Yet another "Do I need to upgrade my PSU?"

[Panneskjegg]

Greetings!

Im very outdated on computer parts etc.

I just need to know if im in the 'clear' with my current PSU, or if I need to upgrade.

My equipment is:

* MSI K8n Neo2 Platinum MB
* AMD 175 Opteron 2.2ghz (Will have it soon)
* Geforce 7800GS (512 ram.. It has the 7900GT core.. 550mhz/1600
* 2gb Geil RAM
* 500gb SATA HD Samsung
* 200gb Western Digital IDE HD
* NEC DVD-rom SATA

That's about it. I was thinking about putting the 200gb WD HD in it's own external cabinet (so it doesn't use my PSU power).

My current PSU is a Chieftech 360W (It came with the cabinet).

Do I need to upgrade my PSU ?

[Adragontattoo]

I would suggest upgrading but I dont know Chieftech enough TBH.

[JamesXP]

New one is in order :)

[Panneskjegg]

I do appreciate your replies, guys! But - why should I upgrade my current PSU ? Is it because it might be to weak, and devices might crash ? Is it because the computer won't be as stable ? Better performance? It's just that im a bit short on money atm, and I only want to buy a new PSU is I really have to, if you know what I mean :)

I know one huge "pro" about getting a new PSU at least - it will have less fan noise . . :)

[JamesXP]

It's not just what a PSUs wattage is...

It's if the wattage advertised is the wattage will be delivered, or if it will deliver it cleanly....

360W Is a little on the low side aswell....


You could get a decent PSU capable of powering your rig for around $40


(FSP,Sparkle)

[Panneskjegg]

It's not just what a PSUs wattage is...

It's if the wattage advertised is the wattage will be delivered, or if it will deliver it cleanly....

360W Is a little on the low side aswell....


You could get a decent PSU capable of powering your rig for around $40


(FSP,Sparkle)

Any PSUs you would like to recommend?

Im looking at this site:
http://www.microplex.no/category.aspx?cat=41&mcat=c41
(It's a norwegian site, but you can see all the different PSUs they sell there)

As of now, im thinking about buying a MIST, 500W, ATX 2.2. Only problem is that they don't have a 4-pin powersupply cable for my MB.

[RollingThunder]

Greetings!

Im very outdated on computer parts etc.

I just need to know if im in the 'clear' with my current PSU, or if I need to upgrade.

My equipment is:

* MSI K8n Neo2 Platinum MB
* AMD 175 Opteron 2.2ghz (Will have it soon)
* Geforce 7800GS (512 ram.. It has the 7900GT core.. 550mhz/1600
* 2gb Geil RAM
* 500gb SATA HD Samsung
* 200gb Western Digital IDE HD
* NEC DVD-rom SATA

That's about it. I was thinking about putting the 200gb WD HD in it's own external cabinet (so it doesn't use my PSU power).

My current PSU is a Chieftech 360W (It came with the cabinet).

Do I need to upgrade my PSU ?

Can you post a photo of the label on the power supply?

[Panneskjegg]

http://img28.picoodle.com/img/img28/5/11/7/f_DSC01254m_7b5f525.jpg

Not the best SS. But you can see the Amp-numbers.

[RollingThunder]

http://img28.picoodle.com/img/img28/5/11/7/f_DSC01254m_7b5f525.jpg

Not the best SS. But you can see the Amp-numbers.


I wouldn't. What's your budget? You don't need a big one or an expensive one.

[Panneskjegg]

What my budget is?

If I need a better PSU, I'll just buy a good one I can use for my next pc. But maximum 200$.

I am really thinking about getting the Mist 500W PSU. Everybody recommends it, and it wins a bunch of tests. The price for that PSU = 160$ Hm.. I actually noticed it is a Norwegian brand - so that probably why you haven't heard of it. Specs on it:

DC Out - Max. power
+3.3V : 30 A
+5V : 45 A
+12V(1) : 20 A
+12V(2) : 20 A
+12V(3) : 0 A
+12V(4) : 0 A
-5V : 0 A
-12V : 1 A
+5Vsb : 2,5 A

But im always open for other suggestions. I just want it to be dead-silent!

[RollingThunder]

What my budget is?

If I need a better PSU, I'll just buy a good one I can use for my next pc. But maximum 200$.

I am really thinking about getting the Mist 500W PSU. Everybody recommends it, and it wins a bunch of tests. The price for that PSU = 160$ Hm.. I actually noticed it is a Norwegian brand - so that probably why you haven't heard of it. Specs on it:

DC Out - Max. power
+3.3V : 30 A
+5V : 45 A
+12V(1) : 20 A
+12V(2) : 20 A
+12V(3) : 0 A
+12V(4) : 0 A
-5V : 0 A
-12V : 1 A
+5Vsb : 2,5 A

But im always open for other suggestions. I just want it to be dead-silent!

I don't know the brand, I'm sure some of our experts know it.

Dead silent is Corsair, among a few others.

[Evilsizer]

if you could i would suggest a antec earthwatts, the earthwatts line is using a seasonic pcb/guts. just prettied up a bit by antec....mainly the earthwatts 500 is more then enough for your setup. depending on ur retailers might be around $100us... if antec is out of the question over there then look at psu's from enchance this one ENP-5150GH or the new corsair VX450/VX500

also check out jonny site here... this list here has a list i always suggest from.. its psu's that are $150us and under. its a good list to go by 80% EFF and quiet too!
http://www.jonnyguru.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1460

[Ben333]

You have good 12V rails, why upgrade? ... infact all your rails have good amperage. If I was you I would deffinately keep it... As for the noise level, you can always get another fan with a low DB (noise level) and high CFM (air moved) that would be an easy install.

[RollingThunder]

You have good 12V rails, why upgrade? ... infact all your rails have good amperage. If I was you I would deffinately keep it... As for the noise level, you can always get another fan with a low DB (noise level) and high CFM (air moved) that would be an easy install.

>

[Panneskjegg]

Now im only getting confused ;) Is my current one good enough, or should I buy a new one? I see you marked the "204W". Is that too low ?

[RollingThunder]

Now im only getting confused ;) Is my current one good enough, or should I buy a new one? I see you marked the "204W". Is that too low ?

It appears to me that regardless of the 12v rail listings, they are only good for 204 watts, much too low, whereas a better power supply like this one gives much more:

[Panneskjegg]

Ok. Then im 100% Certain that im going to buy a new PSU.

The MIST PSU I was talking about, it wasn't norwegian after all.. hehe.

Here is some info on it:
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/Cooltek%20600w/index.htm (This is the 600W version though).


Cooltek Mist 500W PSU: 160$
Antec Earthwatt 500W PSU: 125$
Corsair PSU 620W : 160$ (Normal price is actually 220$ for this one)
Corsair PSU 550W: 135$

Decisions decisions :(

[RollingThunder]

Ok. Then im 100% Certain that im going to buy a new PSU.

The MIST PSU I was talking about, it wasn't norwegian after all.. hehe.

Here is some info on it:
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/Cooltek%20600w/index.htm (This is the 600W version though).


Cooltek Mist 500W PSU: 160$
Antec Earthwatt 500W PSU: 125$
Corsair PSU 620W : 160$ (Normal price is actually 220$ for this one)
Corsair PSU 550W: 135$

Decisions decisions :(

Panneskjegg,

Depending on where you live and availability, some USA prices:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=373110
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10006757

They are better choices than the Antec Earthwatt. I don't know the Mist so I can't comment. The Corsairs are silent!

I won't get into modular vs. non-modular. I like the modulars now that I have one and I don't use a few of the cables so it suits my needs perfectly.

Here's a couple good URLs explaining requirements today and some reviews:

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=531717
http://jonnyguru.com/reviews.php

[Panneskjegg]

Edit: I just ordered a Corsair - CMPSU-620HXEU

Thanks for your help guys :) Much appreciated!

[JamesXP]

Great Choice.

[Oklahoma Wolf]

I don't know the Mist so I can't comment.

They look like Superflower to me. One of theirs got raked over the coals at [H] not long ago... the Corsairs are far better options.

[Panneskjegg]

So. I ended up buying the Corsair HX620W, but it wasn't compatible with my PC.

I sent it back, and ordered a new PSU instead: Chill Innovation
http://www.chill-innovation.com/images/CP-520A4.gif

Well, today I picked up the 'new' PSU (It was a demo-model). First impression wasn't good, the PSU looked like it was 10 years old (broken seals, tons of scratches etc). Then guess what happends when I try to see if the PSU works. My PC boots (YEI!), but it's a really strange noise from the PSU and smoke comes out of it!!!! Wow... I pull out the power cord ASAP - luckily all my components are still working.

I immediately wrote an email to the shop I bought it from.. And they were sorry for that incident bla bla.. and they offered me a new PSU again.. It's a PSU made by the shop itself.. it's specs are:

Watt (Max/Peak Load) 500 Watt

Watt (average effect) 500 Watt

Amper
+ 3.3 Volt 32 A (Ampere)
+ 5 Volt 38 A (Ampere)
+ 12 Volt 15 A (Ampere)
+ 12 Volt (12V3 - with ATX 2.2) 18 A (Ampere)

It's also very silent.

The 12 Volt rails seems a bit low..
Requirements for my AGP card is:
Minimum of a 400 Watt power supply.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 20 Amp Amps.)

- The PSU they offer me has 2x 12volt with 15A and 18A. Is that too low?

What is your opinion about their PSU offering ?

[Clockwork_Apple]

What is your opinion about their PSU offering ?
Demand a refund, and find a new shop.

Why was the Corsair not compatible?

[Panneskjegg]

Demand a refund, and find a new shop.

Why was the Corsair not compatible?

I will be refunded - or I can get a more expensive PSU from them (the one they offered me). Or I can get another PSU (but then I have to pay the shim).

Why the Corsair PSU wasn't compatible? I have no idea. The mods at the corsair forum meant my MB didn't support ATX 2.2/2.3.. (but it does). And there are several threads over at their forum where people can't get their Corsair PSUs to work properly (mainly s939 users). The Corsair PSU would have been perfect, if it only worked on my MB.

Anyway: I don't want to change shop, because they have the cheapest PSUs, and good service (despite the fact that they sent me a defect/smoking PSU :P ). I don't want to buy any more "demo" models from them though.. Hehe

As of now, im considering a NEW Chill Innovation PSU (paying the shim), or the PSU they offered me. Unless someone stears me into another brand.

Btw: Here is a link to the PSU they offered me (http://www.shgcomputers.com/produkter/infobox.asp?varenr=820248&language=UK)

[RollingThunder]

I will be refunded - or I can get a more expensive PSU from them (the one they offered me). Or I can get another PSU (but then I have to pay the shim).

Why the Corsair PSU wasn't compatible? I have no idea. The mods at the corsair forum meant my MB didn't support ATX 2.2/2.3.. (but it does). And there are several threads over at their forum where people can't get their Corsair PSUs to work properly (mainly s939 users). The Corsair PSU would have been perfect, if it only worked on my MB.

Anyway: I don't want to change shop, because they have the cheapest PSUs, and good service (despite the fact that they sent me a defect/smoking PSU :P ). I don't want to buy any more "demo" models from them though.. Hehe

As of now, im considering a NEW Chill Innovation PSU (paying the shim), or the PSU they offered me. Unless someone stears me into another brand.

Btw: Here is a link to the PSU they offered me (http://www.shgcomputers.com/produkter/infobox.asp?varenr=820248&language=UK)

Pann,

You're from Scandinavia, correct? And your power is 230v?

What power supply brands can you get over there that have a well known name? That Chill doesn't have a UL number on it, so it's an unknown. That doesn't mean it's not any good but at least with a name brand with a UL number, we would know who the OEM is and can make a better decision.

If you're limited on what's available, the Antec Earth Watts isn't a bad choice or the NEO HE.

Not sure what the problem was with the Corsair, but there are a number of people on OC Forums from all over the world using Corsairs on 939 boards, including me.

[Panneskjegg]

Pann,

You're from Scandinavia, correct? And your power is 230v?

What power supply brands can you get over there that have a well known name? That Chill doesn't have a UL number on it, so it's an unknown. That doesn't mean it's not any good but at least with a name brand with a UL number, we would know who the OEM is and can make a better decision.

If you're limited on what's available, the Antec Earth Watts isn't a bad choice or the NEO HE.

Not sure what the problem was with the Corsair, but there are a number of people on OC Forums from all over the world using Corsairs on 939 boards, including me.

Yes, im scandinavian (230V yeah)

The current shop I want to buy from has the following brands:

» DeZen / shg Computers (This is the one they offered me. A 500W version)
» ACE
» AeroCool
» Antec
» be quiet!
» BFG
» Chill Innovation ( Review here: http://metku.net/index.html?path=reviews/chill-520/index_eng3 )
» CoolerMaster
» Corsair
» LC Power
» NorthQ
» SilverStone
» Shuttle
» ThermalTake
» Zalman

They do have the Antec Earthwatt as recommended in this thread.

I would like to try another Corsair PSU, but im afraid the same thing will happen again (No post), then I have to ship back yet another working PSU and pay a lot of $ to ship it back again. That's why I went with another brand.

[RollingThunder]

Yes, im scandinavian (230V yeah)

The current shop I want to buy from has the following brands:

» DeZen / shg Computers (This is the one they offered me. A 500W version)
» ACE
» AeroCool
» Antec
» be quiet!
» BFG
» Chill Innovation
» CoolerMaster
» Corsair
» LC Power
» NorthQ
» SilverStone
» Shuttle
» ThermalTake
» Zalman

They do have the Antec Earthwatt as recommended in this thread.

I would like to try another Corsair PSU, but im afraid the same thing will happen again (No post), then I have to ship back yet another working PSU and pay a lot of $ to ship it back again. That's why I went with another brand.

Silverstone is top quality and would be my first choice depending on what models they have and the Antec Earth Watts would be the second choice. Either one in a 500w size would give you plenty of headroom to work with. I understand not wanting to try another Corsair if the first one wouldn't work, which is still very puzzling.

[Panneskjegg]

I went against your advice, and got a new Chill 520W PSU instead.

I have hooked up the new PSU, PC boots, I enter windows etc.. I don't try any 3d-games, but everything seems to work, so I restart my PC - because I want to OC some! I increase FSB from 200-> 210, 220, 230. At 235 FSB it wouldn't enter windows. Ok - the things is, when I set the FSB to 235, I pushed the "ON/OFF" Button on my PSU - and the ****ty button "broke". A normal button is like this: "ON" -> CLICK -> "OFF".. and the other way around. My PSU button was stuck on "ON" - I couldn't pull it to "OFF" (No click, and it wouldn't stay in OFF position). Well well, not much I can do about that.

So I start PC again, set the FSB to 230 again.. enter windows.. And try to start 3dmark06 - when it is about to start, the PC just shuts down. :bang head
I pull out power cord etc, and manage to start the pc again. I enter bios, and load optimized default settings. I enter windows - but after a little while, the PC just shuts off again. Im starting to think it is the ****ty PSU ON/OFF button causing problems - so open the ****ty PSU up, and try to pull out the button (I want to change it with another button). With some voodoo-magic, the button all of a sudden works. (It clicks, and stays in POSITION on either ON OR OFF). Ok, I put the PSU together again, boot my PC up... enter windows.. but again; PC SHUTS DOWN :mad::mad::bang head:bang head:bang head

Before the PC shuts down, I am able to play an old open-gl game (Quake 2) - before it shuts down. So the 3d part on the GFX is still working me think.

I just have no idea what to do right now. I am leaning towards using the PSU as baseball right now - I am seriously considering crushing it in 1000 pieces. I doubt I'll have any guarantee now that I broke the little "SEAL" on the PSU..

Any suggestions/tips on what might be wrong, or what I might try?

I'll go out to get some air now,,.. before I go loco on my PC.

[Evilsizer]

go back to the shop and get the Corsair the VX's are good psu's as well just not modular. as far as a psu not being compatible doesnt make sense, voltage is voltage......

i second RT's suggestions though...

[JamesXP]

It's a crap PSU, You can't make it better.

[Panneskjegg]

Ok.

It's a crap PSU, You can't make it better.

First of all, judging by over 20 reviews (where pretty much all of them give this PSU a ~top score) - this PSU shouldn't be crap. I think the reviewers know what they are doing - at least most of them. For you, this PSU = Uknown brand , therefor it has to be crap. Im sorry, but that just doesn't cut it.

If you judge by my experience with this PSU - then yes, it is crap. But if you look at all the positive reviews it has - this PSU shouldn't be crap..

Basically: The psu = crap, even though it shouldn't be crap.

I guess there is nothing to do about it. 180$ down the drain.. I will at least try to get a new one, from the shop I bought it from (Once again, I broke the seal, so doubt I'll get a new one on the guarantee). Im somewhat linked to a series of unfortunate events...

And just fyi, a friend of mine just bought an Intel Quad, 4gb ram, geforce 8800gt etc - with the SAME PSU - his PC is working fine.

[JamesXP]

Well that review is not very good at all, It only tested it upto 300W, it doesn't tell us how it tested it....

[JamesXP]

After a little digging:


The PSU OEM is probably 'Shenzen Chi Yuan'

And they are a mixed bag.

[Evilsizer]

@jegg
ok so the psu isnt crap it is the motherboard... socket 939 is from ddr prolly before the new atx spec came out. the mear fact you said your friends intel is working fine, because the motherboard he has is alot newer then yours.

[Oklahoma Wolf]

After a little digging:


The PSU OEM is probably 'Shenzen Chi Yuan'

And they are a mixed bag.

Nope, not them from what I can tell: http://metku.net/index.html?path=reviews/chill-520/index_eng2

Could be wrong though - haven't had much time to look this one up. It does look like their build quality, though without the Frankenstein heatsinks some SCY/Huntkey models use.

Unfortunately, it's doubtful you'd ever get 520W from that thing without seeing the magic smoke. 400W, maybe. Capacitors appear to be Chhsi, at least the ones I can ID, which I tend not to trust. Primary caps are way too small for it to be a 520W. No PFC of any sort, barely any transient filtering, and group regulated. If it is Huntkey, it should be known that they rate their units at peak power, usually about 100W above what they're capable of.

I'm not sure I'd call it utter crap without knowing more about them, but it's far from being good.

[JamesXP]

Heh, I just seen what I seen at jG :P

[Oklahoma Wolf]

I remember it being mentioned there, but IIRC nobody pinned down the OEM for sure. The PCB has model number markings starting with "KN" - I don't recognize it.

[Panneskjegg]

Nope, not them from what I can tell: http://metku.net/index.html?path=reviews/chill-520/index_eng2

Could be wrong though - haven't had much time to look this one up. It does look like their build quality, though without the Frankenstein heatsinks some SCY/Huntkey models use.

Unfortunately, it's doubtful you'd ever get 520W from that thing without seeing the magic smoke. 400W, maybe. Capacitors appear to be Chhsi, at least the ones I can ID, which I tend not to trust. Primary caps are way too small for it to be a 520W. No PFC of any sort, barely any transient filtering, and group regulated. If it is Huntkey, it should be known that they rate their units at peak power, usually about 100W above what they're capable of.

I'm not sure I'd call it utter crap without knowing more about them, but it's far from being good.

I am into stereo/home theater, so I know alot about watt and WATT. I guess it is the same thing with PSUs... We have watt and WATT. And we have lots of "promising" reviews on certain products that just don't deliver it's "rated" spec.

I will take PSU reviews with a little grain of salt from now on. I won't go into an argument whether the Chill PSU delivers 520 watt or just 400 watt. I do know you know a helluva lot more than me though, on this subject. So I appreciate your comments.

All I can hope for now, is that I get a new PSU (for the 4th time). I doubt it, though :P But if I get yet another PSU, I'll get a Corsair one.

[JamesXP]

The silverstones are great too,

And www.jonnyguru.com is a reliable place for PSU reviews :)

[Panneskjegg]

As expected, I won't get a new PSU from the shop. I'll try the PSU on another PC before I decide to use it as a baseball.

Some 'good' things have come out of this though. I've decided to get rid of my PC (sell it). I'll move on to a Dual Core Intel system (I'll buy it from my brother). Things will be easier in the future with that PC, when it comes to upgrades etc.. I hope :P

Bye bye S939!