PC Power and Cooling 510 Express?

[Evenkeel]

Getting ready to pony up for all the parts for my first, home-built system, using an Intel 925XCV mobo and P4 550. I'm not putting in bleeding edge everything, but I want a high-quality system, so it's going to take a few months to come up w/the $$ to get everything, so I'm building it from the case and mobo first. That also means a PSU towards the beginning. I've always heard that PC Power and Cooling PSUs were top-notch. The one the PC Power website recommends for the 925XCV mobo is their 510 Express. It costs $230.

I see power supplies on Newegg in that general power category for around half that. I don't want to scrimp on parts. Granted, I'm putting in a CPU that's a few steps down from a P4 EE, but as far as the boring guts of the system (like a PSU) I don't want to cheap out. If you all think a PC Power PSU is worth the cost, I'll go for it.

Appreciate any advice.

 

[beatle]

Absolutely not worth it. They ARE stable PSUs, but they're also noisy and expensive. With so many other high quality manufacturers like Antec, Fortron, Enermax and OCZ offering quieter, less expensive alternatives, I'd only conside PCP&C if I had more money than I knew what to do with and/or I was building a mission critical box that I would not be able to attend to.

 

[HardWarrior]

Without assuming that you freak at a little noise, PCP&C makes damn fine PSU. The 510 is no exception. I would suggest it if you want rock-stable performance and don't need dual 12v rails.

Extreme Overclocking review on the 510

 

[bradley]

PC Power & Cooling doesn't even manufacturer their own powersupplies. Yes, they indeed use high-quality rebadged components, but then, charge a huge premium for PCP&C name. For instance, I believe they use Seasonic and Zippy/EMac in some of their powersupplies.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: bradley
PC Power & Cooling doesn't even manufacturer their own powersupplies. Yes, they indeed use high-quality rebadged components, but then, charge a huge premium for PCP&C name. For instance, I believe they use Seasonic and Zippy/EMac in some of their powersupplies.

So, because they do something all other PSU manufactures do, they suck? Instead of trying to push every one buying cheap crap and being pissed about it later, why don't we all just worry about our own wallets and how we each want to spend what's in them, hmm?

Evenkeel: Read reviews from trusted sources and educate yourself. This CONSTANT banter based on some weird NEED to seem like an "industry insider" is for the birds.

 

[bradley]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
So, because they do something all other PSU manufactures do, they suck?

Actually I stated that PC Power & Cooling uses, "high-quality... components." Simply, meaning to me, they are of good quality -- which was a direct answer to the original question from Evenkeel.

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Instead of trying to push every one buying cheap crap and being pissed about it later, why don't we all just worry about our own wallets and how we each want to spend what's in them, hmm?

There was also a question as to whether PCP&C supplies were, "Worth the $$$?," and I tried to answer that question as well. You did read the original question; didn't you?

My main point was a simple case of economics. Become an educated consumer, research the original manufacturer, eliminate the middle-man, and in the process save a considerable amount of cash. If someone is smart enough to buy a Seasonic, Zippy/Emacs, Fortron/Sparkle etc., or basically, the equivalent of the same highly-rated PC Power & Cooling powersupply, more *power* to 'em.

Perhaps you don't truly appreciate saving or getting value for your money; but then, you'd also probably be in the minority.

 

[PC911mickster]

I asked this same question over at PCQ&A a few months back. I asked it there because I know they have some VERY experienced engineers as members and one as moderator.
A few folks did recommend the PCP&C psu's but the guy I repected the most ( an electrical engineer with many decades of experience) said to go Antec. Hold the hissing for a moment please.
Yes, Antec, PCP&C and many others do have their units manufactured by others but the reality is...they are built to the Antec, PCP&C specs using components they specify. They also are the ones who honor the warranties. I've yet to have an Antec die and I've bought more than 2 dozen for myself and builds for others.

About PCP&C psu's... while researching my psu purchase, I called PCP&C to ask about the various units. They did admit that off the shelf units are in fact made by others in China/Taiwan. They did state that custom units were built totally at their facility here. By custom, we're talking about any slight variant from the stock units...like sleeving units which normally are not sleeved.


Having said all that, my current favorite psu is the CoolerMaster 450 which I believe is a Fortron. If I were buying one today, I'd probably do the CoolerMaster.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: bradley

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
So, because they do something all other PSU manufactures do, they suck?

Actually I stated that PC Power & Cooling uses, "high-quality... components." Simply, meaning to me, they are of good quality -- which was a direct answer to the original question from Evenkeel.

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Instead of trying to push every one buying cheap crap and being pissed about it later, why don't we all just worry about our own wallets and how we each want to spend what's in them, hmm?

There was also a question as to whether PCP&C supplies were, "Worth the $$$?," and I tried to answer that question as well. You did read the original question; didn't you?

My main point was a simple case of economics. Become an educated consumer, research the original manufacturer, eliminate the middle-man, and in the process save a considerable amount of cash. If someone is smart enough to buy a Seasonic, Zippy/Emacs, Fortron/Sparkle etc., or basically, the equivalent of the same highly-rated PC Power & Cooling powersupply, more *power* to 'em.

Perhaps you don't truly appreciate saving or getting value for your money; but then, you'd also probably be in the minority.

Yeah, I noticed that. It's called a back-handed compliment and in and of itself was contradictory in nature.

Please, don't ask dumb, leading questions like "Did you read it?" If you persist in this I'll start flaming you back, and you won't like the way I flame. Keep it civil or shut up. Now, whether something is worth the money depends on the individual AND their resources. Whether a 510 is worth the money has already been established. Allow others to make their choices based on the options present, not your prejudices.

See? This is exactly what I mean. "If someone is smart, they'll accept MY logic and do as I say they should." And a lame smiley at the end doesn't make you any less condescending.

And now this: "You're in the minority! (giggle)" You have no idea what I'm about, sir. And you sure as hell haven't taken a poll to justify your arrogance. If you can't stand on your own in conversation, you should retire from the field. Not claim that you represent the "majority" with no way whatsoever of proving it.

 

[bradley]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Yeah, I noticed that. It's called a back-handed compliment and in and of itself was contradictory in nature.

Please, don't ask dumb, leading questions like "Did you read it?" If you persist in this I'll start flaming you back, and you won't like the way I flame. Keep it civil or shut up. Now, whether something is worth the money depends on the individual AND their resources. Whether a 510 is worth the money has already been established. Allow others to make their choices based on the options present, not your prejudices.

See? This is exactly what I mean. "If someone is smart, they'll accept MY logic and do as I say they should." And a lame smiley at the end doesn't make you any less condescending.

And now this: "You're in the minority! (giggle)" You have no idea what I'm about, sir. And you sure as hell haven't taken a poll to justify your arrogance. If you can't stand on your own in conversation, you should retire from the field. Not claim that you represent the "majority" with no way whatsoever of proving it.

I don't have a specific agenda, except trying to relate some information, and answer the question to the best of my ability. No one's stopping you from creating your own pointed thread about bogus advice on powersupplies. Although, if you've come looking for a fight, you won't find one here. I've said all I have to say on the issue. And if anything comes to mind, it probably will be on-topic, and won't be a direct response to you.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: bradley

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Yeah, I noticed that. It's called a back-handed compliment and in and of itself was contradictory in nature.

Please, don't ask dumb, leading questions like "Did you read it?" If you persist in this I'll start flaming you back, and you won't like the way I flame. Keep it civil or shut up. Now, whether something is worth the money depends on the individual AND their resources. Whether a 510 is worth the money has already been established. Allow others to make their choices based on the options present, not your prejudices.

See? This is exactly what I mean. "If someone is smart, they'll accept MY logic and do as I say they should." And a lame smiley at the end doesn't make you any less condescending.

And now this: "You're in the minority! (giggle)" You have no idea what I'm about, sir. And you sure as hell haven't taken a poll to justify your arrogance. If you can't stand on your own in conversation, you should retire from the field. Not claim that you represent the "majority" with no way whatsoever of proving it.

I don't have a specific agenda, except trying to relate some information, and answer the question to the best of my ability.

Then why not can the scalded cat routine and get back to the topic?

 

[Operandi]

PCP&C is worth it but it's more then you really need. I'd recommend a 350-400 watt Seasonic, check newegg.