PSU advice

[m1ldslide1]

I'm thinking about getting a new PSU for myself and using my current one (in my sig) for a computer I'm going to build for my GF for xmas. I have a couple of reasons for wanting to upgrade my PSU, first being in anticipation of eventually getting a 8800 GPU or something similar in six months, second being that I'm not able to OC my 7800GT or my Opty175 nearly as far as I expected, leaving me to wonder if less-than-optimal efficiency on the part of my PSU is the culprit.

Anyhow, I was looking at this Fortron source:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104018

and this seasonic:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151027

Both are 550W and around $100. The Fortron is $30 cheaper after rebate, but the Seasonic advertises up to 88% efficiency. Wouldn't 88% be more of a theoretical upper limit, rather than typical results? Shouldn't both PSU's come in around 80%?

Anyhow, I was wondering if anybody had a preference or any other ideas as to what I should get. This is all going on the credit card, so cheaper is definately better, but I want to get something that will last me a couple of years.

Thanks

 

[Howard]

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-E5150GH&c=fr
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817388003

 

[Yellowbeard]

Personally I like the way Jonny Guru tests PSUs. I'd look at his tests on your potential choices. And, you may want to check out the Corsair units too. Of course I'm biased but, people are having fantastic results.

 

[LouPoir]

Yeah - check out the Corsair 520 and 620 - highly rated

 

[John]

Originally posted by: LouPoir
Yeah - check out the Corsair 520 and 620 - highly rated

Did you know that those Corsair units have a 5 year warranty? Of course you did! 😛

 

[Operandi]

Both Forton-Source (FSP) and Seasonic are good choices.

Seasonic however is better in all regards (except price); better component quality, higher efficiency, and lower noise so you do get what you pay for here.

Enhance is also very good at least on par with FSP but not quite as good as Seasonic. The Enhance is also an excellent deal.

Corsair units are built by Seasonic, more less modified verions of the Seasonic S12/M12.

Masscool is most likely at least decent but on the same level as the rest of the PSUs mentioned above.

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: Howard
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-E5150GH&c=fr

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by: Yellowbeard
Personally I like the way Jonny Guru tests PSUs. I'd look at his tests on your potential choices. And, you may want to check out the Corsair units too. Of course I'm biased but, people are having fantastic results.

For once i can agree with a Corsair rep! :Q

The HX620W is superb.

But on that note, do you have an actual explanation for why it's called a tri-12V rail PSU, yet is actually basically just one +12V rail in the sense of how it can be loaded?

I think it's great, since that makes it basically one beast of a single rail, but why the confusing/misleading labelling then?

 

[smthmlk]

That fortron 550 is a beast. A friend of mine has one and it has stood up to some serious loads. However, the seasonic's are a safe bet as well. Either will work fine for your current rig and for any future rig for several years, even if it should include an 8800gtx.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: n7
But on that note, do you have an actual explanation for why it's called a tri-12V rail PSU, yet is actually basically just one +12V rail in the sense of how it can be loaded?

I think it's great, since that makes it basically one beast of a single rail, but why the confusing/misleading labelling then?

Most/many multi-rail PSUs are made this way. All of the Seasonic built units are based on a single 12 rail, and the Seasonic built PCP&C Silencer units are actual single rail units, no current limiters just one big single 12v source.

 

[m1ldslide1]

Wow, that Enhance 500W is very impressive. Is it honestly the exact PSU as the Silverstone that jonnyguru reviews? It averages like 83% at various loads with very little ripple.

The corsair is sweet too with great efficiency, but it's almost twice the price. Looks like I'll probably try out the Enhance. I couldn't find any reviews of the masscool that Howard recommended - besides of course the typical newegg drivel.