My PSU is the Culprit - Help me Pick a New One

[hondaf17]

I'm not getting any love in the power supply category so posting here. I've never had power supply issues so wondering if this sounds like one...

Ok guys, I recently built the below rig:

Phenom X2 555BE running at stock dual core 3.2Ghz
XFX 1GB HD4890
Gigabyte 785 board
1TB HDD
1 optical drive
1 PCI sound card
4GB DDR3 1600 RAM

I'm using my 4 year old Fortron (FSP Group) 500W power supply as listed below:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-CPC-_-NA-_-NA

That power supply only has a 4-pin in the EPSV (or whatever it is) that plugs into the 8-pin connector on the mobo.

It powers up and generally runs fine, but the last day or so my system has been unstable. Whenever I play BF:BC2 my computer randomly shuts off and restarts on it's own. One time it didn't restart, and when I pushed the power button to turn it on nothing happened. I had to physically unplug the power cord, plug it back in, and then it would boot.

Is my power supply the culprit? 500W should be enough, even with a 4890, but it's old and only 4-pins going into that 8-pin connector has me wondering. Oh, it's only got 1 PCI-e, so I'm running the molex adapter for the second power connection on the 4890.

Think it's the power supply? Should I get a new one? If so, what would you recommend? I like Corsair brand but am trying not to blow $80 on something.

EDIT: I don't think I'm overheating bc my side panel is off and I've got a Cooler Master Hyper 212+ and my idle temps are about 27 C

EDIT2: I got a new PSU from a friend and it's stable. So, I need a new PSU, please recommend me one!

Thanks,

 

[BurnItDwn]

Could be a windows issue, but I think you're probably on to something when thinking it's the power supply ...

If you haven't already, you could try just reseating all the cards, unplugging/replugging all the power supply connections, and then seeing if it helps ...

Otherwise ... Do you have a second machine where you could swap the power supplies for a while and see if the problem follows the power supply?

 

[hondaf17]

I've re-seated all the cards and plugged everything in and out multiple times, without any benefit.

Any other verdicts/thoughts?

I have a Microcenter near by so can always get a new power supply and see if the problem persists...

 

[hondaf17]

Ok guys, my PSU is the Culprit, so please recommend me one. My rig is in my signature.

Here's some options:

OCZ Fatality - 550 Watt - Modular - $50 after rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341022

Antec BP550 - 550 Watt - Modular - $55 after rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371016

Antec Neo Eco - 620 Watt - Not Modular - $75 after rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371031

Corsair 650TX - 650 Watt - Not Modular - $90 after rebate:

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

BFG GS550 - 550 Watt - Not Modular - $60, no rebate, and I already have it (but can return it):

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0294050

Thoughts??!!

 

[tweakboy]

I got one word for you. Thermaltake thx

 

[john james]

Energy-Efficiency Certification, something you should look for when hunting a PSU, to the least a "80 Plus". Sure, its just a measurement of how much power it can save when in use. But what it really means is that it uses better quality components (eg. capacitors). With lousy capacitors they can't even pass a "80 Plus", those that can, can't pass a "BRONZE" with the same stuff, they would need even higher quality capacitors to do so. Quality improves tremendously as with the certification they're rated for.
80 Plus > 80 Plus BRONZE > 80 Plus SILVER > 80 Plus GOLD

Therefore, within your budget i recommned:
Thermaltake Toughpower XT W0229RU with rebate.

 

[Lyfer]

My vote for the Corsair 650w.

And I don't know why you would even consider using that old PSU with a 4 pin connector to an 8 pin. I would've feared of ruining my parts ><. BTW it could just be bad luck, but all my experiences with Thermaltake units have been pretty bad (random restarts/shutdowns). Fortron/Sparkle/Corsair/Antec have all worked with great success for me.

 

[thescreensavers]

My vote for the Corsair 650w.

+ 1 for Corsair its an excellent PSU

 

[Blain]

My PSU is the Culprit - Help me Pick a New One

EDIT2: I got a new PSU from a friend and it's stable. So, I need a new PSU, please recommend me one!

SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze 520W

Energy-Efficiency Certification, something you should look for when hunting a PSU, to the least a "80 Plus". Sure, its just a measurement of how much power it can save when in use. But what it really means is that it uses better quality components (eg. capacitors). With lousy capacitors they can't even pass a "80 Plus", those that can, can't pass a "BRONZE" with the same stuff, they would need even higher quality capacitors to do so. Quality improves tremendously as with the certification they're rated for.
80 Plus > 80 Plus BRONZE > 80 Plus SILVER > 80 Plus GOLD

What it really means is the manufacturer paid to have their PS certified. They don't certify the quality of the internal components, only the PS "efficiency" (what goes in vs what comes out).

 

[Chapbass]

http://www.newegg.com/Store/BrandSub...Power-Supplies


Yeah, newegg reviews are kinda meh whatever, but seriously, pretty strong PSU lineup right there.

Been using corsair psu's for years now, go for it.

Stay away from BFG psus, they're pretty weak (at least they used to be).

http://www.jonnyguru.com/

 

[busydude]

This is a review of 650tx. Sums up very nicely.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article813-page5.html

The best way to take advantage of the TX650W's quiet qualities has already been mentioned: Ensure that the PSU intake air does not exceed 30°C often, nor demand more than ~350W DC output. With a decent case and well selected components, these requirements are not difficult to achieve. Following these guidelines will reward you with a PSU that's always very quiet, making the basis for a very quiet computer.

 

[corkyg]

Seasonic! http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...t3-_-Power+Supplies-_-SeaSonic+USA-_-17151094

 

[hondaf17]

Thanks guys, I went with the Corsair650tx. Should serve me well.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I would have suggested the EarthWatts 650W from Antec, that's a pretty solid PSU that goes on sale for $70-75 every once in a while. But the Corsair is as good or likely better. Good choice.