use old BFG 450w PSU on new i5-2500k?

[jm0990]

I'm thinking of upgrading my system, and I'm wondering if I can use the PSU I bought 18 months ago with the new setup. The psu is a BFG 450w: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...001&CatId=1483

The new build would look something like:

• core i5-2500k
• asrock p67 pro3
• g.skill 2x2gb 1600
• 1x dvdrw drive
• 1x 7200 rpm hard drive
• 1x 5400 rpm hard drive
• ati radeon hd 5670
• 2 case fans and 1 cpu heatsink fan

I have no plans to overclock, but I'm picking the 'k' version of the processor anyway since it's only $10 extra on newegg. Assuming that I run this setup at stock settings, would I see much of a benefit from buying a larger (maybe 650w xfx or corsair) psu, or should I just save my money for now and use what I've got?

 

[birthdaymonkey]

If the BFG PSU is a good quality one (search for reviews) and has all the connectors you need, then 450 watts is more than enough for that setup. The 5670 is a very low power video card. With that GPU, you could probably overclock the CPU to your heart's content without worrying about the PSU.

EDIT: A quick google search reveals that BFG power supplies aren't well regarded. It would probably be fine for now if you're not OCing, but keep an eye peeled for a good deal on a higher quality PSU. You don't need a lot of wattage, just a quality unit.

 

[Zap]

The BFG GX-450 has 350W continuous output. Single Radeon 5670 with un-overclocked CPU? Should be no problem.

EDIT: A quick google search reveals that BFG power supplies aren't well regarded.

That's all relative. BFG had a few lines of PSUs ranging from the low end G series to the high end E series. The G series was rated at peak output, but if you went by the continuous output (100W less) it was a reasonable PSU. Certainly better than the crap that comes with most cheap cases, and even a heck of a lot better than something like the ever popular Thermaltake TR2-430.

However, enthusiasts were too busy loving them some Corsair to pay much attention to the higher end BFG units, and the lower end units were of course reviled for being rated at peak instead of continuous ("instant hate, just add water"). Oh yeah, didn't help that the first batch of modular EX PSUs for review were missing some capacitors D: leading to poor reviews.

 

[jm0990]

Cool, thanks for the replies. I'll continue using this BFG in the next build, as I've had no problems with it yet in my current core 2 duo setup - but I will keep my eyes open for any deals newegg might have on more efficient PSUs. 🙂

 

[infoiltrator]

The BFG LS and ES? had decent reviews. The better ones.
The GS series (at least the 450 GS, I own one) are built by Huntkey I believe, on one of their lesser platforms. I got it on a bestbuy closeout $20 shipped, been afraid to use it
They are over watted as stated, the components Look heavier than the ones on the more notorious Huntkey's that smoke and burn.
OTOH you can get a Corsair CX 430 for $45 and a $10 rebate from Newegg.
See jonnyguru.com for review.
Also Antec EA430 Green $45 or Xigmatek ACXTNRP-PC 402 400 watt for $35 at newegg.

 

[Zap]

Why be afraid to use it? Just knock 100W off and you'll be fine.

 

[infoiltrator]

If you use the UL number to to trace to the manufactuers site the "closest" build platform/equivalent does NOT inspire confidence in protective circuitry. If there is a chance of pushing "the envelope" components " MAY be at risk.
As I said the build quality seems superior to the Solytech and Deer exploders..
OTOH .. who knows.. it cost me $20 from the BEST BUY outlet a with 30 day warranty.
It looks well made compared to generic psu s granted.
The UL is E181356 (number is tiny but there, good sign), it traces to a Huntkey unit out of the SHENZHEN factory, not good.
The power rating Peak Output combined is 450 watts
The 3.3V + 5 V is 130 watt combined MAX
The 12V supposedly on two rails is 304 watts MAX

I pulled the cover off to look. It appears to have two rails and better build quality than I expected. The two large caps are Teapo 820 uF 85 degree 200 volt, the rest I can see are Fcon ?? wires and construction fair,some output wires 20 gage, heat sinks good. Protection IC's.
One primary transistor not on heat sink. Some motherboard blanks.
Fan is Yate Loon sleeve bearing, high speed, .7 amp. uses plug.
300 or 350 watt about right.
Not expert.

 

[Zap]

If there is a chance of pushing "the envelope" components " MAY be at risk.
As I said the build quality seems superior to the Solytech and Deer exploders..

I've load tested one using a SunMoon against a "450W" Deer. The Deer literally melted and died after a few minutes at around 275W load. The GS450 (yes, made by Huntkey) kept going for over a half hour at 350W continuous load. I stopped testing at that time because it seemed pointless to continue.

Just because Huntkey made it does not automatically make it suspect. In fact they have units up to 1200W (X7 series) which are pretty much up to the level of the typical enthusiast PSUs.

If you are still afraid to use it, send it to me and I'll give you $10. I'll find a good home for it.

 

[infoiltrator]

I am very glad to hear that. I am not an expert. Cover off it appears "better" than I expected. Huntkey does produce some very good units, just did not know if this is one of them.

 

[Zap]

What do you consider a "good" unit? There is "stay in ATX spec and won't blow up." If you want that, then the GS450 will probably do okay. If you want "better regulation than a Corsair AX1200" then you will be disappointed.

 

[infoiltrator]

a GOOD unit provides better than just in spec power and shuts down without damage when stressed. I like known quality internals too.
I got the GS NEW FOR $20 SHIPPED. Worst case the fan, grill, and power cord cost me $20. Best case, if the components load test, and hot box well they are above generic quality.
There is (appears to me) AC transient filtering, and a daughter board with protection circuits, large capacitors are Teapo, not great but adaquately rated. Neat layout, good size heatsinks, weighs about three times what a HEC 485/585 does.
Never heard of Fcon capacitors which worried me. Bad Caps has no use for them, hardwaresecrets found no info, so
I do not believe anyone is going to review the GS with the rigor of Oklahoma Wolf.
I bought it misremembering LS as GS, will I use it, maybe.
Sigh..
The better BFG were Enhance units, this is not..

 

[Zap]

The better BFG units were Enhance, Andyson and Fore Point.

I do not know if these were ever hot box tested. There will be no reviews because, well, these are a few years old already and the company is no more. I do know they will load test at room temperature probably all day long, and they have protection circuitry.

 

[infoiltrator]

Expect its worth using. Wish the caps weren't Fcon. Ah well, Appreciate the information, acceptable.
I picked up two SLK 1650 Anted cases wth power supply, Antec 350 Smartpower 2.0 .
I think these are "blow ups happen" from the bad caps, old Newegg thread.
Ah well $50 for both shipped, lol..
gotta stop doing that..
Any information appreciated. Bad Caps says junk I think (not worth recapping). Owners on Newegg did too.

 

[Zap]

As long as the capacitors in those Smartpower aren't bulging/cracked/leaking, they should be fine.

Badcaps.net is a fine site, however they are fanatical about capacitors.

You need to read "enthusiast" sites with a grain of salt because to an "enthusiast" their chosen "thing" is the only thing worth having, and "everything else is crap." Well, the real world is not black/white. There are certainly "crap" products and "great" products. However, there are also products that fall somewhere (but not necessarily exactly) in the middle, which work fine and can be worth using, but which are certainly not "enthusiast grade." Let me try to use ASCII art to illustrate what I'm talking about.

* = functional
- = crap
# = best

ENTHUSIAST CHART OF PRODUCTS
|--------------------------------------------------------------|#|

CHART OF PRODUCTS IN REALITY
|-------|*************************************|######|

 

[infoiltrator]

Yes.
Started learnning to build computers almost a year ago, some backround from twenty years ago. I like the best of the best but can't afford it and don't need it.
Started by collecting some old Compaq/HP partials, great learning experience but not really worth while, lol
Started buying components on custumer reviews, saints preserve me, then went overboard. I expect builds will wind up with friends or family so I am fussy..
Have 90% of the parts to complete two 785 (Athlon II x2 255, Phenom II 545), an 880 (probably Athlon II x3 435 or better) and intel p31 E6700 3.2 .
Crazy but need stay home hobby of some use.
Learning curve getting better.
Hey, I can recognize the insides of a power supply now..