Quiet, Decent Power Supply Suggestions

[pieman7]

I'm shopping around for a decent new power supply. I've read good things about SilenX &amp; Zalman, but don't want to spend that much. Something under $70 (after shipping). And < 25db would be good, although companies don't seem to list any noise levels. Also looking around the 400W range, to hopefully handle any future PC expansion. I've noticed some PSUs have active PFC. Does this really do anything significant? It sounds like a good thing, but I don't have a clue.

Lots of members here seems to like the Antec True430, but it has no PFC. The Silverstone SST-ST40F looks promising, and has PFC. Anyone have strong feelings for favorite quiet power supplies?

Thanks.

 

[Metron]

Pieman,

Check out EndPCNoise for a discussion on PFC Unlike most other sites, they actually post dB ratings for their products. I highly recommend them.

I really like the Nexus power supplies. I have this Nexus 300 watt, $69 in my machine, and it's 19.8 dB.

*edit*
If I were building a new machine, I'd probably buy this Nexus 350 watt, 19.2 dB, $75.

You'll want to upgrade your case fans, video card fans, and hard drives. All are potential noise sources.

Check out my sig... I put my money into keeping it quiet.

Metron

 

[DaveSimmons]

www.SilentPCReview.com reviews and forums. The Nexus 300 watt in my server is very quiet. I believe the $54 Zalman 300watt at newegg also got a good review at SPCR.

 

[Lyfer]

monarchcompuer.com has a Fortron FSP530W PSU on sale for $74 shipped. Fortron is among the best in PSU's with Antec/Enermax, this PSU is very well built and includes SATA connectors. Get one and be done with.🙂

linky


Review of Fortron 530W vs Antec TruePower 550

 

[Zepper]

A PSU that has active PFC will generally be a top-end unit in a given line - so its presence is a good indicator of quality, but unless you have a good number of them sucking power on your meter, it won't save you much money. In many socialist countries (e.g. most of Europe), PFC PSUs are required - not to save consumers money, but to help enable the state monopoly power suppliers not to have to operate like real companies. It goes witout saying that it doesn't matter how much that policy costs the consumer...
. Some of the PSU comparison tests on the web show the PFC units to be more efficient (instantaneous (Watts Out/Watts In)x100=%) which should equal less waste heat. Enough to justify the extra cost? I don't know...
. BTW, I like that Silverstone too. Made by Enhance.
.bh.