-
We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.
Mid range computer <$1k
Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
bob4432
Lifer
mainly SCs and DCs, which will make the computer still "fast" for a couple years. i am pretty sure amd is phasing out the skt754s, but not sure at what speed, where the 939 will be around longer, thus give you more upgrade options in the future. it is far cheaper to upgrade in 2yrs to a 939 x2 if you need more power and the programmers actually start to build a lot of multi-threaded apps than to build and entirely new machine.
Thanks bob. I have been advised to switch my case b/c of the PSU that comes with it. The person suggested going with this case: http://www.securemart.com/cgi-bin/future/SM120993.html?pcode=1
Any comments on that?
Any comments on that?
bob4432
Lifer
i would probably go with this one as it has more on the 12V rail (actually it has 2x12V) and has the 24pin connector. the one you posted is kind of weak on the 12V line, especially for possibly a DC later. the price for the one you posted is really cheap compared to newegg, but see if they have the one i selected.
Why would I need something different than the one that comes with http://www.securemart.com/cgi-bin/future/SM120993.html?pcode=1 ?
bob4432
Lifer
power, for the possiblitiy of an x2 and also i couldn't find out if it had a 24pin atx connector, which you may want to read the "official do i need a 24pin atx connector" thread to feel if you need it or not.
you could also get the case you listed at first for the current setup you are looking at and then get a better psu for an additional ~$50 if you like the design. good brands are fortron, enermax and antec and you can find some good ones for ~$50.
hurtstotalktoyou
Platinum Member
I highly suggest you stick with a generic PSU. They cost a *lot* less than brand name (Seasonic, Antec, Enermax, etc.) PSUs. If an adequate PSU comes included with a case (as with your original listing), you can usually save at least $50, and as much as $100.
The fact is, despite extensive testing on the PSUs themselves, I have seen no direct evidence linking an excess of power to system performance. The general feeling here at Anandtech is the more you spend on a PSU, the more reliable your system will be. This idea is, of course, absolutely ridiculous.
The closest thing you will find to evidence is the occasional user who claims he's a PC tech and has seen hundreds of generic PSUs fry their systems. Unfortunately, it's pretty common for internet message boards to be littered with such lies and exaggerations. And even if these people really have seen PSUs destroy system components, that doesn't mean the solution is to spend more money.
Generally speaking, a basic socket-939 system, fully stocked with two optical drives, a hard disk, Athlon 64 and video card requires little more than a basic 250W PSU. If you doubt me, just call up HP/Compaq or eMachines, and ask how they equip their s939 PCs.
The fact is, despite extensive testing on the PSUs themselves, I have seen no direct evidence linking an excess of power to system performance. The general feeling here at Anandtech is the more you spend on a PSU, the more reliable your system will be. This idea is, of course, absolutely ridiculous.
The closest thing you will find to evidence is the occasional user who claims he's a PC tech and has seen hundreds of generic PSUs fry their systems. Unfortunately, it's pretty common for internet message boards to be littered with such lies and exaggerations. And even if these people really have seen PSUs destroy system components, that doesn't mean the solution is to spend more money.
Generally speaking, a basic socket-939 system, fully stocked with two optical drives, a hard disk, Athlon 64 and video card requires little more than a basic 250W PSU. If you doubt me, just call up HP/Compaq or eMachines, and ask how they equip their s939 PCs.
hurtstotalktoyou
Platinum Member
Nobody has proof. That's the problem.
Again, though, my suggestion would be to call and find out what the big-name companies do. HP and eMachines both sell A64s. I think Sony does, too.
Again, though, my suggestion would be to call and find out what the big-name companies do. HP and eMachines both sell A64s. I think Sony does, too.
Your post is "absolutely ridiculous"...
Your right about one thing though; most systems never draw more then 250 watts but that's no reason to use generic PSUs. When it comes to choosing a PSU you should do so based on it's quality not how many watts it supposled outputs. Quality costs money; there is a reason generic 400 watt PSUs cost $15 and quality ones are $40+, you get what you pay for.
hurtstotalktoyou
Platinum Member
There's no proof for either side of the story. The evidence I've seen, though, seems to indicate that a bit of ripple won't cause a system to falter, much less damage its components.
A PSU must provide enough power to the system (particularly through the +12v rail), and its ripple should be low enough that it doesn't impact system performance. Also, its own innards should be build well enough that it doesn't break down during use. I've seen no evidence showing that generic PSUs such as the one chosen in this thread don't meet these requirements.
That's only a tendency, not a rule.
hurtstotalktoyou
Platinum Member
I don't have proof. All I can say is that I've seen no evidence indicating a $50+ PSU is required for stable PC operation.
bob4432
Lifer
exactly, you need a good quality psu. i have antecs that i have had since 1999 and they are still going strong even though they have on for nearly all the time with different buils since then. i didn't say go get a 1000W psu, but one with good A on the rails and i named off quality brands for $50. i think most people would pay $50 for a quality psu instead of $15 for a bad one.
250W sounds about right, but again quality. i am sure if you called a major manf they are definately not going to tell you "yes, we put sh!tty psu in our computers". i am also sure you wouldn't get the correct data if you asked them how many of their pcs come back period due to them trying to cut cost by using inferior products and letting quality slip. making a statement that you can never backup is ridiculous.
hurtstotalktoyou - do you also not believe in backing up because hdds never fail? and there is just this huge conspiracy by a lot of the anandtech members, myself included that claim we have hdds die on us? also, why don't you throw out your antec psu and put in a crappy, generic $15 400W psu like you preach?
hurtstotalktoyou's rig in sig:
Sempron 64 2800+
Epox EP-8KDA3J
512 MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (3-4-4-8)
nVidia GeForce4 MX 420 (64 MB)
80 GB SATA/150 HDD (primary)
60 GB PATA/133 HDD (secondary)
Antec SmartPower 2 350W PSU (dual rail 15A & 10A +12v rails)
overclocked to 2.4 GHz with 1.5v CPU & 900 MHz HT ...with a retail hsf
hurtstotalktoyou
Platinum Member
First of all, my own PSU has nothing to do with the issue. Attacking me personally because I don't have some generic $15 PSU doesn't help your case. If it satisfies your curiousity, mine was a gift, chosen and purchased by a friend.
Second, I never made any statement I can't "back up." All I've said is that the evidence I've seen does not indicate a $50+ PSU is required for continuous, stable system operation. I could be wrong, but why should I take your word for it? I want real, hard evidence, not another dozen anecdotes about your veteran Enermax that's still going strong or the last generic you saw die.
Thirdly, I never said PSUs don't fail. All system components are subject to acts of God, so to speak, which is why I back up hard disk data like just about everyone else. My point is that spending additional money to see a manufacturer's name printed on the back of your system probably isn't going to significantly diminish the risk inherent in all component purchases.
Second, I never made any statement I can't "back up." All I've said is that the evidence I've seen does not indicate a $50+ PSU is required for continuous, stable system operation. I could be wrong, but why should I take your word for it? I want real, hard evidence, not another dozen anecdotes about your veteran Enermax that's still going strong or the last generic you saw die.
Thirdly, I never said PSUs don't fail. All system components are subject to acts of God, so to speak, which is why I back up hard disk data like just about everyone else. My point is that spending additional money to see a manufacturer's name printed on the back of your system probably isn't going to significantly diminish the risk inherent in all component purchases.
bob4432
Lifer
i am not attacking you personally, but when building a machine you put no value on one of the most important parts of the machine, the psu. it is just as important if not more important than your m/b, your ram, etc.
the fact that you use a decent psu doesn't help your case when telling other to get sh!tty psus, when you in fact don't use what you advise.
recommending a $50 for a quality psu is not too much $$$ for what the psu does.
Common sense should come in at some point..... If a $15 PSU was really as good as a $40 why would anyone use the $40 one?
It's really pretty simple, you can do things cheaply as possible; cheap/poor quality components, little to no quality control; aka your generic PSU. Or you can do things the right way; quality parts and good quality control measures; aka a good name brand PSU (Forton, Seasonic). Reliability is hard to test for but believe me the difference dose it exist. FYI, non of the good OEM?s use ?generic? PSUs.
We have had this exact discussion before, hurtstotalktoyou, and last time I believe we both agreed on the value of PSUs from reputable ODMs (as opposed to "generics"). LINK
I am surprised that you would forget so soon and continue to claim that you have seen no evidence when not only does said evidence exist, you have explicitly acknowledged its existence and agreed that it has value. The only rational and non-insulting explanation I can offer is poor long-term memory; if this is true, I strongly advise writing things like this down for future references as so to avoid pointless, time-wasting arguments. That works wonders for me.
I am surprised that you would forget so soon and continue to claim that you have seen no evidence when not only does said evidence exist, you have explicitly acknowledged its existence and agreed that it has value. The only rational and non-insulting explanation I can offer is poor long-term memory; if this is true, I strongly advise writing things like this down for future references as so to avoid pointless, time-wasting arguments. That works wonders for me.
bob4432
Lifer
that makes sense, the dfi boards, especially the newer ones are very ram finicky and those peeps may have had trouble with the crucial in their dfi boards. personally i like ocz because not only do they have a good product, but their tech support is incredibly nice and takes care of issues quickly.
TRENDING THREADS
-
Discussion Zen 5 Speculation (EPYC Turin and Strix Point/Granite Ridge - Ryzen 9000)- Started by DisEnchantment
- Replies: 25K
-
Discussion Intel Meteor, Arrow, Lunar & Panther Lakes + WCL Discussion Threads
- Started by Tigerick
- Replies: 25K
-
Discussion Intel current and future Lakes & Rapids thread- Started by TheF34RChannel
- Replies: 24K
-
-
