Antec TruePower II 430W or Fortron BlueStorm 500W (really 460W)?

JJK80

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Oct 26, 2004
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Hello!

I'm going to build new computer, but I have not decided the power supply yet.


Should I choose:
Antec TruePower II 430W or Fortron BlueStorm 500W (really 460W) ?

The price is almost exactly same.

Which one of those two is more reliable and has better longevity?
(that is most important thing)

Which one is more quiet, under stress?

Antec apparently uses ball-bearing fan, Forton uses sleeve-bearing fan.
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
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How about the XClio 450 made by Channel Well (same as most Antec)? Newegg just got some more in - may be the last. Best value I've seen in a while at under $60. shipped...

.bh.
 

JJK80

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Oct 26, 2004
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Originally posted by: Zepper
How about the XClio 450 made by Channel Well (same as most Antec)? Newegg just got some more in - may be the last. Best value I've seen in a while at under $60. shipped...

.bh.
I live in Finland, the Channel Well PSU's are not available here.


Channel Well makes Antec PSU's? Also TruePower II?

 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
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Yes CW also makes some Enermax PSUs and major assemblies of many the PC Power & Cooling units. You hardly ever find CW PSUs under their own name as they are mostly OEM. You can often tell by the model no. on the PSU - it will start with CWT but not always (Antec, for example, uses their own model numbering scheme - and I've seen some other cheap makers using CWT in their model numbers to deceive the unwary. If the PSU has the RU (UL) symbol with the file number (looks like this: E123456), you can look the file number up at http://www.ul.com under Certifications to find out the actual mfr. (doesn't always work like with big timers like Antec and PCP&C that file their own).

.bh.
 

JJK80

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Oct 26, 2004
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Why that Antec PSU is a lot more expensive than XClio, if Channel Well really manufactures both?

Are there any difference between them?

Do Channell Well manufacture Antec through better assembly line than XClio?
Do Antec have better quality (more expensive) components?

Are there any noise difference? Do they use same ball-bearing fan?


XCLIO XClio 450BL 450W Power Supply - Retail at Newegg.com
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189003
$52.50

Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-430 430W Power Supply - Retail
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103928
$89.00


Do Fortron manufacture their PSU's in the house?
 

PC911mickster

Senior member
Apr 11, 2001
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While the basic layout and design are all but identical, many of the individual components are spec'ed by the designers/engineers at the company whose brand name goes on the unit...like Antec.
The warranty is another very important issue. Tell me what the knockoff's warranty is...I don't care. Antec's customer service has been absolutely perfect. Their psu's have never once failed me...and I've bought them for many, many systems for myself and friends. I'd rather spend a few $$$'s more for a brand with a track record. No XClio's for me or my friends. Costs are cut by using cheaper, lower quality capacitors and other critical components. They look the same, but they're not, they're knockoffs.

Fortron and/or Seasonic are brands I'd buy in a heartbeat...at least the newer models. Their efficiency and performance are absolutely stellar. Those easy grip plugs are sweet too.
PSU's are one of the most critical components in your system. I've bought cheapass units and always regretted it...that includes a CWT. It sucked outa the box.
 

JJK80

Member
Oct 26, 2004
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PC911mickster,

Thanks.


Which one you would choose:
Antec TruePower II 430W or Fortron BlueStorm 500W (really 460W)?
 

gaidensensei

Banned
May 31, 2003
2,851
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There is a review on the TPII, I found it earlier today:

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=171&num=1

I personally ordered and am waiting for a TP-II 430W to arrive myself, it look more than enough (34A on dual rails at 12v max).

Though I am no way an expert in PS's, a lot of people swear/recommend by antec.

My own personal system to be used in it:

A64 3000+ S754
Asus K8VSE DX
9800pro for now (6600GT just caught on fire yesterday)
1GB Kingston PC3200
2 HD's (Samsung 160gb, MDT 100gb)
floppy
2x Sony CD combo
Vantec fan controller with 4 fans

If you want to get it the TP-II for cheaper, try 3gplaza computer. I try to order my stuff from other states if possible, because newegg taxes me in CA, making me lose the savings I can get from other places.
 

tallman45

Golden Member
May 27, 2003
1,463
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Get the BlueStorm it is much more enery efficient. Saves you money in the long run. Both are reliable PSU's
 

JJK80

Member
Oct 26, 2004
97
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Which one is better Antec TruePower II 430W or Fortron BlueStorm 500W (really 460W)?
 

JJK80

Member
Oct 26, 2004
97
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0
Originally posted by: tallman45
Get the BlueStorm it is much more energy efficient. Saves you money in the long run. Both are reliable PSU's

Yes, BlueStorm's effiency would be great!

But BlueStorm's noise worries me.


Fortron-Source Power Blue Storm AX500-A PSU - SilentPCReview.com
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article212-page1.html

"There was no need to make recordings at higher power levels; it's simply too loud."
 

JJK80

Member
Oct 26, 2004
97
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Originally posted by: JJK80
Hello!

I'm going to build new computer, but I have not decided the power supply yet.


Should I choose:
Antec TruePower II 430W or Fortron BlueStorm 500W (really 460W) ?

The price is almost exactly same.

Which one of those two is more reliable and has better longevity?
(that is the most important thing)

Which one is more quiet, under stress?

Antec apparently uses ball-bearing fan, Forton uses sleeve-bearing fan.

Opinions, please!
 

wisdomtooth

Golden Member
Dec 21, 2004
1,155
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Originally posted by: JJK80
Yes, BlueStorm's effiency would be great!

But BlueStorm's noise worries me.


Fortron-Source Power Blue Storm AX500-A PSU - SilentPCReview.com
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article212-page1.html

"There was no need to make recordings at higher power levels; it's simply too loud."

Why not just get a Seasonic? Even more efficient than the Blue Storm, plus it's THE quietest fan-cooled PSU you can buy.

An S12-430 can be had for under $85.