Getting a new PSU

[yh125d]

Im replacing my old 400watt with only 15 amps. I just wanted to get everyone's opinion before i buy such a critical part.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817174023

 

[StopSign]

Looks to be okay. Combined 12V current seems a bit low for a 500W, however.

 

[yh125d]

well, considering im running on 15 total 12v amps, 40 total 12v amps seems to be enough, right?

 

[BigShroom]

If I were you I'd probably buy an xclio or a fortron around that price. You have to remember wattage really doesn't mean that much, quality components do.

The fact that there isn't even an efficiently rating for that HIPRO PSU would scare me off.

 

[StopSign]

Originally posted by: yh125td
well, considering im running on 15 total 12v amps, 40 total 12v amps seems to be enough, right?

When calculating total current on multiple rails, you don't just add them up. Please look at pictures of the item you want to buy.

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/17-174-023-08.JPG

 

[Operandi]

If thats all you can spend I suggest this Forton-Source instead, 350 watts will run your system nicely. A good 500 watt PSU is going to cost at least $70 (OEM Enhance) and most go for $90+ so there have to been some corners cut on that HI-Pro unit to get it to that price level.

And let that be lesson; "don't buy Raidmax".

 

[Boyo]

I wouldn't buy that PSU. Don't spare the money on this important part. Get a Corsair or Seasonic 500W.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Boyo
I wouldn't buy that PSU. Don't spare the money on this important part. Get a Corsair or Seasonic 500W.

Are you aware that 90% of the systems even here don't need anywhere near 500 watts?

 

[s44]

He doesn't need 500W, but he does need a reliable build that puts out clean power.

A cheap FSP would be fine, though spending a bit more for Enhance, Seasonic/Corsair, or whatnot couldn't hurt.

 

[KayKay]

HiPro is not the best brand since the last time I checked

 

[Boyo]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: Boyo
I wouldn't buy that PSU. Don't spare the money on this important part. Get a Corsair or Seasonic 500W.

Are you aware that 90% of the systems even here don't need anywhere near 500 watts?

No, I wasn't aware of that, but thanks for sharing that bit of trifling info.

 

[smthmlk]

Seasonic S12-380, $84.63
Enhance ENP-5140GH, $67.67
Fortron Source FSP400-60GLN, $55.31 [review]
Fortron Source FSP400-60THN, $49.10

I would pick the FSP400-60GLN over the slightly cheaper THN model from newegg if I had to have a fortron.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Boyo

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: Boyo
I wouldn't buy that PSU. Don't spare the money on this important part. Get a Corsair or Seasonic 500W.

Are you aware that 90% of the systems even here don't need anywhere near 500 watts?

No, I wasn't aware of that, but thanks for sharing that bit of trifling info.

Maybe you enjoy wasting money but don't assume everyone else dose.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: yh125td
Im replacing my old 400watt with only 15 amps. I just wanted to get everyone's opinion before i buy such a critical part.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817174023

its a critical part you but your cheaping out on the critical part????
You could do much better by taking Operandi`s advice....

If thats all you can spend I suggest this Forton-Source instead, 350 watts will run your system nicely. A good 500 watt PSU is going to cost at least $70 (OEM Enhance) and most go for $90+ so there have to been some corners cut on that HI-Pro unit to get it to that price level.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: yh125td
well, considering im running on 15 total 12v amps, 40 total 12v amps seems to be enough, right?

The label on the PSU clearly indicates that the combined is 29A. As others pointed out, quality and lack of "other" specs can be an issue. I'm not thinking of the efficiency, but more like the temperature rating (as in rated output only at low temps).

550W $55 PSU that seems to be decent quality and got a good review from JonnyGURU. REVIEW

The Good....
Modular
Nice cables and connectors
Nice finish
Solid rails
"Control panel" works as advertised
Awesome price!

The Bad....
No real complaints!


The Mediocre....
No PFC
Mediocre efficiency

400W $44 PSU that is decent, plus with better efficiency. Note that Fortron USA claims 80% efficiency but the Taiwan site claims only 75-78% efficiency (depending on 115v versus 230v input). The PSU is kind of strange in that it is really lightweight and kind of empty inside - opposite of most good PSUs. Silent PC Review

With its peak at 81%, the Green power is still a very efficient power supply, and it remained efficient even at full load.
...
In terms of electrical output, the Green PS is solid. Its voltage rails were rock steady in our testing, and it has high efficiency. The high specified operating temperature should mean that performance will remain solid even under less favorable circumstances.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Zap
The label on the PSU clearly indicates that the combined is 29A. As others pointed out, quality and lack of "other" specs can be an issue. I'm not thinking of the efficiency, but more like the temperature rating (as in rated output only at low temps).

550W $55 PSU that seems to be decent quality and got a good review from JonnyGURU. REVIEW
The Good....
Modular
Nice cables and connectors
Nice finish
Solid rails
"Control panel" works as advertised
Awesome price!

The Bad....
No real complaints!


The Mediocre....
No PFC
Mediocre efficiency

Sure if you compare that some of stuff that is complete &^#) I suppose that Sunbeam would start to look alright. But at some point you should really ask the question; "dose a 550 watt $50 PSU make sense?". If you can afford the hardware that draws 500 watts a good quality $100+ 500 watt PSU should be inconsequential to total system cost.

 

[yh125d]

I know that wattage doesn't have much to do with a PSU's power, but what I DO know, is that the wattage of a psu is directly proportional to the amperage of the psu, so I figured a psu around 450-500 watts would have the amperage that I'm looking for.

What about this FSP instead of that blue one? this one is 400w, with 18/16 amps instead of 350w 10/15a, and it only costs a dollar more
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104953


Also, can anyone explain how the amperage on the 12v rails don't add up? Does anyone know the equation for the combined current?

 

[Boyo]

You're better off with this PSU than your first choice. Just my two cents. Hope Operandi doesn't get upset with me for offering my advice.

 

[engiNURD]

http://psu.thetruck.net

as an example, lets use the corsair 520W: http://jonnyguru.com/review_details.php?id=28
Theres a table in that review that lists the max combined watts. Basically, while there are 520 watts available, there are limits per voltage rail. As you can see, the +12V rails (3 of them) have a max combined wattage of 480W. Therefore, the max amperage available on the +12V rails is 480W/12V = 40A, which is != 54A (what you get when you add up the 3 voltage rails at 18A each). Get it?