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Replacement PSU advice

S

Salamander

Member
I need to replace the PSU on one of my desktop computers. The specs are as follows:

PSU – Antec TRUE 430 Watt Quiet Power Supply with Dual Smart Fans.
Motherboard IntelD875PBZLK Pentium 4 3.2GHz
Lite On DVD-ROM
Plextor DVD+/-RW (PX-708A)
SoundBlaster Audiby 2 ZS
Corsair XMS 2GB DDR 400
NVidia GeForce 6200 AGP
WD Caviar Blue 320 GB HD
Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 320 GB HD
Floppy Drive
Canapus ADVC 1394 card and bay
Zalman HSF
1 side case fan

I am looking for a PSU that is in the 480-500 watt range, and that is quieter than the Antec TRUE 430 Watt PSU. Any suggestions?
 
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Unless you're planning some power-hungry upgrades, 400W is more than enough. Antec, Corsair, Seasonic or XFX are good brands to choose from.
 
theAnimal said:
Unless you're planning some power-hungry upgrades, 400W is more than enough. Antec, Corsair, Seasonic or XFX are good brands to choose from.
Click to expand...

Those are pretty much the only brands I'll even consider for my computers...and only if they're Seasonic builds.

Personally, I like a bit of "headroom" in my PSUs. I have a Corsair HX620 that I bought for my last build...also a P4 rig...and it's in my new build. (15-760)

Even though MOST of the time, I draw between 150-200 watts, during gaming, that might spike to 225 or even 250 watts! 😛

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2138210

yes, a GOOD quality 400-500 watt PSU should be plenty for the OP's build...I didn't see any great deals at Newegg for Seasonic builds...but there are several in the $45-$60 range.
 
I'm most likely buying from NewEgg. Does anyone know how the Antec Neo Eco 520C compares to the Antec TRUE 430 in terms of noise level and compatibility with my system?
 
BoomerD said:
Those are pretty much the only brands I'll even consider for my computers...and only if they're Seasonic builds.

Personally, I like a bit of "headroom" in my PSUs. I have a Corsair HX620 that I bought for my last build...also a P4 rig...and it's in my new build. (15-760)

Even though MOST of the time, I draw between 150-200 watts, during gaming, that might spike to 225 or even 250 watts! 😛

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2138210

yes, a GOOD quality 400-500 watt PSU should be plenty for the OP's build...I didn't see any great deals at Newegg for Seasonic builds...but there are several in the $45-$60 range.
Click to expand...

You like your headroom to be 3x what you draw? Because not only does that cost you when buying the PSU, it also costs you on the efficiency scale at idle, which is where most people spend most of their time.
 
Id have to be honest, those antec 430 watt power supplies were known back in the day for failing like crazy. I had one that ended up corrupting a hard drive then ultimately dying after doing so cause it was failing and not supplying sufficient power. Not to mention it is so old it is probably a lot less efficient than a newer psu. Id get a new one just based on that. But ya, probably dont need anything crazy. A $30-$40 500watter of decent quality should do the trick.
 
Based on your specs any 80 plus certified PSU from a quality manufacturer over 300.

I will personally vouch for an Earthwatts 380, a PSU that is not only more than you need but is also nice, quiet and inexpensive.
 
I'm most likely buying from NewEgg. Does anyone know how the Antec Neo Eco 520C compares to the Antec TRUE 430 in terms of noise level and compatibility with my system?
Click to expand...
Neo Eco 520C is a Seasonic built unit, I would expect it to be pretty quiet as well as being high quality for such a low $ unit. In theory though, fan noise level tends to increase not only with increasing power consumption, but with decreasing efficiency (= increasing waste heat). It could be worth your while to get at least 80+ bronze, e.g.

Antec Earthwatts 380D $40 (15A & 17A +12V)*
Antec HCG-400 $50 AR (30A +12V), Seasonic-built
Antec Earthwatts 430D $45 (16A & 17A +12V)*
Antec Earthwatts 500D $50 AR (2x 22A +12V)*
PCP&C Silencer Mk II 500W $55 AR (36A +12V), 5-year warranty

*Delta-built, no power cord included

And if you want eliminate all fan noise:

Seasonic SS-400FL $100 AR (33A +12V)
Seasonic SS-460FL $110 AR (38A +12V)

Both of the above are 80+ gold, fanless, have extremely good voltage regulation, full modularity and come with 5-year warranty. For twice the cost over the 80+ bronze units, it's not so bad. A small amount of that price would be paid back as reduced cost of electricity over the years.
 
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lehtv said:
Neo Eco 520C is a Seasonic built unit, I would expect it to be pretty quiet as well as being high quality for such a low $ unit. In theory though, fan noise level tends to increase not only with increasing power consumption, but with decreasing efficiency (= increasing waste heat). It could be worth your while to get at least 80+ bronze, e.g.

Antec Earthwatts 380D $40 (15A & 17A +12V)*
Antec HCG-400 $50 AR (30A +12V), Seasonic-built
Antec Earthwatts 430D $45 (16A & 17A +12V)*
Antec Earthwatts 500D $50 AR (2x 22A +12V)*
PCP&C Silencer Mk II 500W $55 AR (36A +12V), 5-year warranty

*Delta-built, no power cord included

And if you want eliminate all fan noise:

Seasonic SS-400FL $100 AR (33A +12V)
Seasonic SS-460FL $110 AR (38A +12V)

Both of the above are 80+ gold, fanless, have extremely good voltage regulation, full modularity and come with 5-year warranty. For twice the cost over the 80+ bronze units, it's not so bad. A small amount of that price would be paid back as reduced cost of electricity over the years.
Click to expand...

Are they all compatible with my Intel D875PBZLK mobo?
 
Yes, the 20+4 pin ATX power connectors are compatible with the 20-pin mobo header, and the 4+4pin connectors are compatible with the 4-pin CPU header.

EDIT: Not sure if it matters that the TruePower 430W has 36A on the +5V and 28A on the +3V, while the new EA430D, for example, only has 20A on both, but a much stronger +12V rail. I know older systems used more power from the +3V and +5V rails that are now minor rails... maybe someone can chime in on that one
 
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lehtv said:
Neo Eco 520C is a Seasonic built unit, I would expect it to be pretty quiet as well as being high quality for such a low $ unit. In theory though, fan noise level tends to increase not only with increasing power consumption, but with decreasing efficiency (= increasing waste heat). It could be worth your while to get at least 80+ bronze, e.g.

Antec Earthwatts 380D $40 (15A & 17A +12V)*
Antec HCG-400 $50 AR (30A +12V), Seasonic-built
Antec Earthwatts 430D $45 (16A & 17A +12V)*
Antec Earthwatts 500D $50 AR (2x 22A +12V)*
PCP&C Silencer Mk II 500W $55 AR (36A +12V), 5-year warranty

*Delta-built, no power cord included

And if you want eliminate all fan noise:

Seasonic SS-400FL $100 AR (33A +12V)
Seasonic SS-460FL $110 AR (38A +12V)

Both of the above are 80+ gold, fanless, have extremely good voltage regulation, full modularity and come with 5-year warranty. For twice the cost over the 80+ bronze units, it's not so bad. A small amount of that price would be paid back as reduced cost of electricity over the years.
Click to expand...

If the 400 watt psu has an 80mm fan and the 520 watt psu has a 120mm fan, does the better efficiency of the 400 watt psu result in less noise even though the fan is smaller?
 
The HCG-400 has a 135mm fan. The Antec Earthwatts units use an 80mm fan, and based on what I've read those are pretty quiet units, probably not least because of the good efficiency. Personally I would rather go with the HCG-400 though as it's a Seasonic.
 
I just bout the NEO ECO 520C and love it. Its very quiet, and the quality is quite good. Got it for $45 from a sale that NewEgg just had.

With that said, I have my old Antec 430 Basiq for sell for cheap if you want it. It should be more than enough for your system. I upgraded because I was drawing too much current off one of the 12V rails.
 
A simple and easy way to estimate the quality of a PC power supply. ... is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of this advice. .... would help me make an educated decision when purchasing a replacement power supply. ...
UNHCO
 
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