Are PSU's bundled with cases reliable?

[riva2model64]

Hi all, I'm trying to build an affordable modern system for a friend who does not have very much money (he is still using a computer with a Pentium IV). I'm not looking for anything fancy, just something that works.

I'm looking at a Pixxo Case that comes with 450w power supply. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811325011 , able to snag for $30.

Does anyone know if these power supplies are reliable? Many thanks.

This system will be running an Intel Core 2 Quad and integrated graphics.

 

[Eureka]

Reliable? It could be. But if you're not loading it down and you want to take a chance, go ahead. Generally it'll either be dead out of the box or it'll run. I have an Apevia 420W powersupply going on 7 years now.

The problem is that you're looking at a mATX case, which limits your PSU choice. If you had a standard case, CX430 will run $20-30 after rebates.

If you're just looking for a cheap case/power supply combo, there are cases that go for $20-30, and add the CX430 for another $20-30.

There's also this one right now: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811322059

At least with that one, if the PSU dies you can replace it with a standard form factor PSU.

 

[riva2model64]

My goal is to build a fully functional Core 2 System for less than $150, and the $30 case/psu bundle really frees up the budget.

You're right though, if the PSU goes out in the mATX case, its going to be a real hassle.

I would really feel much more comfortable getting a $20 case and a budget name brand PSU, but it also really hikes the price (CX430 is currently $36 after rebate I believe).

Luckily, I live near a microcenter and they have some pretty cheap psus. If they can throw in a 3 year warranty, I think I might go that route.

Thanks a lot for the information, and the link. Sounds like you struck gold with that Apevia.

 

[TemjinGold]

With psus bundled with cases in that price range, there are a few issues to watch for:

1) You will pay more for electricity because efficiency is much lower.
2) You should count on getting about half the rated power and no more.
3) Depending on how you load it up, it has more potential to bluescreen.
4) It might die or it might be fine for years, however, when it DOES die, the chance of it killing the rest of your system is much higher.

 

[tweakboy]

My PSU cost me like 170 dollars in 2007. Now in 2013 you wanna buy a cheapo 30 dollar PSU ? I guarantee the thing will blow up within first couple months, then you have to RMA etc etc. Grab a 70 dollar Antec or Corshair 400w or 450w. gl

 

[owensdj]

One of the things in a computer you don't want to skimp on is PSU quality.

 

[Zorba]

I have built a lot of computers going back to 1997 and have almost always used bundled PSUs. I've had 2 PSUs die in computers I've built 1 was a bundled PSU and the other was one I bought separate. I generally read the reviews for the case and if a lot of people complain about the PSU, I move on.

The most recent PSU that died on me was in my HTPC. It died after 2.5 years of running 24/7 shoved into an entertainment center with awful airflow. Even though it was mATX case, finding a replacement PSU was quite easy.

If you are trying to build a top of the line system, go with a nice PSU, if you a building budget computer, especially with integrated graphics, a bundled PSU on a decent case should be fine.

 

[Eureka]

I have built a lot of computers going back to 1997 and have almost always used bundled PSUs. I've had 2 PSUs die in computers I've built 1 was a bundled PSU and the other was one I bought separate. I generally read the reviews for the case and if a lot of people complain about the PSU, I move on.

The most recent PSU that died on me was in my HTPC. It died after 2.5 years of running 24/7 shoved into an entertainment center with awful airflow. Even though it was mATX case, finding a replacement PSU was quite easy.

If you are trying to build a top of the line system, go with a nice PSU, if you a building budget computer, especially with integrated graphics, a bundled PSU on a decent case should be fine.

Good advice.

Thing is, for just a CPU and some integrated graphics, the power draw is going to be something along the lines of 100-200W, at most. That's less than half of the "rating" on these power supplies. It will be a lot safer than putting a full high-end GPU on there and lodaing it to the limit.

 

[TemjinGold]

Good advice.

Thing is, for just a CPU and some integrated graphics, the power draw is going to be something along the lines of 100-200W, at most. That's less than half of the "rating" on these power supplies. It will be a lot safer than putting a full high-end GPU on there and lodaing it to the limit.

Indeed. I should clarify that my post above was not meant to sway the OP in either direction. I just felt he should know those things before making the decision.

 

[flexy]

I would only do it if you are really strapped for money, build a VERY low end system with integrated GPU etc., don't overclock (of course!) and so on. Then, it could work.

In any other case, PSU would be worst component to "save" money because anything else depends on it. Once a PSU blows, chances are it takes other stuff out as well. SOME of those "off-the-line" PSUs are just awful

 

[bigrash]

I normally don't use the psu included with the case. End up buying a better psu.

 

[Lonyo]

Depends on the case.
Something like an Antec case with included Antec PSU, you will be getting the same PSU as if you bought that PSU separately. Assuming it is powerful enough, it will be good quality.

Cheapo non branded case with integrated PSU? No thanks.

 

[riva2model64]

Thanks everyone for the responses. There is a lot of useful information here. . Now I have to make a decision.

I think I'll wait for a name brand PSU to become available at a really low price point ($30 or lower, it's been known to happen).

If that doesn't happen in the near future, I'll just pick up a bundled case/psu that has decent online reviews.

I'm only throwing in a 50w, or 65w TDP CPU in, and no other power-hungry components, so relying on a no-name PSU shouldn't be too much a stretch, knock on wood (what does TDP even mean, I know that TDP and max load are different numbers).

Best deal I ever got was probably a PCP&C 750w for $40.

Once, again, thanks everyone for your advice.