Does this work as temporary PSU? And what should I replace it with?

[carancho]

Hello. I just bought new parts - specifically an Intel i3 3220, a Zotac 650 Ti 1Gb card and the rest of the stuff that goes with it.

I currently own a Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500W, which as user meeshu pointed out by linking to this review, isn't a very good PSU. I've used it for about 3 and a half years.

I'm not sure I can get a better PSU right now - imports are restricted here and offer is limited. Will using my old PSU for a few weeks damage the new components? Is it risky?

The available options for a different PSU are listed below, and all cost about USD 100:

SAIKANO MASS650X SMX650W, which I can't find on the internet
SENTEY BRP600, which I also can't find on the internet
Thermaltake TR2. There are three models listed: W0388ru, W0404 OEM and 600nl2nc. Don't know what the differences are. I've read ill reviews about the "thermaltake tr2", but "tr2" seems to be a very broad brand name rather than a model moniker.​

Is any of these options any good?

Thanks!

 

[lehtv]

No, it won't damage anything. It's alright as long as you think of it as a 400W unit instead of a 500W unit. Your system consumes around 150 watts when gaming.

None of options you listed are significantly better, in fact the first two are probably worse. Unless you can upgrade to a Corsair CX series, Antec Neo Eco/ Earthwatts/ HCG series or Seasonic anything (to name a few) for a reasonable price, don't bother.

 

[carancho]

Well, in that case I shouldn't even need a new PSU, right? A 400w PSU for a 150w system has enough spare room/power/noise???/whatever for the need?

I won't install anything else besides a single hdd (no optical drive).

Of all the options you said, only the Cooler Master CX is available, and I've looked everywhere. (Actually there's a single listing for an Antec earth 750w but it costs 67% of what I paid for the rest of the components!)

 

[Eureka]

Well, in that case I shouldn't even need a new PSU, right? A 400w PSU for a 150w system has enough spare room/power/noise???/whatever for the need?

I won't install anything else besides a single hdd (no optical drive).

Of all the options you said, only the Cooler Master CX is available, and I've looked everywhere. (Actually there's a single listing for an Antec earth 750w but it costs 67% of what I paid for the rest of the components!)

You should be fine. I think there's more paranoia over power supplies than there should be. As long as you're not trying to crossfire on that thing, it should be good.

 

[_Rick_]

I think there's more paranoia over power supplies than there should be.

Yes and no. Regarding required rating, yes. Regarding presence and functionality of protective functionalities (OVP, OCP, OTP, etc), I wouldn't want to take a gamble to pick a PSU that doesn't do this.

For the OP's system I'd recommend a BeQuiet SystemPower 7 300W, if that's available, or an Enermax Triathlor or ErPro80+, or the FSP350-60EGN.

 

[lehtv]

Well, in that case I shouldn't even need a new PSU, right?

Yes, you don't need a new unit. But upgrading isn't a bad idea either - your current unit should be out of warranty by now, eXtreme Powers are only around 80% efficient at best, while Corsair (not cooler master!) CX series are 85% or so, and better quality.