Dying Antec - after only four months of use

[AnitaPeterson]

Hi there,

I turned off my computer yesterday, and when I powered it again, there was this horrible high-pitched noise coming from the power supply, almost ultrasonic in frequency...

A quick Google search revealed that the PSU (Antec TruPower 2.0, 350 W) is probably dying on me... bummer! I've only used it for about four months, although it was bought much earlier than that, probably just before last Christmas.

For emergency purposes, I replaced it with a Taotec 480 W, which I had as a spare. but, man, that PSU is LOUD!!!

The computer is used as a HTPC, and quiet is a must.

I need 6 regular power connectors for 3 optical units and 3 HDDs (IDE, not SATA), as well as one small 4-pin connector for the video card.

My best choice, here in Ottawa, seems to be Seasonic 380HB-F3SLR - CAD$70
(as per http://forums.anandtech.com/me...d=84&threadid=2085641)

Is there a better choice in terms of cost, noise and life expectancy?

 

[MarcVenice]

If you want quiet and reliable, seasonic is a good choice. ENP-5140GH seems like a fairly good choice as well.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/ good site for silent components, including PSU's.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Thank you! it seems that the Enhance ENP-5140GH is more expensive - and only one store seems to carry it in Canada, so I guess I'll go with the Seasonic...

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

RMA the Antec, they will prolly send you a better Antec unit, then keep it for a spare or sell it.

The CWT built SP & TP units are filled with cheap caps. When they go way out of spec strange things happen, like high pitched whines or system instability.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

I'm not sure that I still have the receipt for the Antec... that's what sucks... I still have the box, so I'll look inside...

 

[John]

You no longer need a receipt to RMA Antec psu's. However the RMA process will take 2-3 weeks (including round trip shipping) so if you can wait chances are you'll get a Trio (built by Seasonic but uses lower end caps on the secondary side) in return. If not the Seasonic 380 will be a solid choice as long as your video card isn't a power hog. Since it's a HTPC I'm sure you're power consumption is low.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Oh, really? Excellent! Like I said, I still have the original box, so I can definitely use the information...

 

[GeezerMan]

Yep, I did a RMA on a Truepower 2.0 and got a Trio in return. No receipt needed. the first four digits of the serial number is the date made. The truepower 2.0 is no longer made

 

[WobbleWobble]

Your RMA with Antec should be painless, but if you do need a new PSU check out this Antec Earthwatts. For $30 after rebate, it's a great deal. Keep in mind that Seasonic now makes the newer Antecs, including this Earthwatts model.

 

[murphy55d]

My antec (3+ yrs old) is on its way out too, I believe. I was reading about them leaking some kind of substance i cant spell, causing reboots and freezes, which mine is doing. I just ordered an Earthwatts 430W supply. hopefully that takes care of my issue.