Enermax Noisetaker vs. OCZ Powerstream

[Masakari]

My cheap 300W PS in one of my secondary computers died. Naturally I will be upgrading my main gaming rig with a new PS and move the current PS to the secondary computer.

I've narrowed my choices down to two power supplies which are available locally to me. Unfortunately I am unable to locate any Fotron PS's locally or via Canadian mail order firms such as www.ncix.com.

Any opinions on which PS to get or any other suggestions?

Enermax Noisetaker 470W Pro's
- higher power efficiency (based on review below)
- quieter (based on review below)
- cheaper than OCZ ($105 Can. vs $125 Can)

OCZ Power Stream 420W Pro's
- supports BTX
- 5 year warranty
- adjustable power rails

OCZ Power Stream
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article173-page4.html

Enermax EG475P-VE SFMA
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article149-page3.html

Thanks,

BTW - Does the search feature for this forum work? I put in keywords such as abit or enermax and they all return 0 results!

Gaming Rig Specs
Abit NF7 rev2, Mobile 2400+ at 2.6Hz (1.95 V)
RBX, Swiftech MCP600, BIP radiator
1GB of main memory
GF4 Ti4200
2 x 18GB 15k Cheetahs
Enermax 431W PS

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Unfortunately I am unable to locate any Fotron PS's locally or via Canadian mail order firms such as www.ncix.com.

NCIX has them, but only up to 350w IIRC. Much better Fortron/FSP/Sparkle selection can be found at www.razorcomputers.net, www.hltechnology.com, and www.acctech.ca. My personal favorite is Razor - got my 530w from them and couldn't be happier with the service there.

Of the two you listed, it's really too close to call... go for whichever you like better ;)

[Diablo23RD]

Look like Razor have higher price tag?

***Is that wolf in your avatar from OK? :cool:

[man_utd]

Powerstream

[Masakari]

Thank you all for your replies!! I have added the list of online Canadian stores to my bookmarks.

Fortran has some impressive power supplies on their website. Fortron's FSP400-50GLN has a minimum of 80% efficiency at full load!!
http://www.fsp-group.com.tw/english/02_products/01_pc_power_supply.asp?modelid=183&modelname=FSP400-50GLN&factorname=ATX%2012V%202.0

[Masakari]

Just a quick update. I bought the Enermax 'cause:
- lower price
- BTX motherboards use the same ATX 2.0 power connecter. See www.formfactors.org

The Enermax also includes the 6-pin PCIe connector along with a few SATA connectors as well.

[Sentential]

Just a quick update. I bought the Enermax 'cause:
- lower price
- BTX motherboards use the same ATX 2.0 power connecter. See www.formfactors.org

The Enermax also includes the 6-pin PCIe connector along with a few SATA connectors as well.
Sadly you are incorrect. BTX calls for a different main PSU plug. OCZ provides an adaptor to use the other 4 pins (that are missing from ATX connectors)

Hope the PSU works good for ya. Post results when you get it.

[mata2974]

OCZ Power Stream could have been a better choice for you, besides the solid 5 yr warranty, the 12 and 5V rails are loaded with lots of amperage. There was a review a mth ago on Techreport about these PSU, even though the Enermax is efficient if you are an overclocker the term efficiecny does not really apply. The power steram is also very quiet....

[Masakari]

Sadly you are incorrect. BTX calls for a different main PSU plug. OCZ provides an adaptor to use the other 4 pins (that are missing from ATX connectors)

Hope the PSU works good for ya. Post results when you get it.

I'm currently using a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter that came with my Enermax.
The confusion arises because some websites are calling the 24-pin power connecter a BTX connector as well.

ATX 1.x = 20 pin power connecter (like on my NF-7)
ATX 2.0 = 24 pin power connecter

From the docs below, both power connectors for ATX 2.0 and BTX are exactly the same. So the question is do we call the 24-pin power connector an ATX 2.0 connector or BTX connector???

ATX 2.x specs p.20
http://www.formfactors.org/developer%5Cspecs%5Catx2_2.pdf

BTX specs p.27 (note the pic is inversed)
http://www.formfactors.org/developer%5Cspecs%5CBTX_Specification%20v1.0a.pdf

So far everything is working fine. I have not noted any differences between my old 430W Enermax and the new 470W. This is probably 'cause my system is not heavily loaded with components (1 cdrw, 1 cd-rom and 2 HDs).

I forgot to add that in my initial comparison the Powerstream has two shielded power connectors. I think this will come in handy for the future.

[Bad ConNecTioN]

No sense in telling the guy he should of got brand B when he already bought brand A. Its a good psu regardless, and I am sure he will be happy

[situman]

Sadly Enermaxes are highly underrated here. I have a 600 watt and quiet as a whistle and powerful. The only other psu i would use is PCPower, but those sound like banshees.

[PCluva]

Sadly Enermaxes are highly underrated here.

I agree. Enermax make very good PSU's these days, no doubt about it. I think you made a sound choice Masakari :)