PSU questions, fortron units I'm looking at.

[PingSpike]

I'm thinking of upgrading my amd dual core rig to a x1900xt in the near future. My PSU is currently a fortron ax450. While I think it could probably handle it...I think I might be better served by grabbing something a little more beefy. Additionally, I've heard the ax series has cheapo caps, although I've had no problems with the unit so far.

I've been looking these two similar units:
Text
Text

I don't really intend to run dual video cards any time soon, especially since my motherboard doesn't support crossfire. Are these units overkill? I want a little headroom for the future. Any other units I should be looking at? I've just stuck with fortron in the past but I'm not married to them.

 

[eljaye925]

OCZ GamesXstream 600 (Fortron Epsillon)

 

[Operandi]

The Forton you have will work fine. The AX series dose use cheaper caps but it's Forton's budget line so you got what you paid for. Either way I've never heard of a FSP unit deing prematurely.

If you want to replace the only reason would be for a better unit not one with more power. The two FSP units you listed are defiantly much better but they may be on the louder side due to the use of the 80mm fan and their server / work station target market.

I would suggest the Seasonic S12, FSP Epsillon, or some of the Enhance units.

 

[PianoMan]

When I upped to an X1900XT, there was a noticeable increase in current draw. I've got my 120mm case fan hooked to the PSU's fan control lead, and it would spin the fans (PSU and case) at 900rpm with a 7800GT, but idle at 1250rpm with a 1900XT. Gaming would spin the fans up to max (2000rpm). It's a 480W PSU and handling it capably, but I think a 550W'ish unit would stress out a bit less.

Originally posted by: PingSpike
Error reading poptart in Drive A: Delete kids y/n?

LOL!

PM

 

[Zepper]

In Fortron/Sparkle PSUs, the FSP prefix signifies their top line - add active PFC and you're in the top half of the top line. So I can't imagine that they wouldn't work for you. But don't miss the 5140/5150GH Enhance units at eWiz.com via Froogle ( save a little money that way).

The Fortron Epsilon series has a ripple problem (see jonnyguru.com) - I won't recommend those until that problem is remedied.

.bh.

 

[PingSpike]

I haven't heard much about the enhance units. They seem pretty affordable on ewiz.

I'm just not sure if I need 4 12v rails for a non-sli setup. But at the same time, I'd just rather avoid potential problems by a) buying a little more then I need and b) buying a solid unit.

 

[Ayah]

Originally posted by: PingSpike
I haven't heard much about the enhance units. They seem pretty affordable on ewiz.

I'm just not sure if I need 4 12v rails for a non-sli setup. But at the same time, I'd just rather avoid potential problems by a) buying a little more then I need and b) buying a solid unit.

Listen to Zepper, he knows what he's talking about.

 

[Zepper]

Well, the 600W Enhance has four +12V rails too and is just under $100. at eWiz via Froogle. You don't hear as much about Enhance as some other PSU makers because until now Enhance has been an OEM. For example, Silverstone brand PSUs are made by Enhance. Until Alienware was bought by Dell, they used Enhance PSUs exclusively. Now they have to use whoever Dell uses as a supplier.

.bh.

 

[PingSpike]

Thanks for explaining the relationship to me Zepper. I couldn't find them on newegg, but I've dealt with ewiz in the past and had a good experience with them.

 

[JEDIYoda]

The Enhance line of PSU`s has always been very good and reliable!

 

[PingSpike]

I ordered the 5150gh. I fell for the modular design and excellent efficancy.

 

[Zepper]

I wasn't aware that the 5150GH was modular. Now the Silverstone version may be... I generally don't recommend modular PSUs.

.bh.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Zepper
I wasn't aware that the 5150GH was modular. Now the Silverstone version may be... I generally don't recommend modular PSUs.

.bh.

The 5150GH is NOT modular. Only the ENS-0560G is modular.


...Galvanized

 

[acegazda]

right... still it was a good buy, albiet an uninformed one. Zepper, you wouldn't recommend the corsiar 520/620w modular units?

 

[PingSpike]

You're right, its not modular. I think I had it sort of mixed up with another enhance unit from their website. I don't really care though so no big deal. I think the silverstone version might be from the review I read and that may also be why I thought it was.

 

[Zepper]

Nope - just adds another set of contacts that can fall victim to corrosion, falling out, loose crimps, shoddy quality contacts, etc. etc. KISS is my motto.

.bh.