Decent budget PSUs?

[Zap]

I was considering an idea of ripping apart a power supply to shoehorn it into a smaller space, but I'm a bit hesitant on tearing apart my $50 Fortron FSP400-60GLN, so I decided to look up some budget power supplies to see what was out there. I'll list some of what I found, please comment on quality/experiences. These are all 24 pin. Found these at Newegg and all have $7 shipping.

XION Simply 400W XON-400X $20
+3.3V@20A, +5V@38A, +12V@20A
Single 80mm fan. Ignore Newegg reviews because noobs weren't aware the 24 pin plug can be pulled apart for 20 pin. $20 for 20A on +12v seems nice.

DYNAPOWER EP-50X.C563-BX 500W $21
+3.3@30A,+5V@38A,+12@28A
1x80mm, 1x92mm fans both using fingerguards. Is this for real? 28A of +12v power for $21?

Fortron ATX300-PA $23
+3.3V@20A, +5V@20A, +12V1@16A, +12V2@16A
Single 80mm fan. Fortron always gives value and here's a budget dual rail with plenty of amperage. Now, this is the "ATX" line and not the "FSP" line, FWIW. I've heard that these aren't as good as the models starting with "FSP." Fortron's site says the "normal load" is ½ of "maximum load" and of course the label only lists maximum. Makes me wonder about the other power supplies.

KINGWIN Alpha Power AP-350 350W $24
+3.3V@14A, +5V@30A, +12V@15A
120mm fan. Only a "measly" 15A on +12v, but I included this because it seems interesting for the price. You get a pimped out PSU with a 120mm fan that looks like it has LEDs, plus glossy finish and all cables are sleeved. Now, here's the strange part... though light on the wattage/amperage ratings, this PSU has a total of NINE molex connectors, plus two SATA. The manufacturer must be pretty sure of the PSU to give it the possibility to connect to so many devices.

Anyone have any thoughts on these budget units? Are you positive that one of these is utter crap? Positive that one of these is "made in same factory as X brand?"

 

[Zepper]

Why tear apart a PSU to fit into a smaller space? There are multiple form factors of PSUs available, one of which should suit. There is SFX (often called microATX) with either short or long side out, PS/3 (a very shallow ATX), TFX (like the PS/3 but with the small side facing out, 1u, 2u etc. etc. I'd guess the Fortron would be safe based on their consistent rep, I've heard that the Kingwins aren't so hot. It would be nice to know who actually makes (OEMs) those new-name PSUs - as you can often get a feel for reliability with that bit of info, but I'm not interested enough to do the research myself.

.bh.

 

[Zap]

Why tear one apart? Because I can? :laugh: Dunno, the case I have is a mATX (often listed as SFX PSU). I just thought it would be cool to have a clear side on the case showing a bare PSU, plus a bit more juice for less $$$ than those $50 Enermax SFX.

I'm kind of tempted to try out one of these because I've had good luck with another relatively unknown brand, TTGI, with their 14cm fan PSUs that have high amperage. Dunno if they actually put out the power but they have a nice heft to them and have yet to fail. I know, very scientific.

T'is a shame that you've heard the Kingwins aren't as good. It definately looks pretty sharp and with a 120mm fan I'd be tempted to use it in a normal system if I needed another PSU.

 

[Zepper]

There is a 300 or more watt, rebadged Fortron SFX that is used in some AOpen cases. Not bad and probably less $s than that Enermax unit. IAC, most ATX PCBs are nearly the full width of the ATX case, while the depth is often a bit shorter than its case to allow for a fan at the rear - not a lot of space savings to be had.

.bh.

 

[Zap]

You mean this one?

Bah, that takes the fun out of pulling things apart and risking electrocution. Well, I'll see if my existing Enermax SFX270 with 20 pin can power my future 24 pin board fine. If not, then I'll consider this Fortron or I'll buy a cheap one to tear apart (if it turns out decent).

 

[JEDIYoda]

Zap and Zepper I have to say i agree with both of you to certain extents!

Let me say I have noticed a trend in the last 2 years or so thast is disturbing to say the least when it comes to products that are being reviewed by these supposed sites that review products.
Thankful to say Anandtech.com does not fit into what I am about to say!!Several other s also come to mind such as SPCR..etc

It seems as if sites are afraid to be honest about products that they review.
They are afraid to outright say such and such a product is a piece of junk do not buy!

Why because to do that would mean a certain death as far as companies sending you there products to be reviewed.
Thus my contention that hardly any reviews are totally unbiased and 100% truthful!!

I have also heard and read on other sitesd that the Kingwin product leaves alot to be disired.
Yet when I do a search and read the reviews most if NOT all the reviews are clowingly positive....why?
Do I believe personnal testimonials from other forums or do I believe somebody who is reviewing the product?

Just my usual blabbering......

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Zap
DYNAPOWER EP-50X.C563-BX 500W $21

KINGWIN Alpha Power AP-350 350W $24

Power supply recommendations FOR AND AGAINST

The Dynapower and Kingwin were recommended AGAINST. Scratch those off the list then.

Fortron was recommended FOR (just about everyone recommends FOR them).

Xion... nobody knows about.

So far Fortron is teh winnar!