Recommendation on PSU with LED fan?

[Ind0mi3]

Something like Antec SmartBlue, 350W or above. Looking for something decently priced and quiet.

-TIA-

 

[Zepper]

I'd buy a good PSU and put the fan of my choice into it - or just modify the one I have. That way I get just what I want - not what some marketer at Antec "thinks" I want...
.bh.

 

[Ind0mi3]

Originally posted by: Zepper
I'd buy a good PSU and put the fan of my choice into it - or just modify the one I have. That way I get just what I want - not what some marketer at Antec "thinks" I want...
.bh.

In that case, what good PSU should I get that will allow me to swap the fan, also what brand of LED fan should I get for decent performance and quiet. Thanks again, and sorry for the noob question.

 

[Zepper]

The fans in most PSUs are standard 80x25mm, 12V fans - they are easily replaced. You may have to cut the fan leads and splice the new one in - and join the "Void Warranty" club. Or it may be one of the few left that still uses a two pin connector similar to the mobo fan connectors. So it's best to have the PSU on hand - determine the connection method and Amp rating of the stock fan (usually about 0.15Amp). You can get either about the same Amp rating for similar to stock performance or up the Amp rating for higher performance (or ignore the Amp rating entirely and go by the RPM/CFM/dB specs. And you can get a much better quality, dual ball bearing fan - stock are usually cheap sleeve bearing fans of which I've replaced many - often the first thing to go on a system.
. You have lots of other options when you install your own fan(s). You can set it up for manual speed control or use the thermal sensing speed control that's already built in to most modern PSUs (I felt my PSU ran its fan too slow - the exhaust air was too warm - so now it's manually controlled). You can choose one with a tach lead (usually a 3-pin/3-wire connector) and connect it straight to a mobo fan connector or to a custom fan controller so you can monitor it. The options are almost endless.
. SVC.com is a good place to start when shopping for fans - large selection, generally low prices and flexible shipping options. 2cooltek.com is another fan source. The sticky topic at the top of the Cases/Cooling section lists many other suppliers.
.bh.

 

[FPSguy]

For quality, get the Antec TrueBlue 480W. If you want something even more "flashy" (some people would say ricey), you might try something like this.

 

[Ind0mi3]

Thanks people. Zepper, that's a very thorough and technical explanation - I am taking my time to digest it. True Power is way $$$, out of my budget >_<

 

[sharkAttakk]

Depending on your system load, get the Antec TrueBlue 350W. This is what I have plugged into it, no problems:

AMD Barton 2500+
512 MB Crucial DDR
Radeon 9600 XT
SoundBlaster Live!
Maxtor 80Gb HD
Maxtor 30GB HD
Pioneer 16x DVD
Plextor 12x10x32 CD/RW
Various USB Devices
4 case fans
4 LED's

400W+ PSU's are way, way, waaaaaaay overkill for most applications. Get a decent 350 and you'll be fine.

 

[0roo0roo]

going the mod route any reputable psu is ok. just string the new fans cables out to a fan speed controller and have complete control. just read up on how to take apart psu's before you try it. don't touch the big caps.

 

[smahoney]

I am really happy with my TrueBlue 480. It's nice to not have to worry about your PSU.

 

[zodder]

I just bought a Aeropower II+ Titanium 550W PSU and so far it's been fantastic. It holds the rails very, very tightly and it's a very good looking PSU. All this for around $110! I would highly recommend it so far.

 

[Tom]

I don't know if this one is good or not but it's more in my price range.


Pretty power supply

 

[FPSguy]

Originally posted by: Dead Parrot Sketch
I don't know if this one is good or not but it's more in my price range. Pretty power supply

I had a "Real PC Power" power supply. It lasted about two months and when it did work the rail voltages were all over the place. Then I bought an Antec TrueBlue 480, which is still going strong.

 

[smahoney]

550W PSU for $30 bucks....

A Yugo was a cheap car too....