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who makes a better power supply?

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<< John is correct, as many of you...

I have had and ran PC Power and Cooling, Antec and Channel Well too, I'm currently using the new Antec PP-412X and I really like it. Set the +12v to +12.20v and the +5v is around +5.25.

The Antec and the Channel Well that I have used have the adjustable pots, so I go that route. >>



antec pp-412x and channelwell cwt420 are the exact same model! except that the antec includes smart fans
 
I recall reading somewhere (maybe ardOCP) that Enermax PSUs don't even have a warranty? I have a 350 watt enermax; it's supposed to be silent, but it seems loud to me.
 
I like Sparkle and Enermax (in that order). I have found Sparkle's to be the absolute best. I have never seen one fail (and i have had some of them running a very long time). Enermax is also good but not as good. I have seen an Enermax with problems (dead fan).

BTW, I *heard* that Sparkle makes power supplies for PC Power & Cooling. (and I would totally believe it)
 
I've always been mystified by the claims that enermax have low voltage output - all of mine have voltage outputs on the upper limit of the recommended range (measured at the PSU output with a precision DMM, not by the low-grade motherboard sensors).

To me it seems that the culprit is more likely to be the motherboard, as this 'problem' only appears to manifest itself with specific boards.

Sparkle certainly do make some of the power supplies for PC Power and Cooling, though I don't think that they are the sole supplier.

I've been very satisfied with my enermax supplies, although I'd be interested to try some other brands - enermax is the only branded PSU that is easily obtainable in the UK.

I ought to just reiterate the point made earlier, that it really doesn't matter what supply you get as long as it is of decent quality.

I remember trying to get my (then) new Athlon 1 GHz system, with GF2 and multiple drives working - I was using a high quality 200 W supply, but was getting occasional reboots. I bought a no-name 300 W supply - the system wouldn't post, and fans would spin really slowly. I bought a 430 W enermax - occasional reboots just like before. Turned out that the RAM was faulty - swapped it out, and the system works like a champ with the 200 W supply. I since put the enermax back, because it offers better ventilation and keeps the case temps lower.
 
I've never had any problems with Antec, but I've never had any problems with Enermax PSUs (gee this makes my vote clear 😛). I would put my vote towards Antec because I've also had pleasant experiences with their CS (one of which was when I had to replace an LED light for my KS-188 case and they didn't just send one LED, they sent the entire set for the KS-188 completely free of charge). I've never had to call Enermax, so I can't comment on them, but given my experiences, I'd go for Antec.
 
Grendel99 linked to a new line from Antec call True Power. Are these the p.s.' that I recently saw referred to as "Enermaxed" Antec's? Don't get me wrong, I think that's a good thing! Does anyone have any experience w/ the True Power p.s.'? I'm getting ready to build a new box (Enlight 7237 case, w/o the Enlight p.s.) and I'm just concerned enough about the Enermax low 5v rail thing to consider one of these Antec p.s.'. Reason - I'm going w/ the EPoX 4BDA2+ board and most of the low 5v issues I've read of center around EPoX boards.
 


<< I'm just concerned enough about the Enermax low 5v rail thing to consider one of these Antec p.s.'. Reason - I'm going w/ the EPoX 4BDA2+ board and most of the low 5v issues I've read of center around EPoX boards. >>





Using an Epox 8KHA+ board here with Enermax 431w my 5v rail right now is 4.99v and 12v is 12.16v,3.3 is 3.41v,never had any problems with Enermax PSUs,I would recommend Antec,Sparkle,Enermax.

Antec have always been king of wattage with their combined power rating.
 


<< Grendel99 linked to a new line from Antec call True Power. Are these the p.s.' that I recently saw referred to as "Enermaxed" Antec's? Don't get me wrong, I think that's a good thing! Does anyone have any experience w/ the True Power p.s.'? I'm getting ready to build a new box (Enlight 7237 case, w/o the Enlight p.s.) and I'm just concerned enough about the Enermax low 5v rail thing to consider one of these Antec p.s.'. Reason - I'm going w/ the EPoX 4BDA2+ board and most of the low 5v issues I've read of center around EPoX boards. >>


Just get the Antec. Better, cheaper, and on the off chance it breaks it has a 3 year warranty that you can actually collect on. The True Power units aren't widely available yet, probably in a week or two they'll be easier to find.
 
jaeger66, good points. I haven't been able to find the TruePower p.s. via PriceWatch, but I did find it for sale on Antec's website - $99 for a 430w unit. They have some interesting wattages - 330, 380, 430, 480, 550. What's anyone's guess what they'll sell for when they hit the website dealers?

FYI - here's a link to a forum thread started by someone from Antec re the new TruePower p.s.'.
 
I've seen the 400W Antec go for $70 online, it's $100 on the Antec site. The Antecs out now are still excellent, the TruePower line adds dual adjustable fans, split loom on the main ATX wire bundle, and a new voltage regulation design.
 
I have a 350 watt Enermax that I love so far - my system runs solid as a rock and the 5v rails are right on, for the most part.

Anybody use the icute power supplies? I hear they're very, very good (although $$$)
 
FWIW I just built a new box (Enlight 7237) w/ an Enermax 430w FMA power supply. Steady 5v readings. Adjustable 80mm exhaust fan. Tons of connections. And quiet. I also installed a YS Tech 80mm adjustable fan in the lower front of the case. You can dial it anywhere from nearly "off" to "take off" speed. At a barely audible setting it moves a good amount of air.
 
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