PSU Which to use?

[CLohre]

Hey guys,

Which PSU should I use I have 2
A Maxpower 400w (havn't heard great things from them) and a Antec 350w PSU which would work better in this setup?

Mainboard : MSI K8N Neo2-F
Processor : AMD Athlon 64 3000+ @ 1800 Mhz
Chipset : nVIDIA® nForce3 Ultra
RAM : 1024 MB (x2 256Mb Kingston,x1 512 Samsung)
Video Card : PNY GeForce 6800 GT 256Mb
Hard Disk 1: WDC WD800BB (80 GB)
Hard Disk 2: WDC WD400EB (40 GB)
CD-Rom Recorder : 52X24X52 CD-RW
DVD-Rom Drive : JLMS XJ-HD166S (48x )
SoundCard: SB Audigy 2 ZS

 

[EatSpam]

None of the above... get a 400W+ PSU from Fortron, Sparkle, or Zippy/EMACS. They're not that expensive and will be adequate to power your system.

 

[CLohre]

Originally posted by: EatSpam
None of the above... get a 400W+ PSU from Fortron, Sparkle, or Zippy/EMACS. They're not that expensive and will be adequate to power your system.

Okay point taken. At the moment I have not the money (I will buy a better one in the future)
But Out of these two? Which would be better in the meantime?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I'll get a better one later LOL

Your system is better in some areas than mine. It's not a BMW M3 but it's not a Jetta either.

Why would you compromise a nice rig like that, what did it ever do to you.

Both AMD and MSI have support pages for reccomended PSUs, Expect to lay-out $60-$80

for a good unit. There are lots of threads in the General Hardware Forum on PSUs.

There is still one on or near the first page titled, "Why have I never heard of this PSU

before." Not only will it be a good read but there are several worthy links to consider

reading.

New builders treat the PSU as an after thought. Go to howstuffworks.com and read about

PC Power Supplies. Even there they admonish those that do this.

The PSU IS the MOST inportant componet in your system. Give it what it deserves.




Galvanized

 

[Pythias]

Originally posted by: CLohre

Originally posted by: EatSpam
None of the above... get a 400W+ PSU from Fortron, Sparkle, or Zippy/EMACS. They're not that expensive and will be adequate to power your system.

Okay point taken. At the moment I have not the money (I will buy a better one in the future)
But Out of these two? Which would be better in the meantime?

Buy a better one NOW. You can always upgrade ram or video later. You really dont want to jeopardize your entire system like that. Your frames will be -54975497 per sec if your system is dead. :laugh:

 

[JBDan]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
I'll get a better one later LOL

Your system is better in some areas than mine. It's not a BMW M3 but it's not a Jetta either.

Why would you compromise a nice rig like that, what did it ever do to you.

Both AMD and MSI have support pages for reccomended PSUs, Expect to lay-out $60-$80

for a good unit. There are lots of threads in the General Hardware Forum on PSUs.

There is still one on or near the first page titled, "Why have I never heard of this PSU

before." Not only will it be a good read but there are several worthy links to consider

reading.

New builders treat the PSU as an after thought. Go to howstuffworks.com and read about

PC Power Supplies. Even there they admonish those that do this.

The PSU IS the MOST inportant componet in your system. Give it what it deserves.




Galvanized

I concur. Get a quality psu. OP: If your only choice is between the 2 you listed, I would go Antec over the other.

 

[Operandi]

The Antec should be fine assuming it's relatively recent with a good 12v rail.

 

[JEDIYoda]

To be honest there are way too many people saying this is best or do this or don`t use that brand.
When it comes to PSU`s I have read many many articles til I am blew in the face....
Yet I haven`t changed my opinion concerning PSU`s one bit!!

You need to get a PSU first of all works- reliably!
2nd of all let me tell you even a cheap generic PSU will work up to a point!
That point being there will or might come a time when your computer reboots or possibly freezes due the PSU not being able to send enough power to your harddrives.

Possibly because you have too many fans hooked up or even too many other gadgets!!

It has been my experience that if you go the cheap route you probably will not find a PSU that has enough amps on the 12v rail!!

My OKIA has 18 amps(not enuff) Which has caused me to have to replace it due to the amout of stuff I am running with in my computer!!

But with that said---- If could get a Fortron or a Seasinic or even a OCZ brand with the same 420 watts and with the same 18 amps on the 12v rails I would have the same problem!!

Thus its true what they say about spending a little or a lot of money on a good power supply!!

Although a cheap power supply will work as you keep adding things such as fans ....vid card upgrade...etc.....your "cheap" power supply will not be able to produce enough juice to run your computer!!

I will be ordering a PSU tonight thus...I`m still undecided but I`m leaning towards an OCZ Powerstream......still shopping around.....haven`t made up my mind yet!!

 

[Pythias]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda
To be honest there are way too many people saying this is best or do this or don`t use that brand.
When it comes to PSU`s I have read many many articles til I am blew in the face....
Yet I haven`t changed my opinion concerning PSU`s one bit!!

You need to get a PSU first of all works- reliably!
2nd of all let me tell you even a cheap generic PSU will work up to a point!
That point being there will or might come a time when your computer reboots or possibly freezes due the PSU not being able to send enough power to your harddrives.

Possibly because you have too many fans hooked up or even too many other gadgets!!

It has been my experience that if you go the cheap route you probaly will not find a PSU that has enough amps on the 12v rail!!

My OKIA has 18 amps(not enuff) Which has caused me to have to replace it due to the amout of stuff I am running with in my computer!!

But with that said---- If could get a Fortron or a Seasinic or even a OCZ brand with the same 420 watts and with the same 18 amps on the 12v rails I would have the same problem!!

Thus its true what they say about spending a little or a lot of money on a good power supply!!

Although a chep power supply will work as you keep adding things such as fans ....vid card upgrade...etc.....your "cheap" power supply will not be able to produce enough juice to run your computer!!

I will be ordering a PSU tonight thus...I`m still undecided but I`m leaning towards an OCZ Powerstream......still shopping around.....haven`t made up my mind yet!!

I have to disagree with you. At what temp was your okia rated to run 18 amps? Did you check your 12v with a multimeter? I could very well be that you okia wasnt able to sustain 18 amps on that rail under strain. Whereas a quality psu would fluctuate very little. All psus where not created equal, and just because the label say 18 amps doesnt mean its going to maintain that as temps rise.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

OP, go with the Antec if you must. We are not being mean, only firm. Too many have lost

data from HDDs crashing and bad voltage drops causing ram to malfunction. If you want

fast smooth gamming, you gotta bite the bullet.

I know this is a rated 300watt PSU, but conpare its specification to the Antec you've chosen.

At newegg, Zippy HP2-6300P-SATA, $75. It has it all, good overload protection and

ACTIVE PFC. I'm not saying buy it, just look at the real ratings of what you are offered.

Read or ask what some of the termanoligy means, if you don't understand it. I've been

shopping for a PSU for the last week and will order in the AM. 460watt@$85+tax+shp.

And the EPS 24pin is going to have to be extracted and put in a ATX20pin by your truely.



Galvanized

 

[JEDIYoda]

I`m very familiar with terminology!!
Yes I did use a meter to check the 12v rail for stability under load!
That was not the issue!
The issue as stated was I just need more amps on the 12v rail!!

Yes I do appreciate your posting in response tomy post!!

 

[Zepper]

I've not been able to determine anywhere that the Okia PSUs are anything but junk PSUs sold in a low end line of cases (Broadway). Anyone have any evidence to the contrary???

.bh.

 

[Pythias]

Originally posted by: Zepper
I've not been able to determine anywhere that the Okia PSUs are anything but junk PSUs sold in a low end line of cases (Broadway). Anyone have any evidence to the contrary???

.bh.

I can say without a doubt that okias definately aren't not junk.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Pythias

Originally posted by: Zepper
I've not been able to determine anywhere that the Okia PSUs are anything but junk PSUs sold in a low end line of cases (Broadway). Anyone have any evidence to the contrary???

.bh.

I can say without a doubt that okias definately aren't not junk.

Your --12V line is runnin' pretty strong there At this point i would not even consider a rebrand or OEM....of any PSU. All testing must be done in house...witness Antec's caps.
Even if I was a fan-boy of Antec i'd get the willies thinking of leaking caps. I have talked to a respected tech that lost several HDDs before he found out what was causing voltage spikes. A neophite like me wouldn't stand a chance. I'm not bad mouthing Antec, but a supplier slipped one by them. You generally get what you pay for.

Galvanized

 

[Insomniak]

Out of those two, Antec every time.

 

[EatSpam]

Originally posted by: CLohre

Originally posted by: EatSpam
None of the above... get a 400W+ PSU from Fortron, Sparkle, or Zippy/EMACS. They're not that expensive and will be adequate to power your system.

Okay point taken. At the moment I have not the money (I will buy a better one in the future)
But Out of these two? Which would be better in the meantime?

My point was that neither of those power supplies will work properly and you will have nothing but problems.

 

[Zepper]

. I've never heard of Maxpower (unless it's another nomme de guerre of Powmax) and the Antec may be a bit weak for your application. Since neither may be up to the task alone, why not use them both until you can afford a REAL PSU? That way you won't be loading either of them too much.
. There are numerous HOWTOs around the web for setting up dual PSUs. Use the Antec to power the mobo (ATX connector) and CPU (P4-12V, if present) and the Maxpower for the peripherals.

.bh.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Zepper
I've not been able to determine anywhere that the Okia PSUs are anything but junk PSUs sold in a low end line of cases (Broadway). Anyone have any evidence to the contrary???

.bh.

You would be suprised the people who are using OKIA PSU`s in everyday applications and even for over clocking.
I do understand your one of these get a real PSU!!

yet lets take alook at that statement...

if as you say OKIA`s were total junk I seriously doubt that alot of case manufacturers would be using OKIA in most cases made today that come with a PSU...
Makes no sense to use a junky PSU!!
Especially from a manufacturing stand point!!

Yet As I staed in my last post....

let me tell you even a cheap generic PSU will work up to a point!
That point being there will or might come a time when your computer reboots or possibly freezes due the PSU not being able to send enough power to your harddrives.

Possibly because you have too many fans hooked up or even too many other gadgets!!

It has been my experience that if you go the cheap route you probably will not find a PSU that has enough amps on the 12v rail!!

My OKIA has 18 amps(not enuff) Which has caused me to have to replace it due to the amout of stuff I am running with in my computer!!

But with that said---- If could get a Fortron or a Seasinic or even a OCZ brand with the same 420 watts and with the same 18 amps on the 12v rails I would have the same problem!!

Thus its true what they say about spending a little or a lot of money on a good power supply!!

Although a cheap power supply will work as you keep adding things such as fans ....vid card upgrade...etc.....your "cheap" power supply will not be able to produce enough juice to run your computer!!

Thus the need to get a PSU that has more amps going to the 12v as well as more amps period!

many people have used and still use OKIA as there PSU...for whatever reason to and including not being able to afford a "quality" PSU!!

 

[Pythias]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: Zepper
I've not been able to determine anywhere that the Okia PSUs are anything but junk PSUs sold in a low end line of cases (Broadway). Anyone have any evidence to the contrary???

.bh.

You would be suprised the people who are using OKIA PSU`s in everyday applications and even for over clocking.
I do understand your one of these get a real PSU!!

yet lets take alook at that statement...

if as you say OKIA`s were total junk I seriously doubt that alot of case manufacturers would be using OKIA in most cases made today that come with a PSU...
Makes no sense to use a junky PSU!!
Especially from a manufacturing stand point!!

Yet As I staed in my last post....

let me tell you even a cheap generic PSU will work up to a point!
That point being there will or might come a time when your computer reboots or possibly freezes due the PSU not being able to send enough power to your harddrives.

Possibly because you have too many fans hooked up or even too many other gadgets!!

It has been my experience that if you go the cheap route you probably will not find a PSU that has enough amps on the 12v rail!!

My OKIA has 18 amps(not enuff) Which has caused me to have to replace it due to the amout of stuff I am running with in my computer!!

But with that said---- If could get a Fortron or a Seasinic or even a OCZ brand with the same 420 watts and with the same 18 amps on the 12v rails I would have the same problem!!

Thus its true what they say about spending a little or a lot of money on a good power supply!!

Although a cheap power supply will work as you keep adding things such as fans ....vid card upgrade...etc.....your "cheap" power supply will not be able to produce enough juice to run your computer!!

Thus the need to get a PSU that has more amps going to the 12v as well as more amps period!

many people have used and still use OKIA as there PSU...for whatever reason to and including not being able to afford a "quality" PSU!!

Who are these "many people" can you provide some product reviews? What manufacturers
use them in their cases? Can you name a few? Why does okia rate their units at max power as opposed to continuous? Care to put a 500 watt okia next to a 400 watt zippy?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Hey you two, knock it off!

The OP has a post count of *EIGHT* and you two are having a pissing contest
in his thread.

Take it outside at resess and duke-it-out behind the restroom.

I PMed him and apologised for the kids behavior and offered to help him
by offing up a selection of PSUs to his price point.

New ppl come here for help....Not what you two have posted. I feel as if this were OT or P&N.



Galvanized

 

[Pythias]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
Hey you two, knock it off!

The OP has a post count of *EIGHT* and you two are having a pissing contest
in his thread.

Take it outside at resess and duke-it-out behind the restroom.

I PMed him and apologised for the kids behavior and offered to help him
by offing up a selection of PSUs to his price point.

New ppl come here for help....Not what you two have posted. I feel as if this were OT or P&N.



Galvanized

You're right. I went way off topic, and I apologize.

 

[CLohre]

My, My what did I start....

I agree I should buy a better PSU. I will use my antec 350w because I know it's more reliable then that MAxPower... :iece oh crap::

But anyways thanks for your replies. My system seems to be running table as of right know my next investment is a new PSU and a new case (need more fans)

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: CLohre
My, My what did I start....

I agree I should buy a better PSU. I will use my antec 350w because I know it's more reliable then that MAxPower... :iece oh crap::

But anyways thanks for your replies. My system seems to be running table as of right know my next investment is a new PSU and a new case (need more fans)

So, your system is running *TABLE*. That's on hell of a system does it buss table too

I have an old junker PSU that is used just to bench test stuff. Jumper green to black on the
20 pin ATX and the unit will fire-up. I've only used it to pre-test fans before they are installed.
Just to make sure. A used case does not sell for much, so try a hand at modding it before you change it out.

Glad to see you came back at us


Galvanized

 

[JEDIYoda]

Pythias states---

Who are these "many people" can you provide some product reviews? What manufacturers
use them in their cases? Can you name a few? Why does okia rate their units at max power as opposed to continuous? Care to put a 500 watt okia next to a 400 watt zippy?

There are quite a few case manufacturer that also include PSU`s with there cases....almost all those PSU`s are the generic OKIA brand or made by the same company that makes OKIA!!

Also most of the turbolink brands as well as the AAZZA as well as the Use to be even Raidmax used the OKIA in there systems....specs still the same just a different name...
even the COLORSit PSU all the same company...

Pythias.....asking me to provide a product review for a generic power supply...too funny....

Also can you read and comprehend or did you just post becuase you have trouble comprehending what others post?

read slowly what I said......once again....

let me tell you even a cheap generic PSU will work up to a point! --self explanatory!!
That point being there will or might come a time when your computer reboots or possibly freezes due the PSU not being able to send enough power to your harddrives. -- again doesn`t take as brain surgeon to figure out what I said...correct?

Possibly because you have too many fans hooked up or even too many other gadgets!!

It has been my experience that if you go the cheap route you probably will not find a PSU that has enough amps on the 12v rail!! --- Not exactly a resounding endorsement of generic PSU`s!! Correct?

My OKIA has 18 amps(not enuff) Which has caused me to have to replace it due to the amoun of stuff I am running with in my computer!! --- self explanatory!!

But with that said---- If could get a Fortron or a Seasinic or even a OCZ brand with the same 420 watts and with the same 18 amps on the 12v rails I would have the same problem!! --- any problems with this statement?? Is state using facts no an bogus opinion whats wrong with the statement?

Thus its true what they say about spending a little or a lot of money on a good power supply!!

Although a cheap power supply will work as you keep adding things such as fans ....vid card upgrade...etc.....your "cheap" power supply will not be able to produce enough juice to run your computer!! -- again the statement speaks for itself unless of course there are other issues...

Have a nice day!!!

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Give it a rest.

?would you rather be right or happy?

Retail therapy does not work for everyone:Q

Let it go. Your e-penis is the greatest in the land, I bow to the massive

light saber of the most honerable Jedi, the most *high* Yota. (bows thrice to the mice)

Getting in a fight in an empty room. There's State Hospitals for ppl that do it.

Jeeze Louezz!


Galvanized