What Power Supply for my new rig?

[spitz10]

First time poster, long time reader......this being the case somewhat explains my predicament.

Im trying to decide on what power supply for my new system. Here are the specs (if anyone has any advice here, let me know as well).

Have basically decided on:

Asus A8R-MVP
AMD 3500+ venice
MSI X1800XT

Already have:

2 gb Corsair XMS
1 36 gb raptor
2 extra hard drives
2 optical dvd drives

My main choices so far are:

Antec TruepowerII TP2-550W ($75)
ENERMAX EG565P-VE FMA 535W ($80)
Thermaltake W0093RU 500W ($65)
Cooler Master eXtreme 600W PSU ($50)
Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 ATX12V 500W ($76)
OCZ ModStream 520W ($80)

These are just my main choices and in no way are my only choices. I know alot of people are giving good reviews on the OCZ Powerstream 520W, but I REALLY wanna keep this under $80-90, unless someone feels that it is DEFINITELY worth it, taking my system into account.

Thanks ahead of time for any help. Its greatly appreciated.

 

[TrevorRC]

You have a PM.

 

[Luckyboy1]

Of the choices, please skip the junk Thermaltake model and the OCZ ModStream models are not nearly as good as the OCZ PowerStream models. Antec's power supplies are just kinda... ok, not really the best value.

I'd say of the choices, I'd easily go for the Enermax model. Sorry guy, but you most often get what you pay for in a power supply!

 

[LOUISSSSS]

my vote would be for the enermax, or check out some FSP models

 

[Snerp]

Enermax makes a great PSU. The PSU I would recommend is the Sunbeam 550W Nuuo. It runs $80-90 and it will do just as well as the expensive units. I've got one and I'm very happy with it. If you are looking for the best bang for your buck this is the PSU you want to use.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Snerp
Enermax makes a great PSU. The PSU I would recommend is the Sunbeam 550W Nuuo. It runs $80-90 and it will do just as well as the expensive units. I've got one and I'm very happy with it. If you are looking for the best bang for your buck this is the PSU you want to use.

IIRC, The OEM for Sunbeam is Fortron/Source.

...Galvanized

 

[Snerp]

So Forton makes the Nuuo? That would explain why it's a great PSU. How do they get permission to sell it for so low?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I'm not positive but pretty sure about the above post. I might look it up later today.

Do realize that the profit from point of manufactor to end user can be as high as 1000%?
Most are less but it's still the best money maker in hardware. I'm old & burned out by marketing,
so tend to embrace basic but VG PSUs.

...Galvanized

 

[Snerp]

Yeah check up on that for me. That would be a great find if it's true!

I understand about the end user mark up and all that fun stuff, but it seems to me that if that is the truth no one would buy a Forton when they could have a "Forton" for much less.

Then again since they aren't marketing it and packaging it they could actually be making more

 

[Howard]

Are those the only PSUs you can choose from?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I'm shattered I was wrong for the first time today. Read this review.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/other/display/atx-psu4_6.html You will find another at
madshrips.be. You will note the OEM is Andyson, they build many blinged-out units. Some
better than others. They do not rate as high as the FSP Epsilon, Enhance or Enermax but
still OK for the most part. Andyson is far from being classed with L&C, Deer or Young Year.

If you read the whole review you will see how rough Xbit Labs is on my loved Zippys.
The reviewers here do NOT pull thier punches.

Look to Xbit for PSU reviews as well as those found at http://www.jonnyguru.com/PSUInquisitor .


...Galvanized

 

[Rockhound1]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
my vote would be for the enermax, or check out some FSP models

Ditto :thumbsup:

 

[pkme2]

ENERMAX EG565P-VE FMA 535W ($80)
I just installed that model in my workstation and that price is super.

 

[spitz10]

If there is any consensus, it seems to be that the Enermax model is my best bet. It also seems that if Im willing to fork out another 25 bucks or so, I could get a better model such as the OCZ Powerstream 520W, or the silverstone/enhance 600W. A couple notes though:

1. I dont do an insane amount of overclocking, just slight CPU/graphics if anything.
2. I doubt if I will ever go SLI, I jsut dont do quite enough constant gaming for that.

I guess kinda what I am getting it is, alot of people seem to be getting by VERY SOLIDLY with the Enermax model, and because of my fairly moderate system (no SLI, no dual core processor, slight OC'ing) Im just not sure that I really need the more expensive models. But I could be wrong....

Another thing, although I have read about 1000 reviews, Im still slightly confused about dual 12v rails, and quad rails and stuff like that. If anyone can break this down for me in a simple manner, I would appreciate it.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Since you have read 1000 reviews, I'm suprised you missed this article.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article28-page1.html You will find the answer in these
seven short pages.


...Galvanized

 

[spitz10]

Ok, I guess I basically understand the concept now, but alot of what was said made it seem like dual 12v wasnt even really a benefit, especially for a system not running dual video cards. Anyways, yea im still confused as to whether or not this is really a good thing.

Also, the silverstone/enhance 600W model i was looking at has quad 12v rails, is this helpful, and would it even be helpful for my system considering only one video card?

Again, "I guess kinda what I am getting it is, alot of people seem to be getting by VERY SOLIDLY with the Enermax model, and because of my fairly moderate system (no SLI, no dual core processor, slight OC'ing) Im just not sure that I really need the more expensive models. But I could be wrong...."

What do you guys think about spending the extra 25 bucks on something better? Is it really worth it and do I need it for my system?

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: spitz10
Ok, I guess I basically understand the concept now, but alot of what was said made it seem like dual 12v wasnt even really a benefit, especially for a system not running dual video cards. Anyways, yea im still confused as to whether or not this is really a good thing.

Also, the silverstone/enhance 600W model i was looking at has quad 12v rails, is this helpful, and would it even be helpful for my system considering only one video card?

Again, "I guess kinda what I am getting it is, alot of people seem to be getting by VERY SOLIDLY with the Enermax model, and because of my fairly moderate system (no SLI, no dual core processor, slight OC'ing) Im just not sure that I really need the more expensive models. But I could be wrong...."

What do you guys think about spending the extra 25 bucks on something better? Is it really worth it and do I need it for my system?

It amazes me that people are willing to buy 300+ dollar processors, 400 dollar videocards, yet when it comes to getting a PSU to power these badboys, they freakout when they realize a 50 dollar PSU wont cut it. Honestly, you should devote a decient budget to a PSU as it will be one of the main factors in determining how stable your system will run for the many years you posses it. So yes, if you can afford the 25 dollars extra spend it on the PSU. Even if you realize and say i dont need a 500W PSU, you'd be amazed at how many systems you'll go though yet, the PSU is one of the many components you tend to migrate when building a new system.

SO YES spend the extra 25 dollars and get a better PSU. PC and Cooling = the best , Seasonic would be the next best choice, If your on a budget go with the fortron because from what i hear, forton is the best bang for the buck.

 

[spitz10]

ok, im about to pull the trigger on all my stuff. Lets play a little game. I have an absolute MAX of $120 to spend on a power supply (just for example, I can get the OCZ powerstream 520W for 105). Whoever replies to this, let me know what PSU you would get if you had 120 bucks.

Thanks for everything

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Pull your trigger on the Enermax Liberty 500W

No OCZ OEMed by Topower or Fortron/Source gets even close to the Liberty.
The 500W Liberty is $109 at Newegg. You might find it cheaper via Froogle.


...Galvanized

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: spitz10
ok, im about to pull the trigger on all my stuff. Lets play a little game. I have an absolute MAX of $120 to spend on a power supply (just for example, I can get the OCZ powerstream 520W for 105). Whoever replies to this, let me know what PSU you would get if you had 120 bucks.

Thanks for everything

Like Galvanized I think it's best to get you PSU from the manufacture, not marketing companies like OCZ or Enermax. Most of the time such companies are just in it to make a quick buck, there are exemptions of course (SilverStone, Zalman).

As to your question, with that hardware you have a pretty moderate power draw. A good 350-400 watt PSU would run that great with plenty of headroom. Since it sounds like you are willing to spend some cash to get a good unit I would recomend this Seasonic S12.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Enermax is not are marketing company Operandi. They are a very secretive company,
much more so than most.
We (can't say who we is) can not nail down exactly where Enermax is located at. Kind of
a mystery.
They do make thier own units however and do OEM for a select few. I'll PM you a link.
Just as Seasonic builds the Silencer Series for pcp&c.


OP, consider the 400W Liberty along with the 380W Seasonic linked above. Both are in a
dead heat=equal. Either would do well in your system. You stated $120 max and that is
why I recomended the 500, but it is overkill. It would offer headroom for the future however.


...Galvanized

 

[Operandi]

Hmm... I didn't know Enmerax built their own units. I guess the reason I don't take them as serious as some of the other players is some of their other products are less then stellar.

 

[spitz10]

Thanks for your help Galvanized and Operandi, and to others, keep posting your suggestions.

Although I said my Max was $120, as I stated before, I really would like to keep this as cheap as possible. I know aigomorla said he finds it crazy how people will spend so much on everything else but dont want to spend enough for the PSU, but, like people have mentioned, Im trying to avoid overkill as much as possible, and having headroom for future upgrades is not one of my biggest concerns at the moment. I just want something that will do a very good job at running a 3500+, X1800XT, 2 gb ram, 3 hard drives, and 2 dvd-roms. If running that very stable and quiet is going to cost me over $100 then I am fine with that, but if a PSU around $80 will be more than enough. Then that would definitely be my choice.

 

[Operandi]

Stability comes from the quality of the PSU, not the amount of power it can output. If your system draws 200 watts (about right for your specs) a 500 watt PSU isn?t going to do a better job then a 350 watt. Low noise is factored from the PSU?s efficiency and the quality of it?s fan and fan controller.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: spitz10
ok, im about to pull the trigger on all my stuff. Lets play a little game. I have an absolute MAX of $120 to spend on a power supply (just for example, I can get the OCZ powerstream 520W for 105). Whoever replies to this, let me know what PSU you would get if you had 120 bucks.

Thanks for everything

Like Galvanized I think it's best to get you PSU from the manufacture, not marketing companies like OCZ or Enermax. Most of the time such companies are just in it to make a quick buck, there are exemptions of course (SilverStone, Zalman).

As to your question, with that hardware you have a pretty moderate power draw. A good 350-400 watt PSU would run that great with plenty of headroom. Since it sounds like you are willing to spend some cash to get a good unit I would recomend this Seasonic S12.

What reason would that be?
There are perfectly fine solid good quality PSU`s that are made to spec by various companies that do not make there own PSU!!

Thats really alot of garbage that Galvanized is spewing about buying from the PSU manufacturer verses that company that pays to hasve a PSU manufactured for them such as the new Muskin PSU which is made supposedly by Top Power.

The we have bogus claims made about how these companies can charge so much more than the OEM charges for there own brand of PSU`s.

There are many quality PSU`s that supposedly are made by companies other than whats on there label.

Take for example my PC Power & Cooling PSU....albeit expensive!!
I asked this question on badcaps,com and nodoby could give even close to an answer...

So I ask you this...
How can a company like PC Power & Cooling build a reputation based on quality, workmanship and customer service.....if they are bult bysuch a bad company that uses TEAPO Caps? Something is wrong with these supposed know it alls who cannot answer such a simple question other than to say well TEAPO Caps aren`t very good...
Well ok I ask again...how can a company like Power & Cooling build a reputation based on quality, workmanship and customer service.....if they are bult bysuch a bad company that uses TEAPO Caps?

Even JohnnyGURU in a PM told me that he has used PSU`s that use TEAPO caps with no issues....

The bottom line is when purchasing a PSU....

Is--donot listen to these people who claim that OEM PSU`s are better or made better than a PSU that was ordered and built to specs set down by the purchaser as to what the purchaser wanted.

You blame the company ordering the rebadged PSU becuase they ordered the PSU according to certain specs and also could have specified even what caps and heatsinks etc are used....

If You like Bling by all means get a PSU with bling..just make sure you do your homewaork and buy a GOOD PSU woth bling...

If you want to spend money on a PSU and you have money to spend by all means buy PC Power & Cooling.
5year warranty but will probably last triple that long.
No Bling just a good solid reputation.
A little loud but I would rather have quality over silence any day of the week!!

If you want both quality and silence you can also get that...Seasonic comes to mind....

Finally what people like galvanized and others will not admit is that a PSU that is built by a different manufacturer is just as good and solid as a PSU built with the manufacturers name on it.

Also note....some companies such as my beloved PC Power and Cooling and a few others actually actually do some very comprehensive and exhausting tests on there units before allowiung the to be shipped.

In fact thats what somebody said sets PC Power & Cooling apart from the crowd!!

The real bottom line is get what you want!!
Just make sure its not a piece of crap!!