PSU on a budget needed

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 12:05 am

I've got a computer that on two different 300watt PSUs is consistantly undervolt on the +5v line, so I'm going to put my 360 watt enlight PSU from my main computer into it, and get a new better more powerful PSU for my main computer.

I'd like to keep this under $60 shipped if possible, but I can go higher if its needed, the lower the better tho.
This PSU claims +3.3v @ 28A / +5v @ 35A / +12v @ 17A
The +3.3 and +5v rails share 220w, the 12v has 204w.

I'd prefer something that can hold up the +12 a bit better, this system has 3 hard drives, 2 cdroms, CPU is an Athlon XP @ 2.4 GHz & 1.8v, FX5900 ultra (leadtek, 450/900 MHz). The new PSU does not have to be able to handle a more recent video card or more drives, it won't be included in my next upgrade.

I prefer Newegg, but as long as a place has a good reseller rating I'm not too picky.

suicide eddie · Post by **suicide eddie** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 12:26 pm

i have been using these
(http://www.jeantech.com/Products/Power_ ... upply.html
for a few years now, starting from Â£20 uk with a 3yr warrentee. quite heavy so lots of copper used in these and no noticable noise from the fans. also not told on the page the newer stock are sata compatable.

Pun · Post by **Pun** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 1:12 pm

I highly recommend this one. 66.95 shipped.

STRESSTEST · Post by **STRESSTEST** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 1:59 pm

punisher wrote:I highly recommend this one. 66.95 shipped.

x2

or This one with a 120mm fan for complete silence

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 3:11 pm

That first fortron 400 with PFC, on the sticker says 15A on the 12v, is that as good as 18A on the 12v without PFC? And just how much noise does it make? As long as it doesnt get any louder then the fans on the FX5900U I'm fine with it.

I'm paying extra attention to the 12v rail because it is the one that shows the most impact from varying the CPU core speed and useage on my system. At idle 2.4 GHz its 11.98-12.05, crank the CPU to 100% and it drops to 11.86. At 2.2 GHz or lower it holds it over 12v much more often, so I would like to get something that gaurentees a bit more juce on the +12 to keep up with this CPU. If you guys are sure that PSU can put out more then what it says on the sticker then it will do. Otherwise, for about $15 more I can get this one that I am sure would have no problem holding up the voltages.

The PSU with the 120MM fan says on the sticker +3.3v & +5v & +12v = 380W Max, I dont think that is enough of a boost to be worth $70 shipped.

REDDER · Post by **REDDER** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 7:25 pm

I have a fortron 400 just as Punisher referred to you.

It is as quiet as any PSU I have ever used in the past. I bought it because it has good reviews from Tom's Hardware as being a solid performer.

It is much quieter than my case fans...

Pun · Post by **Pun** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 9:32 pm

I have the one with the 120 and it's virtually silent.

Mobius · Post by **Mobius** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:45 pm

You want to save money on a PSU? o_O

Isn't that a bit like trying to save money on brakes on your car?

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 12:53 am

Considering my current PSU handles this system and came with a case shipped for less then $60, I'd say its a good indicator that a high price doesn't always equal value.