Power Supply Recommendations

[jdkick]

I'm thinking of building a PVR using some spare parts (Athlon XP 2100+ on an A7V880) and the Enermax NoiseTaker currently powering my primary PC. That means I will need a new power supply for my primary PC. I should note that since I bought the Cooler Master 690 chassis the Enermax NoiseTaker is the loudest component in my case, so I want something on the quieter side. I have been looking at options like the Corsair VX550/TX650 (both have decent rebates right now) and the SilverStone Element 500W. I considered a few Mushkin models but there seems to be inconsistent reports re: reliability and noise levels.

Any other recommendations?

 

[ther00kie16]

Corsair 520hx
modular and one of the best power supplies available. Even better deal when you throw in googlecheckout or the 5% off buy.com coupon.

 

[HOOfan 1]

for a PVR, with a smaller Videocard..I would go with something like a Seasonic S12 II 380 Watt.

 

[ther00kie16]

Corsair 520hx and 620hx are Seasonic M12's (m for modular version of s12). If you use cashback and googlecheckout/5% off coupon, the 520hx (after $20 rebate) is actually cheaper than a S12 380w. And it's powerful enough that you can use it in a robust system in the future if needed.
Check out this review.

 

[HOOfan 1]

Originally posted by: ther00kie16Corsair 520hx and 620hx are Seasonic M12's (m for modular version of s12). If you use cashback and googlecheckout/5% off coupon, the 520hx (after $20 rebate) is actually cheaper than a S12 380w. And it's powerful enough that you can use it in a robust system in the future if needed.
Check out this review.

It is also out of stock and with buy.com when it goes out of stock, it is often gone from the site for a while

Plus I never factor rebates in when budgeting...who knows when or if you will get them back

Seasonic S12 II 330 Watt $67 free shipping no rebate required

edit: although I misread the first post...I thought he was looking for a PSU for his PVR, where one would usually want quiet...but he wants it for his primary PC.

Yeah go with the Silverstone or the Corsairs.

 

[ther00kie16]

The corsair wasn't sold out before and buy.com do restock things. I got in on the Antec Earthwatts 380w deal when it was restocked. The S12 330w only has 24A on the 12V rail and may not be enough. The Earthwatts line is also made by Seasonic and would be a better deal than the S12s as they are generally cheaper and output more amps on the 12V rail.
Another option would be the Corsair 450w for $70 - $10 rebate
If you add the 5% off coupon, it's cheaper than the Seasonic S12 and has 33A on 12V rail, which is enough for an overclocked quad cpu and any single gpu video card.

 

[superstition]

The S12 330w only has 24A on the 12V rail and may not be enough. The Earthwatts line is also made by Seasonic and would be a better deal than the S12s as they are generally cheaper and output more amps on the 12V rail.

The S12 has much better cooling.

 

[ther00kie16]

Originally posted by: superstition

The S12 330w only has 24A on the 12V rail and may not be enough. The Earthwatts line is also made by Seasonic and would be a better deal than the S12s as they are generally cheaper and output more amps on the 12V rail.

The S12 has much better cooling.

True, but I'm recommending the the Corsair in my link. However, it seems as if all these Corsair power supplies are going out of stock not long after I post them.