Enermax Liberty 500 just died - Now what?

mazeroth

Golden Member
Jan 31, 2006
1,821
2
81
I purchased an Enermax Liberty 500w in 02/06 and it just died. My computer wouldn't start up so I grabbed the FSP 400 I got on sale in March for $17 and it works with that. I'm not the type to usually spend a lot on a PS but a few years back I changed my mentality and threw out almost $120 on a "good" PS. Well, now it's dead. I could have sworn it came with a 5 year warranty but Newegg is showing only 3.

What I'm stuck with is which PS to use. I have the FSP (check links below) but it's only rated for 18A on the 12v. I also have a free after rebate ($50) Ultra 500w from Fry's about 3 years ago that my brother just gave me after building a new computer. It's rated for 28A on the 12v. I like using a nice PS but I'm thinking I should just stick with the Ultra until it dies or would you get a better PSU? I may game 2 hours per week so my computer really doesn't stress the PSU very much.

I saw this post for refurbished OCZ powersupplies and was wondering if the only one they have in stock, the 1000w, is worth the $59.99? Or, should I just use the Ultra until a good deal comes around on a 500-600w and get that? I doubt I'll ever SLI or Crossfire.

E3110 (E8400) @ 3.6 ghz.
GTX 260 not overclocked
2 Hard Drives
DVD Drive

http://www.pcpartscollection.com/fspgrfscokit.html
http://www.svc.com/ocz-psu.html

Thanks for any help!
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
2
81
That True Power New 750W PSU is overkill, but definately be on the lookout for something as I wouldn't use a free-after-rebate Ultra (likely a V-Series) and the FSP sounds a bit anemic.

Then again, if you have to spend at least $100 and you don't need anything else anytime soon, then why not?
 

yh125d

Diamond Member
Dec 23, 2006
6,886
0
76
The TPN is definitely a great deal for the money and I recommend it often, but it is overkill. But my thinking is this - A quality 500-550w PSU is going to cost you roughly $65-75. Why not spend an extra $30 for a great PSU that adds modularity and you know you're never going to have to worry about power when you upgrade later on?
 

mpilchfamily

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2007
3,559
1
0
Another Liberty bits the dust. Just remember that PSus don't last forever and you can ussually only expect them to last an average of 3 to 5 years. They are only as good as there weakest part and that generally ther capacitors. But the caps dry out over time and the heat generate by the system and the PSU itself speeds that prosses up.

No such thing as having too much PSU for your PC. But of course you won't want to pay too much for a PSU either.

Also don't go with a refurbished PSU. All they do is replace the caps but sometimes that isn't enough. Also OCZ isn't exactly the best PSU maker around.
 

mazeroth

Golden Member
Jan 31, 2006
1,821
2
81
Another Liberty bits the dust.

Is this a common occurance?

I found this OCZ for $39.99 after rebate and it seems like a pretty decent performer. It has a 5 egg review average and 25A on each 12v rail, compared to 22A that my Liberty had. What are your thoughts? I need to spend $100 to get $75 off with Newegg and still need to get an HTPC case so I can just use the rest there.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...817341022#spec

Or, I just found this guy for $44.99 and it comes with a 5 year warranty. Only has 33A on the 12v.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139003
 
Last edited:

taisingera

Golden Member
Dec 27, 2005
1,141
35
91
I have the same PSU (Liberty 500) and bought mine about the same time. I better watch out.
 

mazeroth

Golden Member
Jan 31, 2006
1,821
2
81
Ok, I think I've narrowed it down to two. The first is the 650w Corsair and the second is the 750w Antec. I'm sure I can get away with a 400-500w unit for my current rig but I'm thinking that potentially, down the road, I may use a second card for physics or maybe even an SLI setup. You never know! I was looking at the 750w Corsair but Johnny Guru gave it a kinda low performace rating.

So, if you were in my shoes, which one would you grab? The Corsair rebate expires today so I need to decide quickly!

Thanks again for all your help!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371025

And for giggles, the 850w Corsair that got a killer rating from Johnny:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139009
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=126