in my old tower... I suppose I could just buy a couple 1000gb+ drives to replace the 2x500gb and 2x250gb drives I have...

I typically buy whatever the cheapest (yet decent) power supply the local shop has that seems appropriate, and as long as the noise ratings are low, it's all good. I typically change power supply every three years, or at least swap out the fan for a new one. Ironically it's getting harder to find just a normal 300w PSU for those older machines that don't need 400+w PSUs, and I don't feel right spending 50+eur on a 420W for an old machine...

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:04:21 PM

You should have let me know- I had a few 300-350W power supplies that I tossed out before I moved. I would have sent you the lot of them!

I pretty well follow Micah's example of finding the most decent yet affordable PSU when I need one. I'm not really a brand freak when it comes to PSU's as I've had good ones and cheap ones and really never seen much of a difference between them.

Def

NutSAK · **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2009, 07:31:27 PM

I'm still running an old Enermax 300W. I'm pushing it harder much harder than it should be pushed, but it is completely stable, although quite warm. This is on a system w/a 20% overclock and it's been 100% stable since I built it.

I very much believe in buying a quality PSU, and after my experience with this Enermax, I would consider them one of my top 5.

Whoey · **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2009, 07:35:06 PM

I've had good brand names go bad in a short time, and lesser knowns last bleedin near forever

Crouton · **Reply #6 on:** November 11, 2009, 07:38:17 PM

I find that generally you get what you pay for for PSU's. Bargain basement power supplies tend to be less reliable. The midrange power suppply in terms of cost will give you good value for your money.

So if you have high power requirements then you should opt for a better quality, more expensive power supply.

That having been said I've had $12 mail order PSU's that lasted forever and high dollar ones that died early.

So the rule of thumb is to truly understand the power draw of the equipment you'll be powering, buy enough extra PSU wattage to anticipate upgrades and don't buy the bottom dollar supplies.

Black Rose · **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2009, 10:31:18 PM

I've sworn off Antec PSUs since one went up in flames on me a few years ago.

I'm currently using Seasonic PSUs in both our PCs.

Benner · **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2009, 12:12:04 AM

I generally just use the mains for mine.

DaveK · **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2009, 12:13:37 AM

Quote from: Benner on November 12, 2009, 12:12:04 AM

I generally just use the mains for mine.

Philistine.

Benner · **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2009, 12:15:00 AM

I bet tree hugger Mike uses solar power.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #11 on:** November 12, 2009, 12:24:42 AM

Naw, I'm sure he has a hand crank for his....

Wind it up and the Internet pops out!

Def

Whoey · **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2009, 12:28:42 AM

pretty sure it's bicycle powered...

with knee high black leather boots...

Chako · **Reply #13 on:** November 12, 2009, 12:54:19 AM

I never skimp on a power supply after having horrendous issues with some of those cheap come with the case units that maimed, crashed, and burned some good hardware in the mid to late 90s. I learned my lesson after 2 terrible incidents that toasted memory, a motherboard, and a few other components.

I swear by Seasonic also. I have an S12 650W in the downstairs computer. For the upstairs computer, I have a 1000w Cooler Master that was highly rated by many reviews when I bought it a year ago.
I also had an Antec PSU that flamed on me also. I won’t touch them ever again.

WhichDawg · **Reply #14 on:** November 12, 2009, 01:30:50 AM

thanks Grant but I needed at least 400w anyway

I agree I'm afraid to use cheapies but the first one I had was a cheapie and did last a long time,
then fried my HD but still!

what I'm trying to do with my hardware is get brands that offer longer warranties, so even
if it comes DOA or doesn't last I'm covered.

but everything still says, popular or not; "Made in China"!

WhichDawg · **Reply #15 on:** November 12, 2009, 01:34:26 AM

aint it perdy!
(even has a blue light in the switch!)

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #16 on:** November 12, 2009, 02:21:17 AM

I could go for a Blue Light right about now...

Def

WhichDawg · **Reply #17 on:** November 17, 2009, 03:33:06 AM

omg the new fan is in and it's so frickin quiet! now I hear the "cpu" fan only!
can't hear the case or PS

super-science!

Whoey · **Reply #18 on:** November 17, 2009, 04:28:04 PM

yeah the tech has gotten really good, altho I think moving to the bigger fan at lower RPM was a no brainer...

Whoey · **Reply #19 on:** November 19, 2009, 10:21:32 AM

speaking of PSUs I cleaned a really grimy one yesterday from friends who chainsmoke in front of the PC... it looked like this:

Chako · **Reply #20 on:** November 19, 2009, 12:13:50 PM

Now that is impressive.

I have seen worse at a local friend's Computer store.

Whoey · **Reply #21 on:** November 19, 2009, 12:33:40 PM

the machine ran hot before I cleaned it, and afterwards, I let it run a defrag on the harddisk for a few hours, and the case was barely warm to touch... I think it was actually a bit quieter too

Benner · **Reply #22 on:** November 19, 2009, 01:35:34 PM

Reminds me of when I used to service smokers TV's. The old ones looked like they had something growing in them.

Whoey · **Reply #23 on:** November 19, 2009, 02:56:27 PM

there were a few assorted furry critters floating about the case...

WhichDawg · **Reply #24 on:** November 19, 2009, 09:10:01 PM

I only smoke outside but I like to clean the inside of my case seasonally.
the dust bunnies really like it in there

NutSAK · **Reply #25 on:** November 25, 2009, 11:55:49 PM

Quote from: Whoey on November 19, 2009, 10:21:32 AM

speaking of PSUs I cleaned a really grimy one yesterday from friends who chainsmoke in front of the PC... it looked like this:

You actually ran that thing in your house? It'll smell like the inside of the case for days....

Whoey · **Reply #26 on:** November 26, 2009, 02:25:15 PM

Quote from: NutSAK on November 25, 2009, 11:55:49 PM

Quote from: Whoey on November 19, 2009, 10:21:32 AM
speaking of PSUs I cleaned a really grimy one yesterday from friends who chainsmoke in front of the PC... it looked like this:

You actually ran that thing in your house? It'll smell like the inside of the case for days....

Yes unfortunately, however this room has a big window, which I had open and aired the room properly for a bit...

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