Choosing a power supply?

[ScatterPlot]

I'm looking for a little info on some computer power supplies. I'm starting building a computer and need some help on this one. More threads will probably come. Anywho I had a friend that was helping me kinda get started, and he mentioned something about the power supply. I'm not wanting to just throw something in there, nor do I need a zillion watt generator in the computer, so I need some help picking out something that would be OK- I can pick it out on my own, but my friend mentioned something I was needing some clarification on. He said that the lower quality ones, if they failed, would take down the rest of the computer with it, and that some of them would contain the failure to itself. What I was wondering was how can you tell? I'd rather not just have you pick out a specific unit- I need to find deals, free shipping, cases they come with, etc. so if I could just know what kind of specs to look for that would be great. Thanks a lot!

[kosmo]

Meh, what a power supply takes out with it is a grab bag, no matter how good it is. What you can control though is their likelyhood to fail. The difference between the cheap power supplies and the good ones are the temperature their rated at. Good power supplies, like enermax, pcp&c, nicer antecs and so forth are rated at realistic temperatures, and cheap ones arent. The cheap ones can put out a maximim of say 500 watts for a short period of time while its -30 degrees out, and the good ones can put out 500 watts constantly when its a 100 degrees out, and both will have a 500 watt sticker on it. I would recommend something in the 450-500 watt range, that should last you a while without adding in extra video cards and crap tons of hard drives. Enermax noisetaker is a good series too.

[xmetal2001]

Don't skimp on the power supply...it's tempting I know, but you will regret it.

Basically, go with a respected brand(even if it is lower wattage) over a el-cheapo brand.

[wad04]

and make sure you buy one that isn't too loud, because once you buy it.... you're stuck with the noise.

[FooTemps]

Well, the right power supply depends on the system.

But to go with everyone else, get a quality power supply. You'll be much more happy with the performance and longevity of your computer.

On average, I suggest a 500watt system... This is if you're using one graphics card and a normal amount of cooling. Since you said you aren't building anything special you don't need an extra 400watts to power dual video cards, watercooling, and a peltier. Brands to trust are enermax, pc power & cooling, antec, seasonic, and OCZ is starting to build a good rep too.

[beam]

Am I right in saying that it's not just the WATTS but also look at the AMPS on the 12v bus?

Cheaper ones will have like 16-18amps on 12v, but better ones have 24 or more.

I've got the Ultra Xconnect 500w...output is as follows:

+5v +12v +3.3v -5v -12v +5VSB
30A 34A 28A 0.3A 0.8A 2A


This power supply has modular cables so you only plug in what you need. Keeps the interior clean for good airflow.

At least that's been my experience.

[ScatterPlot]

So... what would you say to something like this?

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=140036

And would really just Any old Antec (like the one above) or any of the brands mentioned work?

What kind of $$$ should I look for? Sometimes you can sorta expect to get the same no matter what you get as long as it's X dollars- dunno if this applies to PS's or not?

I'd like to get a case/PS combo, but I don't want to spend money on a fancy case. I'd rather use a piece of plywood or something than a sci-fi channel case.

Edit- Perhaps this one?

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=270318

[Dharma punk]

Read this thread. That should answer most of your questions. I am not the author of that thread, but I agree with him wholeheartedly.

[kosmo]

The enermax you posted is a good one, and thats a good deal too. And Beam, generally the better power supplies will have dual 12v rails. The X connect power supplies are ok at best, really theyre just rebranded cheap stuff that are so popular because they came out with the modular idea and at a good price.

[WickeDKlowN]

I tend to like Antec and Enermax power supplies. Other good choiuces for cheap ones are XClio, Fortron, Sparkle, and some others that I can't think of at the moment.

The thread Dharma punk posted has a pretty good list, I suggest going over that before you decide on anything.

[RapidTransit]

PC Power and Cooling Hands down the best, I can't wait till I get enough money to buy the 1Kw as right now 600watts aint cuttin it and I still have another 7 drives to install

[Timmee]

I've got a Fortron 530W power supply in my system, and my roommate has an Antec Neopower 480w power supply in his. They've been running for well over a year without problems (almost always on), and I'd recommend either brand without reservation.

[Mango]

The only way to fly. Never skimp on your PSU.





Amazing build quality. Worth every penny. This is cheaper to run per year than my 600watt Enermax was.

[Timmee]

The only way to fly. Never skimp on your PSU.





Amazing build quality. Worth every penny. This is cheaper to run per year than my 600watt Enermax was.

How much did that set you back, and how much bigger is it than a normal PSU?



/me wishes his system had a PC P&C power supply.

[Mango]

It was $500, it's rated to put out around 1,100 continuous watts at peak. It came with a 6 page printout from a Chroma 8000 machine, giving me full statitics on how it performed as well as explainations. It's rated to function at temperature ranges that would bring any other PSU to their knees...and to do it with 98% efficiency.


Worth every penny.

Basically, for this PSU to function at the efficiency ratings of other $200 PSU's my room would have to be over 100*F for several hours.