OK you decide which PSU I get

[Tismedt]

I think my wifes PMS is contagious. I can't make up my mind.

I've got 90 bucks to put down on a new PSU. Either a Fortron source or antec. Which is the best one for this money. I've been a Sparkle fanboy for the last few yrs. Does antec have enough to make me change? Today is tues I'd like to order tonight or in the morning before I go to work so I'll get by Fri.

The rig I'm building
NF7-s, 1700/2100 not sure which
AX-7 w/ 80mm tornado
512 mushkin L2
9600xt (when it comes out)
2x 40gig maxtor 7200, 1x 60gig WD
liteon 48xcdr, liteon 52xcd
6 80mm led fans
Nexus multi panel
Nexus fan controller
floppy drive and a 6in1 card reader
and a dual 12" ccfl

So it begins.

[Deathknight]

How much you plan on ocing? The 530W Fortron is more than enough power at $75. You may be able to get away with the 350W with 120mm for $36, although you are running alot of other devices in there.

[{PMS}fishy]

Ive been using an Enermax 430w with out any problems. However my Antec 480 sags hard at high CPU speeds on the 12v

[Tismedt]

I will push the limits during the winter months. Summer time is too hot for heavy OCing. :( No AC

I'm looking at the Fortron 530 or a 480 true. Never to much when it comes to PSU.

[larva]

You could use the 36 dollar 350W Fortron with the 120mm fan from newegg. It will power your rig, and is really nice in all respects. Either the 530 or the Antec 430+ will power it easily, as as I've mentioned the 350W will. If you want to spend more than the 350 costs is really boils down to features/preference, as both have output beyond your current needs. I like both units and they are both very powerful.

[Tismedt]

Well I have a spi 400 in my current rig and thought of using that but I cant bear to tear it down. Its been very dependable.

What about heat output? Is there any known diffrence between Antec and Fortron? I mean does one run cooler then the other?

[dustybyrd]

What about heat output? Is there any known diffrence between Antec and Fortron? I mean does one run cooler then the other? [/B]


i have used two fortron 350's and a 530watter and an antec tp 550....here are my suggestions:

if you want to heavily overclock (>2.5ghz AMD) or upgrade systems with this psu...then:

get the fortron 530 if you want to save some money ($20-25 cheaper than the 550 and $10-20 cheaper than the 480)...

get the antec tp 550 if you want a couple extra features...like temperature controlled case fans and slightly quieter supply, particularly under high room temp situations (>85F)..you could also just change the fans on the 530 with quieter ones if you will run it in high temp conditions...

the fortron 530 actually puts out cooler air from the back of the psu under the same load conditions as the antec tp 550 (37C versus 43C)...but both can "warm up a room"


however, if you need to save some dough and/or you don't plan on overclocking past 2.5ghz with your AMD....then i would get the 120mm fan version of the fortron 350 for $36...it will be nearly silent (quietest psu i have ever used) and will be a great supply...

[Tismedt]

Well I quess that settles it for me. I'm a bit hesitant but I'll try the 350 watt 120mm fortron. I'm hesitant but three of you have reccomended it so I'll place the order now and should have it by fri.

Thanks guys. I'll let you know how it does