PSU Questions???

[DerwenArtos12]

First of all I am not new to computers but have not needed a new psu yet. I am currently using an OLD 300w that is the most stable I have ever found. I believe it is an Antec. However, I have recently added 2 more HDD making three, I have dual CCFL and dual opticals and it has begtun to sag when I turn on and off the CCFLs. I take it this means that it is just now pwerful enough. So, I am in the market for a new one. As I have never bought one before I have very little idea what to look for. I am looking for a fairly inexpensive ~400W. How is this one? Or do any of you have a suggestions?

 

[NumbaJuan]

Its pretty hard to go wrong with Antec & Enermax, both are very good.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

The one thing I noticed abut both of them is that they have 18A +12v lines. The powmax(as linked above) has 25A +12v line. Wouldn't that hlep keep the system more stable as I turned on and off the CCFL? Also all the lines seemed to have a higher amperage on them, I am new to psu's asI said but that would seem better wouldn't it?

 

[Matthias99]

Yes, but I've heard nothing but bad things about PowMax power supplies, especially the 'big' ones (which often don't live up to specs when really pushed hard).

this is a nice 430W Antec. It 'only' has 20A on the +12V line, but what's the wattage on that CCFLs? Unless it's more than 60W total (5A @ 12V), I really doubt you'd need more than this. Almost everything (besides your processor and parts of the MB) runs off of 3.3V and 5V now, which is why those lines have lots and lots of amps available on big power supplies.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: Matthias99
Yes, but I've heard nothing but bad things about PowMax power supplies, especially the 'big' ones (which often don't live up to specs when really pushed hard).

this is a nice 430W Antec. It 'only' has 20A on the +12V line, but what's the wattage on that CCFLs? Unless it's more than 60W total (5A @ 12V), I really doubt you'd need more than this. Almost everything (besides your processor and parts of the MB) runs off of 3.3V and 5V now, which is why those lines have lots and lots of amps available on big power supplies.

That is $66, I know i said inexpensive somewhere in there. Is that really a good price for a ~400W? How about silverstone? just found one of those and it seems as though it would be good. Also what do you guys think or just getting a seond psu? The one I have is rock solid.