Fortron or Channel Well - Which PSU would you get?

[JPS]

Channel Well (OEMs for Antec) 550W - Buy It Here
+3.3 - 32A
+5.0 - 40A
+12 - 24A
+3.3 & 5 rail combined output = ???

Channel Well (OEMs for Antec) 450W - Buy It Here
+3.3 - 28A
+5.0 - 40A
+12 - 18A
+3.3 & 5 rail combined output = ???

Fortron (FSP400-60PFN) 400W - Buy It Here
+3.3 - 28A
+5.0 - 40A
+12 - 15A
+3.3 & 5 rail combined output = 235W

I will be running them in a heavily overclocked Athlon XP (soon to be Barton or Dual MP) system with RAID, pair of 120mm fans, CD-R/W, no floppy, and a 3rd IDE HDD (200GB backup).

 

[Zepper]

Dual processor mobos often require special connectors/special PSUs. According to the test on Tom's Hardware, the Fortron PSU put out well over its rated capacity. But they tested the 350W unit so YMMV.
If you decide to stay with a single processor mobo, look for one that powers the CPU via a P4 (4-pin, 12V) connector. Then any of those mentioned would be gross overkill. Look also at HEC (HeroIchi sold on newegg under Compucase) and Sparkle (a Fortron brand) - good performers at low $$$.
.bh.
:sun:

 

[Krk3561]

I would say go for one of the Channel Wells because I would always buy a PSU with more than 15A on the +12 rail.

 

[Auric]

If any of those three will provide sufficient power for your needs then go for the FSP. It is the only one with Active PFC and it has large heatsinks with one fan (instead of small heatsinks and two fans).

 

[jaeger66]

Originally posted by: Auric
If any of those three will provide sufficient power for your needs then go for the FSP. It is the only one with Active PFC and it has large heatsinks with one fan (instead of small heatsinks and two fans).

Active PFC is a load of crap. Get one of the Channel Wells.

 

[Zepper]

I also noticed that the Fortron has only 6 large drive connectors and 1 floppy connector. I always like to see more large connectors and at least 2 FD connectors (because that's what I need). So it must be a gray market unit as most retail models have 2FD connectors.
. And active PFC is not a load of crap. It won't save much money on power if you only have one confuser on the meter. But if you tend to leave yours on all the time or have several confusers on the same power meter, buying active PFC PSUs for them could show a little to substantial savings.
.bh.
:sun:

 

[JPS]

Not be be a total noob - but WTF is a confuser?

I do like the channel wells - but they ship with 24pin instead of 20pin connectors! Pain in my arse!

I don't thinl Fortron is a grwy market. They and Sparkle are one and the same. Also, most medical equipment relies on Fortron. If these things are bulletproof enough for a mission critical application such as that, I think they would be good enouh for my humble rig (though she will be a screaming dually soon - muwahahahaha!)

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: JPS
Not be be a total noob - but WTF is a confuser?

confuser n. Common soundalike slang for `computer'.

I am still tho.

 

[JPS]

muchas graicias mi amigo!