Need a new power supply- Good brands?

[bspun3D]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Don't even think about it, Raidmax makes some of the crappiest psu's around. You couldn't pay me to use that psu.

well i got 2 of them goin strong for more then a year.

[Sir. tehdude]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Don't even think about it, Raidmax makes some of the crappiest psu's around. You couldn't pay me to use that psu.

Those PSUs are usually bundled into their cases...avoid Raidmax...el cheapo

Remember...you are banking that the expensive computer hardware you have on the PSU. If it goes it could EASILY smoke all those pretty parts.

Would you trust a Joe-Crap Raidmax or spend a bit more than you planned and get one of the nice ones??

[Minicoop503]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

I think I'd rather have a nice one...

Ok, well I guess I'm back to the ones you guys suggested before.

Edit-I just checked in my bank account at how much I have be myself, and i have a wopping 60 bucks. So, with my parents money, and my grandparents etc.. money, I should be able go to about 100-120.

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Whatever you decide, let us know how it works out. If you've got lots of money to burn (I was under the impression you didn't), a seasonic looks great. If you've got less, then "settling" for an A- brand instead of an A+ brand still gets you an A for reliable power.

Then again, maybe you're really an independently wealthy forum mod in disguise.

Pay attention to the quality foremost--google the model numbers you're considering and the word "review" in the search box. After you decide what companies you can live with, the most important factors are the safety features (active pfc, good hold-up time/power good signal makes sure a fault in your power doesn't transmit damage your silicon), the maximum amperage (for longevity/upgradabilty), and the warranty should be the primary factors in determining your choice. Options like modular cabling are very (very!) nice, but once you've to your cable run/stashed, you don't want to pay more for it.

If you're willing to spend $120, that changes things.

700W OCZ gamestream:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341002

and, even @ 200W less, the seasonic is worth a look:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151029

or, a more reasonable 600W

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104014

edit: fanboy in me can't resist--$130, free shipping for the 650W megawhomper i've got in my case, lol:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001

(but personally, I'd buy the ocz! shhhh...don't tell my psu)

[Minicoop503]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Alrighty, I'll do all that :)

What's the modular cabling thing? I've heard of it, just don't know what it is.

Edit- Just used my friend google and found out. That looks like an option I would want, since I'm not using many cables for my current setup.


Hmm, I looked at those 3 and would I really need the 700 + watts of the 1st one? I mean, isn't that more power than like a microwave? I could cook some **** with that thing. Plus, I don't want to be running up my parents electric bill..

-The 600 watt looks nice for what I have, I don't think I'll be going sli, but I might eventually get something like an 8800. Would 600 watts be enough for 1 of those?

-500 watts I thought might not be enough for an 8800.

- And 130 is too much :)

[Sir. tehdude]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

...500 watts I thought might not be enough for an 8800...

that 500w Seasonic will do fine....just don't add five hard drives and a bunch of USB peripherals. ROFL

[phantasm11B]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Seasonic is good to go. Personally i'm using a Silverstoen Zeus (ST75ZF). It's rated at 750w and is built by Estasis which makes server grade PSU's. This thing is rock solid. A bit over your budget though.

I just built my sister's BF a new desktop and used the Seasonic 500w PSU. Works like a charm.

[Minicoop503]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Hey, I just ordered the 600 watt one that was suggested,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104014

It looks like its right in the middle of wattage and price that i need, so i went ahead and ordered it. Should be here wednesday/thursday.

[Minicoop503]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Alright, got my new power supply in, and now im happily computing with 600 watts. I took my old one out, and i realized that it was only a 300 watt one! Surprised it didnt blow...

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Best of luck.

Alright, got my new power supply in, and now im happily computing with 600 watts. I took my old one out, and i realized that it was only a 300 watt one! Surprised it didnt blow...

^ people usually overestimate their power needs by typically 200-400W. Doesn't change things, as gamers (typically) like to monkey with the volts, meaning you need more power than you'd need if you were running stock speeds.

but oh well. the night is long and there is much LOTRO left in the e-world. :)

[Sir. tehdude]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

glad it works for you...

[kulamonster3]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Thermaltake
Ultra
Enermax
Zalman
PC Power & Cooling
Kingwin
OCZ

Stick with one of these and you wont be disappointed. For your set up, I would not get anything smaller than a 600W. If you want to upgrade your graphics to SLI or pop in an nVidia 8800, then do not get anything smaller than a 750W that is SLI certified!!! Also you will want a power supply with one huge +12V (50A or more) rail instead of a bunch of smaller ones!!!!

Oh and if you get a modular power supply you can use only the cables you need and this also gets rid of some of the clutter inside your case which helps improve airflow!!!

Good Luck shopping.

[Minicoop503]

Re: Need a new power supply- Good brands?

Thermaltake
Ultra
Enermax
Zalman
PC Power & Cooling
Kingwin
OCZ

Stick with one of these and you wont be disappointed. For your set up, I would not get anything smaller than a 600W. If you want to upgrade your graphics to SLI or pop in an nVidia 8800, then do not get anything smaller than a 750W that is SLI certified!!! Also you will want a power supply with one huge +12V (50A or more) rail instead of a bunch of smaller ones!!!!

Oh and if you get a modular power supply you can use only the cables you need and this also gets rid of some of the clutter inside your case which helps improve airflow!!!

Good Luck shopping.

Thanks for the info, but I've already bought one.

It's been working great so far, no problems. :)