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    Best Buy Power Supplies?

    Am looking for reliable inexpensive/bargain power supplies. At this time > 300 Watts for older P2 to P4 PCs. Not super high power just average.

    Would like to get one with lifetime warranty but have not seen this for a while.

    Would like to pay as little as possible which means purchasing when are being phased out. Usually watch the sales on NewEgg and other Internet sites.

    Did some searching concerning "best computer power supplies" and bounced these names off more experienced individuals and was told that many of these better mfrs have cheapened their products.

    Have been looking for a database or website that will give more info but so far have not found it.

    Would be interested in suggestions/comments on how you determine power supply purchases.

    Recently saw 2 on sale:

    Antec True Power Trio TP3-550 550W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply with Three 12V Rails for a low $29.99 after Coupon Code: EMCBBCJAB. Free Shipping. Tax in CA, NJ, TN, PR. Antec True Power Trio ATX12V Power Supply with Three 12V Rails $29.99 Free Shipping, Nov. 28 12 AM http://www.techbargains.com/

    Antec Basiq BP-350B 350W ATX12V Version 2.01 Power Supply - OEM ~$14.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA

    So what is the Best Buy?

    Thanks

    Gene

    #2
    Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

    Was reading hardware reviews and saw Toms listed Antec NeoPower 650W for both the recent $650 Gaming PC and the $1,250 Enthusiast PC. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...king,2085.html

    Did some quick searching and found it for $89.99 at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...50W+&x=12&y=29

    Did some price comparison and this price seems at or close to current low.
    Antec NeoPower 650 Power supply - 650 Watt $90 to $122 http://www.google.com/products/catal...ult#ps-sellers

    Since 650 Watts is over kill for me maybe I need to check back a few years?

    Gene

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

      Behardware recently reviewed some unfathomably low priced PSU's...

      http://www.behardware.com/articles/7...-45-euros.html

      I can't trust Antec myself, after thinking it made sense to buy the best (Antec) at the time, and it blew up and damaged my components. Whereas if I'd kept the stock chinese PSU, none of this would have happpened. My friends unknown chinese PSU still works fine after 5 years continual random loading.
      Rubycon Rubycon Rubycon

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

        >So what is the Best Buy?

        fortron

        >Whereas if I'd kept the stock chinese PSU, none of this would have happpened.

        would you bet your life on it?
        hehe....

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

          I don't like Antec either but the Basiq series at least uses Capxon caps.
          Basiq units are as the name suggests: "Basic" PSU's.

          For a change i4004 and I agree.
          Fortron (FSP) is usually a solidly designed PSU.
          Occasionally they do use bad brands of caps but usually well enough cooled they don't die from it.

          Here is where getting an all-around PSU can bite you if you aren't paying attention.
          - You need lots of amps on 12v for a P4. Models designed for P3 or older might not have much on +12v.
          - You need most of the amps on +5v for a P3. When some P3 PSU's where 'redesigned' for P4 in order to pump up the +12v for P4 they took away from the combined +3.3v/+5v power [watts] limit. The ratings on the labels are deceiving.
          If you take the 'amps' shown for +3.3v and +5v on the label and do the math it sometimes adds up to a LOT more than the watts limit for the two rails combined.
          - What this means is you cannot have +3.3v and +5v at their max amps at the same time without exceeding the rated wattage.

          .
          Mann-Made Global Warming.
          - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

          -
          Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

          - Dr Seuss
          -
          You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
          -

          Comment


            #6
            Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

            here i thought you were talking about the dynex(dienext)units from bestbuy.
            i agree for a budget psu about the lowest grade i would go is a fortron or a rebadge of one.
            its amazing how much of the sub $75 units are flat out junk!

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

              i4004 and PCBONEZ,

              Thanks for the fortron tip!

              Did some searching and found http://www.fsp-group.com/ and even better http://www.fspgroupusa.com/PC_OEM/fsppcoem.asp under tech data there is no mention of caps mfr (have never yet seen this info for any mfr). So how do I find this info?

              Checked NewEgg for Fortron models and counted ~26 for desktop PCs. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...13&y=30&Page=1

              The one that caught my attention was the ~$20 Special FSP power supply savings, while supplies last

              FSP Group SAGA+ 400R 400W ATX12V Power Supply - Retail

              * Fans: 1
              * Main Connector: 20+4Pin
              * +12V Rails: 2
              * PCI-E Connectors: 1 x 6Pin
              * Power Good Signal: 100-500ms
              * Hold-up Time: 12.0ms minimum
              * Efficiency: > 70%
              * Over Voltage Protection: +3.3V (4.6V max.), +5V (6.5V max.), 12V1 (15.5V max.), 12V2 (15.5V max.)
              * Model #: SAGA+ 400R
              * Item #: N82E16817104953
              * Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
              Price after rebateN82E16817104953(s):$19.9

              Am wondering how it compares to Antec Basiq BP-350B 350W ATX12V Version 2.01 Power Supply - OEM ~$14.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA as to best buy.

              While the main use would be for P3 PCs could the FSP be also used with P4s? So question is does the 50 extra Watts offset by extra $5 really make any difference or are they both only good for P3 PCs?

              Thanks

              Gene
              Last edited by genosmm; 11-29-2008, 11:59 AM. Reason: extra paragraph

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                I was looking around on newegg, and they actually seem to have a lot of good name PSU brands in the $10-$25 range.
                These are all decent basic power supplies from well known brands:
                http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371013
                http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256032
                http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817174026
                http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817174033
                http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103482
                http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103483
                http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104951

                For your P2 and P3 systems, I think both models of the Sparkle Power Q (250w and 300w) would work well since those P2 and P3 systems are +5v based. Hence, a power supply with a stronger +5v would seem to be better ballanced (unlike my +5v based system, which has a TT TR2 430w powering a 1.4Ghz Duron with only 1 HD and 1 CD drive: Result - I get a low +5v line and high +12v line reading because of crossloads. It's nothing too significant, but still anoying to see the +5v at 4.89v and +12v at 12.16v).

                For your P4 systems, the 300w FSP and the 2 HiPros would seem more sutiable since they have stronger +12v rails. Also, the deal on that Silverstone ST400 seems amazing ($20!) plus you get a 120mm fan, but it's only 5 PSUs per customer.

                That leaves the Antec Basiq, which I guess can be used for both the P2/P3 and P4 systems. Probably better for P4.

                I also noticed this new PSU on newegg: Enlight GPS-300AB
                http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817373011
                I checked the UL number, and it comes up as Delta Inc., which if true would be really good, since the power supply is only $11 and Delta really is a good PSU maker. Be advised though - newegg lists that PSU as 300 watts, but if you look at the label on the pictures it sais it's rated at 250w, and Peak at 300w.
                Last edited by momaka; 11-29-2008, 10:12 PM.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                  Definitely be mindful of where the load will be on your motherboards, and make sure the PSU matches. As momaka said, modern boards depend heavily on the +12v rail and most modern PSUs are designed accordingly. A big tipoff is the units that advertise multiple 12V rails. This transition took place during the P4 timeframe, probably closer to the introduction of LGA775.

                  A 12V oriented power supply can really suck at running older boards. Older boards depend more on the 3.3v and 5v rails, and have less use for the massive 12v power provided by most newer designs.

                  For example, I have an AcBel 550W power supply that works great on a modern Core2 board with a gamer's video card. But another, identical AcBel 550W was burned out when I plugged it in to my old 32-bit Athlon system which needs more 3.3v amperage. That system runs perfect on an old 300W Fortron.


                  FSP Group SAGA+ 400R 400W ATX12V Power Supply - Retail
                  The 3.3v + 5v ratings seem weak for an old system that needs those rails:

                  3.3v@20A, 5v@16A, total power 3.3v+5v = 130W max.
                  The 3.3v rating might be okay, but the 5v rating worries me and the combined power (130W) is pretty low.

                  I'm not sure how much is strictly needed, but the 300W Fortron that I've been happy with on P3 machines is rated 3.3v @ 28A, 5v @ 30A, combined wattage of 3.3+5v = 180W max. I think I have a Sparkle that's rated 5v@25A and it also works fine. But 5v@16A is worrying.
                  Attached Files

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                    I've also been looking at the 300 watt InWin (aka PowerMan) PSU on newegg, and it doesn't look bad either.
                    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103149
                    Apparently, it's +5v based, so it would better suit a P2/P3/AMD 462 system.

                    Here's a good review on it as well:
                    http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coo...in-psu2_6.html
                    Looking at the pictures, it seems to use Ost caps, which according to some posts I read here say that they are not that great but still reasonable in PSU use.

                    But again, I don't know how this PSU fares. Perhaps someone that has had experience with this unit could say better.
                    Last edited by momaka; 11-30-2008, 09:54 PM.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                      momaka,

                      Thanks for your suggestions concerning the other PSUs!

                      Just saw OCZ 500W StealthXStream Power Supply for $14.99 Shipped After Rebate. Info http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc..._-NA-_-NA-_-NA

                      Checked their website http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...m_power_supply and did a quick search and found review for 600 W supply http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/451 but nothing for 500 W except for user ratings http://reviews.pricegrabber.com/powe...es/m/56371405/

                      Does anyone have experience with this PSU?

                      thanks

                      Gene

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                        Fizzycapola,

                        Thanks for the http://www.behardware.com/articles/...n-45-euros.html Thought it was Excellent!!!

                        Have not read all the various hardware reviews yet but seems one of the better sites.

                        Gene

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                          Find them this way:
                          Into web search (google or similar) enter:
                          [PSU model #] Review
                          and/or
                          [PSU model #] Capacitor

                          Bear in mind in reading reviews:
                          - Most only look at brand new PSU's and they don't test them long enough to draw any real conclusions about durability.
                          - The brand of the one or two big 'beer can' (primary) caps doesn't mean anything. (Short of a power surge those don't break.)
                          - Connecting to a mobo and checking voltages tells you about nothing.
                          - Some sites that use an o'scope will call a PSU bad based on invalid test configurations. (Tests not in compliance with Intel PSU Design Guide. An example is disregarding Power Sequencing requirements. The way I read it +3.3v is not allowed to be at higher watts than any other rail for more than 20 ms.)
                          3.2.8 in:
                          - Very few reviews mention secondary side caps and some that do are vague about it or clueless about what is good/bad. Without this information they might as well say "Yup, it will last at least 2 hours. - GOOD PSU."

                          I don't know anyone that does a GREAT review for PSU's but you can usually piece together enough information is the unit was reviewed by more than one site.

                          .
                          Mann-Made Global Warming.
                          - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

                          -
                          Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

                          - Dr Seuss
                          -
                          You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
                          -

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                            Mentioned in my first post "Would like to get one with lifetime warranty but have not seen this for a while"

                            The only "lifetime warranty power supply" I have seen was the Ultra 500 Watt
                            just did a quick search on the website and found "Ultra Advantage Extend Your Warranty!
                            Register your product and receive up to a LIFETIME Warranty."

                            Seems they have a LifeTime Series of PSUs. http://www.ultraproducts.com/product...&productID=653

                            Has anyone had experience with these PSUs? Have a hard time believing they would give a "LIFETIME Warranty" and use poor components but have not found much info on these PSUs.

                            Am guessing that Ultra Computer Products, Inc. is a USA reseller not mfr from info here? http://www.bigbruin.com/2007/x31000_1

                            If not a mfr does anyone know who is?

                            Thanks

                            Gene

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                              isnt ultra a brand of the now defunct? midwest micro?

                              Comment


                                #16
                                Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                                http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra_Products

                                Affiliated with Tiger Direct too. Not good in my eyes.

                                On the other hand they are cocky and suing just about everybody.
                                Gotta like anyone that sues Antec!
                                [Read last paragraph.]
                                .
                                Mann-Made Global Warming.
                                - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

                                -
                                Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

                                - Dr Seuss
                                -
                                You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
                                -

                                Comment


                                  #17
                                  Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                                  My my did they forget any PSU manufacturers?

                                  That takes balls.
                                  Elements of the past and the future combining to make something not quite as good as either.

                                  Comment


                                    #18
                                    Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                                    Originally posted by PCBONEZ
                                    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra_Products

                                    Affiliated with Tiger Direct too. Not good in my eyes.

                                    On the other hand they are cocky and suing just about everybody.
                                    Gotta like anyone that sues Antec!
                                    [Read last paragraph.]
                                    .
                                    but not over what antec should have been sued over.like the shitty power supplies they sold for years after knowing they were using bad parts.
                                    yeah we know about tiger defect too.

                                    Comment


                                      #19
                                      Re: Best Buy Power Supplies?

                                      PCBONEZ,

                                      Thanks for the tips!!!

                                      Question concerning reading reviews. How would you rate the recent BeHardware? http://www.behardware.com/articles/7...-45-euros.html

                                      Gene

                                      Comment

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