Which of these PSUs is the most appropriate?

datamestonic

Member
Nov 8, 2005
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I'm getting a system with 4400+ dual core processor, SLI ready motherboard but only one XFX 7800 GTX to start off with, will probably get another one later, I'll be using SATA 10k RPM HDD and 2 gigs of OCZ EL Dual Layer Platinum RAM

Which of the following do you all think would be the best for my system (I put in bold the pro for each):

Ultra X-Finity 500-W ATX 120mm Fan SATA/SLI ready (cheap): About $60

Xion 500-W ATX 140mm Fan SATA/SLI ready: About $100

Vantec Stealth 520-W ATX Triple 80mm Fans SATA/SLI ready: About $100

Coolmax CX1-500B 500-W ATX 120mm Fan SATA/SLI ready (reliable?): About $75

If there is any other which you think would be even better please do mention it. I've heard that seasonic is especially good...
 

JEDIYoda

Lifer
Jul 13, 2005
33,986
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Originally posted by: datamestonic
I'm getting a system with 4400+ dual core processor, SLI ready motherboard but only one XFX 7800 GTX to start off with, will probably get another one later, I'll be using SATA 10k RPM HDD and 2 gigs of OCZ EL Dual Layer Platinum RAM

Which of the following do you all think would be the best for my system (I put in bold the pro for each):

Ultra X-Finity 500-W ATX 120mm Fan SATA/SLI ready (cheap): About $60

Xion 500-W ATX 140mm Fan SATA/SLI ready: About $100

Vantec Stealth 520-W ATX Triple 80mm Fans SATA/SLI ready: About $100

Coolmax CX1-500B 500-W ATX 120mm Fan SATA/SLI ready (reliable?): About $75

If there is any other which you think would be even better please do mention it. I've heard that seasonic is especially good...

If you don`t want to spend around $150-$200 then I won`t refer you to PCP&C...
The contents of the box:

http://www.pcpowercooling.com/home/

You might want to look at thge Silencer Series--$49---$99.....
You can`t go wrong with anything from these people!!

Also Seasonic is very good--
http://www.seasonic.com/co/index.jsp

Enermax--
http://enermaxusa.com/

Fortron--
http://www.fsusa.com/

Zippy--
http://www.zippy.com/

My own personal preference after what I presently own...would be a tie between Enermax and Seasnic...

With Zippy a close 3rd...
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
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If you want an inexpensive yet above average quality power supply, take a look at the new Silverstone Strider units with active PFC (Power Factor Correction) starting at 400W and $67.50 +sh at Newegg. Newegg is not known for always having the best prices on PSUs. Use your price search engines e.g. froogle. If you have a bit more money to spend, check out Zippy (HG2 series), Sparkle FSP550-60PLG, Seasonic S12 series or PCP&C silencer series. Most of the PSUs you mentioned are third or fourth string players.

Ultra is a division of the Tiger Direct group - 'nuff said...

.bh.
 

datamestonic

Member
Nov 8, 2005
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Thanks alot for the response guys, it looks like I'll be choosing between Seasonic and PCP&C.

One other question, I've heard that there is sometimes wierd differences between wattage, for example some people were saying that 600-W ones weren't working great while 520-W ones were the best, etc. This is kind of confusing, is there any substance behind that or should I just get whatever wattage that is ideal for the system?

Also what is ideal? Is 500 good or should I aim for something around 600 or 700 to ensure that I'll be good when I upgrade to SLI? There's a lot of high end stuff in there...
 

anandtechrocks

Senior member
Dec 7, 2004
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I like the OCZ Powerstream series. They have adjustable pots which would be usefull for upping vdimm. And they have a great warranty, 5 years!
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
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You want a PSU that matches your system. Most don't need over 350Watts if the power is apportioned properly to the rails. If your CPU is powered from the +12 rail then you need a stiffer +12 rail - if your vid card also uses extra +12 connectors then even moreso.
. If your mobo powers the CPU from the +5V rail (no P4-12V connector), then you need a PSU with a stiffer +5V rail.
. Single +12V rail is more flexible than a split rail (that's why I recommend the Zippys and the Fortron PLG) - there are a few that let you re-connect the +12 split rails with a switch, the best of both worlds.

.bh.
 

JEDIYoda

Lifer
Jul 13, 2005
33,986
3,320
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Originally posted by: Zepper
If you want an inexpensive yet above average quality power supply, take a look at the new Silverstone Strider units with active PFC (Power Factor Correction) starting at 400W and $67.50 +sh at Newegg. Newegg is not known for always having the best prices on PSUs. Use your price search engines e.g. froogle. If you have a bit more money to spend, check out Zippy (HG2 series), Sparkle FSP550-60PLG, Seasonic S12 series or PCP&C silencer series. Most of the PSUs you mentioned are third or fourth string players.

Ultra is a division of the Tiger Direct group - 'nuff said...

.bh.

While the Silverstone may appear to be an attractive PSU---there warranty leaves alot to be desired...

1 yr for Silverstone vs 3yrs for Seasonic vs 5 yrs for PCP&C!!