Good PSU

[ciku]

I tried readin the tables on the sticky BUT unfortunately, I don't know how to read the tables, what are what and which is which... can somebody tell me which is a good and fare priced psu? thanx in advance.

[Susquehannock]

Very best as far as quality goes = PC Power & Cooling.
But they are expensive.

Best quality AND low cost = Fortron
They are well known to be much more capable
than the specs would suggest. Many use the 300w
units to power their loaded dual CPU rigs.

High numbers aren't everything. Personally, I'll take a
stable 15amp 12v rail over an unstable 45amp rail anyday.
Stability is paramount.

Quality over Quantity. :D

[ciku]

ok noted, thanx for the reply :D

[Susquehannock]

Yeah, I can see how that table in the sticky could be confusing.
It basically lists the amperage specs of each voltage rail
and if it has active PFC (Power Factor Correction).

What the table does not tell you is how the PSU reacts
under heavy load. Unfortunately, there is probably more
misleading labeling in relation to PSU specs than anything else. :(

Some 300w PSU are much more capable than other 550w units.
There are all sorts of ways for the manufactuers to inflate
their numbers.
Different operating temps and percantage of load, among
other things.
The Fortron/Sparkle/AOpen PSU with the "FSP"
in the part number are generally accepted to have the most
conservative ratings.

Good luck. :)

[ciku]

ok, thanx for the update :)

[Mr.Radar]

The Antec TruePower/TrueBlue series over 380 watts is also pretty good. But, if you can find it, the FSP350-60BN model is amoung the best Fortron ever made because it will run up to 450 watts with no problem whereas the FSP350-60PN will only run up to 410 watts.

[ciku]

Fortron vs Antec? hmmm can you please check newegg? and please paste the link here? im thinking of getting antec true550 but if u could show me a link from newegg here, that would really help :D

[Mr.Radar]

Antec TruePower 550 RETAIL $93 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-910&depa=0)
Fortron 530 Watt Retail $83 (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-968&depa=0)

You can go wrong with neither of these.

[Speed_Mechanic2]

The FSP400-60PFN - 400W w/ an active PFC circuit is only $44-Shipped from Newegg (1/2 the price of the FSP530).

[ciku]

but isnt 400 too low?

and what do u mean by "You can go wrong with neither of these." ?

[larrymoencurly]

How many computers use 400W? How many use even 300W?
From what I've read, the most that a single-CPU non-server actually consumes is less than 250W, and that's with lots of disk drives.

What probably matter more are the truthfulness of the power ratings and and whether or not the PSU can put out enough amps on each voltage rail.

[ciku]

yes i knew when i was reading with dell products... they all use a 300watts psu...

btw, what is PFC = active / not active?
i couldnt find the $44 400wats from newegg :(

[ciku]

anybody what PFC means? and what does active/inactive does? would appreciate it :)

[Susquehannock]

PFC = "Power Factor Correction"

Many European countries require Active PFC, but It isn't really
necessary in the States with our aged power grid.

NewEgg has the Fortron "FSP400-60PNU"
with 120mm bottom fan for $65 shipped if you are interested.
Those are very popular and are said to be sturdy units. ... here* (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-962&depa=0)

Personally, I am not a big fan of the 120mm bottom fan.
The 400w Fortron "FSP400-60pfn" which I used to have was
a VERY sturdy unit and has the single 80mm back fan and
comes with Active PFC if you want to go that route.
DealSonic still has them cheaper than NewEgg at
$57 (+ ship) here* (http://www.dealsonic.com/fofs40atxp4a1.html)

However, the Fortron "FSP530-60GNA" is still the best
PSU for the money if you don't need active PFC.
DealSonic. still has them for $67 (+ ship) ... here* (http://www.dealsonic.com/fofs53dufana1.html)

I haven't bought from them so can't say what the shipping
charges would be. DealSonic does have an excellent
ResellerRating though.

Hope those are of use to you. ........ Best of luck. :)

[ciku]

thanx... i learned something today :) anyways, how bout Antec True power 550? is it as good as fortron?

[Susquehannock]

Originally posted by ciku
thanx... i learned something today :) anyways, how bout Antec True power 550? is it as good as fortron?

Not sure, though I've heard the True Power aren't sturdy
as the Antec True Control PSU. And the Fortron 530w has
been said by many to be slightly more stable under heavy
load than the TC550. Don't let the Fortron 530w's low spec
on the +12v rail fool you. Many have been extremely impressed with them, and all Fortron are known to have very conservative
ratings.

A quick search netted the following;

Fortorn 530watt or Antec True 550? * (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=276523&highlight=fortron+antec)

550watt PSU, good brand would be? * (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=275668&highlight=fortron+530)

Adjusting rails on my Fortron 530w * (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=258903&highlight=fortron+530)


Best of luck with whatever you choose. :)

[ciku]

ok, u talked me to it, im getting fortron 530 :) thanx again!

[Susquehannock]

Cool. :cool: ... you should do very well with that PSU.

If you do ever feel the need to adjust the outputs
this image of the adjustment pots may be of help:

http://www.titansfan098.com/uploader/fortron 530w adjustment pots.jpg

You know of course opening your PSU will void the warranty.

[ciku]

great! thanx again :) btw there are 2 fans right? the one inside the cpu, blowing in? or out? i wanted to get a psu with the fan below so that my cpu heat will be absurb :) thats y i wanted to get antec :)

[ciku]

what do u think? :)

[schismspeak]

Yeah there should be 2 fans.

[ciku]

no the my question was if its better to have a fan below or in front? just like antec, 2nd fan is below and fortron, 2nd fan is in front of the psu :D