Need advice on cheap but good PSU for OCing

[Yensen]

I'm getting a new computer for my bro soon, and I plan to do some mild overclocking. Here's what I've decided upon:


E4300 (to be run @ 333 FSB) with stock cooler
Gigabyte DS3
x1950 Pro 256mb (mild OC) with stock cooler
1gb 667mhz ddr2 (one stick, so I can upgrade to a dual channel 2gb config later)
Akasa Zen enclosure
Seagate perp. 320gb
+ other stuff like dvd-r/w, floppy, etc.


And then the PSU. I got ~500w on http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp with 100% TDP, 25% Surge Compensation and 25% Capacitor Aging. So I checked my local price watch and found this: LC-Power SuperSilent V.2 550W http://www.lc-power.com/ . It was one of the cheapest brand name PSUs on the list (50€). I read a german review (translated with babelfish) and it seemed to be very stable and got a good score.

Should I go with this or are all lower priced PSUs complete and utter crap? If so, what are some other good (and cheapish) choices in the PSU department?

P.S. I'm on a budget here :D

[jivetrky]

I don't think you will find anyone here that would recommend cheaping out on a PSU. It supplies power to the rest of your system. So if it is crap and fails, it could likely take other, more expensive, components in your system.

For 50€ you could get a decent PSU (though I'm not familiar with what stores you might have to use)

Here's a few brands that are often found fairly cheap but are still good PSU's:

FSP Group (Fortron) / Sparkle Power
Seasonic
XCLIO STABLEPOWER (Only the Stable Power line)
Antec (Only True Power Trio or Neo HE lines)
Enermax
Hiper
Sunbeam


(List is in no particular order, BTW) I'm sure there might be others too. But those are all good units and can be found as cheap as that one you listed.

[meionm]

I guess it should be sufficent for your system if you don't plan overclocking. I can speak about it since I never heard iof t. It is single rail with 24amp on 12v rail. It seems low since most of 500w psu would have about 30amp, split or single rail.

[Yensen]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll most likely have to raise my PSU budget to about 75€ to get a decent one.

The LC-Power 550w is probably equivalent to a quality 450w PSU. (*proper use of "equivalent to"? English is my 3rd language)

I was thinking about getting an Antec Sonata 2 and using the 450w true power PSU that comes with it, but I'm not sure that's enough for this system OCed.

The search continues...

[chinky714]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll most likely have to raise my PSU budget to about 75€ to get a decent one.

The LC-Power 550w is probably equivalent to a quality 450w PSU. (*proper use of "equivalent to"? English is my 3rd language)

I was thinking about getting an Antec Sonata 2 and using the 450w true power PSU that comes with it, but I'm not sure that's enough for this system OCed.

The search continues...



hmmm a decently priced psu... The good ones for intel overclocking will usually run you about 80$ + USD. I'd say just save a little bit more and get a quality PSU. I hear the Xclio Great Power is really decent, and it runs for only about 87.99USD don't know how much they sell them over there though.

[nebulus06]

I recommend:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817153023
Try this little fella. It ought to be enough for your rig at 430w. It also has decent reviews. If you're looking for something low priced this is probably as low as they get while maintaining some level of insurability.

Nevermind/\/\
I didn't know you were looking for something overclocked

[Rattle]

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-E5150GH

stateside this is one of the best sub $70 units

[Pyrotechnic]

A good PSU is key to overclocking, and just having a system that isn't burned up in general. Always get the best PSU you possibly can.

[Yensen]

I've decided to go with a 550w Antec Truepower Trio for 75€

Thanks for the replies everyone :)

[RollingThunder]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll most likely have to raise my PSU budget to about 75€ to get a decent one.

The LC-Power 550w is probably equivalent to a quality 450w PSU. (*proper use of "equivalent to"? English is my 3rd language)

I was thinking about getting an Antec Sonata 2 and using the 450w true power PSU that comes with it, but I'm not sure that's enough for this system OCed.

The search continues...

Yensen,

The Enermax has a decent reputation and reasonable cost:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194011

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194009

Please don't buy an Antec power supply. It's a long story............. :D The Antec cases are fine.

Find a case without a power supply and add a decent one.

[Yensen]

Got a grudge againt Antec PSUs? :D

The Enermax PSUs cost a LOT in Finland. The 485W one goes for 105€. The Truepower Trio got a good grade @ SPCR, so unless someone's got some chocking news about the Trios, I'm ordering it tomorrow.

I appreciate your input tho :)

[jivetrky]

Actually the Truepower Trio's aren't too bad from Antec.

[inkfx]

How about an OCZ Powerstream 520w? Is that within your budget? I've seen that unit pull off some crazy stuff before and I think they are going for pretty cheap now.

[RollingThunder]

Got a grudge againt Antec PSUs? :D

Not really, I don't hold a grudge, just disappointed with two failed Antec TP 480s in one year. :)

[Yensen]

There aren't that many retailers that sell OCZ powersupplies in Finland. The cheapest Powerstream 520w I found was 159€:eek:

[bobad]

Thanks for the replies.

I was thinking about getting an Antec Sonata 2 and using the 450w true power PSU that comes with it

I saw a good review on johnnyguru.com for this one, which is on sale for a great price (If you can order from NewEgg). It'a also modular.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817709003

[greenmaji]

links to the finland e-tailers.

[Yensen]

I use this price checker: http://www.mbnet.fi/hintaseuranta/haku.aspx

Hakusana = Searchword
Hakualue = Category
Hintahaarukka = Price range
Hae = Search

And PSUs = Virtalähteet (far down on the list)

[greenmaji]

http://www.mbnet.fi/hintaseuranta/tuote.aspx/28684

If anyone else wants to take a shot at finding something..

http://www.mbnet.fi/hintaseuranta/tuote.aspx/9704

http://www.mbnet.fi/hintaseuranta/tuote.aspx/9713

Is there a chance of you getting a PSU from a e-tailer from a different EU nation?

This is one of the only ones that look ok, I don't know much about alot of the brands :shrug:
http://www.pixmania.com/fi/fi/107616/art/fortron/virtalahde-pc-bluestorm-5.html?srcid=1157
FORTRON BlueStorm 500 W PC Power unit

The Antec Neo is also ok
https://www.famiko.fi/products.asp?id=175490&src=1

[jivetrky]

I tried for a few minutes yesterday but I just couldn't figure out how to navigate that search.... It's not setup in a way that I could navigate it without being able to read it.

[greenmaji]

I gave the direct links to the PSU's.
The first 3 links.

[Yensen]

I've already ordered the Truepower Trio, so if you're keeping this thread alive for me, don't bother, but thx :)

[jivetrky]

That TP Trio should be fine...it's actually made by Seasonic, which is a great OEM.