Interesting PSU dilemma

Mogadon

Senior member
Aug 30, 2004
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OK, I used to run some OKIA (who) 550W PSU, never had any problems with it except the 12V always ran at 11.91(ish), with very little fluctuation though.

My friend picked up a new PSU so i tried out his Antec 380W from a sonata case. The 12V rail ran at around 11.75V, I was really expecting something better considering my crappy brand PSU had better rails.

Then I was able to pick up an Antec TP2 550W PSU for really, really cheap, one of those deals you can't pass up on. Anyway, with this PSU I figured solid rails were a given. The 12V rail fluctuates between 11.65 and 11.73V and the other rails are below par too.

Anyone got any thoughts on how my $25 crappy OKIA PSU has solider rails than my $120 (retail hehe) Antec PSU, personally I'm quite surprised, I've heard lots of good things about the Antec TP2.
 

the cobbler

Senior member
Mar 8, 2005
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what are you using to measure 12v rail?

software is completely worthless, dittoes with bios

MBM5 and SpeedFan show my 12v to fluctuate between 12.3v and 12.84v

when I test with a digital mulitmeter, is stays at a perfectly contstant 12.44v.
 

Mogadon

Senior member
Aug 30, 2004
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I'm using MBM5, both MBM5 and the BIOS report the same results.

The BIOS is the latest revision and that's what i've been running whilst using all three different PSU's.

I may have to get a multimeter, i'm interested to find out what it would report.
 

the cobbler

Senior member
Mar 8, 2005
643
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yeah, even bios will be wildly inaccurate

I got a cheapo digi MM at Radio Shack for ~$30, works like a charm
 

Bull Dog

Golden Member
Aug 29, 2005
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my TrueControl is fine tuned to 12.0v (according to my voltmeter) the bios reads it as 11.77v
 

orangat

Golden Member
Jun 7, 2004
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If your OKIA doesn't fluctuate as much, then maybe your should use it. Maybe it was cheap for a good reason.
 

JEDIYoda

Lifer
Jul 13, 2005
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Originally posted by: orangat
If your OKIA doesn't fluctuate as much, then maybe your should use it. Maybe it was cheap for a good reason.


When it comes to PSU`s....I always believ you get what ya pay for...lol


Save 10% on the Turbo-Cool 510 Deluxe $215.00 $193.50...$214 with tax and shipping..hehehe :)
 

Mogadon

Senior member
Aug 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: orangat
If your OKIA doesn't fluctuate as much, then maybe your should use it. Maybe it was cheap for a good reason.


Maybe, i do agree with JEDIYoda though, usually where PSU's are concerned you get what you pay for and it's necessary if you overclock.

The only reason why i got the 550W Antec is because my friend had a spare one a gave it to me, it; didn't take much persuading. Anyway, i just figured i'd be seeing seeing solid 12V rails. Even if the BIOS is reporting the voltages as wrong though, it's still surprising to me that the voltages reported with the OKIA are higher and more stable than both the Antecs.
 

JEDIYoda

Lifer
Jul 13, 2005
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If I may be so bold....

I have argued in other forums concerning the use of generic PSu`s....the el cheapo varieties...

Even the El Cheapo have certain basic mandated specs they need to uphold....

The only quesyion being how long before the cheap parts and cheap craftsmanship before they el cheapo say GoodNight...as in doesn`t work...

I used a OKIA for several years and even managed to over clock an athlon rigg I have 2 years ago with my problems.....

Just thought I would throw my 2 cookies worth in :cookie::cookie: