"Value Priced" 550W Power Supply

Aepheme

Member
Sep 12, 2005
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So, I think I'm going to need at least a 550W power supply...

I have a X1900XTX, X2 3800+, 2x1GB DIMMs, DVD+/-RW, 4 USB devices, and a SATA harddrive.

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp

According to that calculator, looks like I won't be getting off cheap.

SO... what's the least expensive 550W power supply out there that isn't a piece of junk? There are too many brands to choose from! And the price differences are astounding! Any recommendations?
 

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
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For your needs, you'll have to pay around $60-75 for a good PSU that won't die and potentially take out some of your parts with it. You've got a X1900, Dual core processor, and a bunch of other expensive parts, so the PSU is certainly not the area in which you can skimp on. It is one of the most important components you can put into your PC.

Remember that wattage ratings mean almost nothing, and that Amps on the +12V rail are especially important.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954
Dual +12V rails at 18 amps each. Only rated at 450W, but look at the amps on the +12V rail (36 across 2 rails for stability), and you'll see that this beats most other 550W PSUs from makes such as Thermaltake. However, if you plan to upgrade later, this may be cutting it close.

This is my recommendation though, as it will have some power left over for upgrades later.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194003
Rated at 500W, but this thing has 44 AMps on its dual +12V rails. A very good pSU and you'll save $15 with the rebate.
 

Aepheme

Member
Sep 12, 2005
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Thanks for the help, 996GT2!

Very interesting... My knowledge about power supplies isn't very extensive.
 

GalvanizedYankee

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2003
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Originally posted by: 996GT2
For your needs, you'll have to pay around $60-75 for a good PSU that won't die and potentially take out some of your parts with it. You've got a X1900, Dual core processor, and a bunch of other expensive parts, so the PSU is certainly not the area in which you can skimp on. It is one of the most important components you can put into your PC.

Remember that wattage ratings mean almost nothing, and that Amps on the +12V rail are especially important.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954
Dual +12V rails at 18 amps each. Only rated at 450W, but look at the amps on the +12V rail (36 across 2 rails for stability), and you'll see that this beats most other 550W PSUs from makes such as Thermaltake. However, if you plan to upgrade later, this may be cutting it close.

This is my recommendation though, as it will have some power left over for upgrades later.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194003
Rated at 500W, but this thing has 44 AMps on its dual +12V rails. A very good pSU and you'll save $15 with the rebate.

PLEASE!! Combined 12V of the 500W Liberty is 32A *NOT 44*.

OP, for cheap but good, look to Fortron or Sparkle>$50, topping out around $80.

...Galvanized

 

Operandi

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
5,508
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Originally posted by: Aepheme
So, I think I'm going to need at least a 550W power supply...

I have a X1900XTX, X2 3800+, 2x1GB DIMMs, DVD+/-RW, 4 USB devices, and a SATA harddrive.

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp

According to that calculator, looks like I won't be getting off cheap.

SO... what's the least expensive 550W power supply out there that isn't a piece of junk? There are too many brands to choose from! And the price differences are astounding! Any recommendations?

Those power calculators are a waste of time; you don't need anywhere near 550 watts. Here are a few PSUs I'd recommend; 380 Watt Seasonic, Forton-Source1, Forton-Source2
 

Aepheme

Member
Sep 12, 2005
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I went ahead and went with the Fortron 450W in the first response. Itchy trigger finger, I suppose.

Thanks for the suggestions, anyway!

Hopefully it will be enough "W" for my all my devices.
 

JEDIYoda

Lifer
Jul 13, 2005
33,986
3,320
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Originally posted by: Aepheme
I went ahead and went with the Fortron 450W in the first response. Itchy trigger finger, I suppose.

Thanks for the suggestions, anyway!

Hopefully it will be enough "W" for my all my devices.

IMO thats a real good choice!!!
You did well Young Jedi!!