PSU Recommendations?

aronmartin · May 3, 2004

I am considering upgrading my system to a p4c800-e deluxe mobo with a 3.0 c p4. I have a lot of fans in my case. Im looking for a recommendation of a good strong psu under $100 I don't want to spend anymore than I have too. Thanx in advance.

I.M.O.G. · May 3, 2004

I've been telling people to get the sparkle 530 watt PSU at newegg for quite some time now... It's the same as Fortron, and it is $68. You'll pay $20 more for the same thing with the name Fortron on it though.

aronmartin · May 3, 2004

I have been looking at this psu.... any comments?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-153-011&depa=1

Ktulu · May 3, 2004

thats good for both p4 and a64 systems?

Mr.Radar · May 3, 2004

A lot of people like their TT Silent PurePower's, however I'd personally go for an Antec TruePower 480 instead (only $1 more) or the Sparkle 530 (more power but less line regulation).

I.M.O.G. · May 3, 2004

I would avoid a Tt PSU, as I would all of their other glitter and glam they sell. I'm probably biased though, because Tt stands for everything I hate - marginal/poor performance and fancy looks.

Thermaltake stuff is like tinting your own car windows, buying shiny plastic player rims, getting euro lights at walmart IMO.

Bleh.

Gautam · May 3, 2004

TT's are Sirtech based. They're not bad PSU's, but they can't hold up to FSP's.

Line regulation is only as good as the manufacturer claims it is. If I put out a PSU claiming .00000000000000001% line regulation, would you buy it?

The Sparkle is, by most accounts, a heftier, tougher unit than even the Antec TP550. It's the one to get, unless you can afford the PCP&C TC 510.

topslop1 · May 3, 2004

Imog, is sparkle the exact same thing when compared with the fortron or is it simply the name? Like what small changes if any would there be between the two?

aronmartin · May 3, 2004

Well I was doing some reading about having Active PFC and it looks like a good thing to have. It doesn't appear that the antecs have it. some of the sparkles do. any other recommendations? Is PFC important?

canadianpsycho · May 3, 2004

topslop1 said:
Imog, is sparkle the exact same thing when compared with the fortron or is it simply the name? Like what small changes if any would there be between the two?

I think Fortron and Sparkle are the same build design... Just different names.

Mr.Radar · May 3, 2004

Fortron supplies all the parts to Sparkle that have FSP at the front of the model number.

Active PFC just means the PSU wastes less power (i.e. generates less heat). It's certainly not a requirement for a good PSU (many great PSUs don't have it).

aronmartin · May 4, 2004

Well I broke down and ordered the goods!

I got a p4c800-e deluxe mobo, p4 3.0 c cpu, and I went with the sparkle 530w psu. Thanx for the replys everyone

topslop1 · May 4, 2004

I'm going to be looking into getting the sparkle or fortron 530 watt as soon as I can sell my mushkin pc 3500 bh-5 512 stick. Swap that and grab me either one. Most likley get the sparkle since everyone seems to be so fond of them.

Mr.Radar · May 4, 2004

Fortron and Sparkle parts are the exact same, except the sticker slapped on them and the price (Sparkle is generally cheaper than Fortron).

aronmartin · May 4, 2004

I ordered the sparkle 530w and thought afterwards.... are the wires sleeved? anyone know?

Mr.Radar · May 5, 2004

I don't think that Fortron/Sparkle ships any of their PSUs sleeved.

aronmartin · May 5, 2004

bummer, I may have to order some sleeves then.

wfarid · May 6, 2004

is a sparkle 530 better than the antec tp550?

Mr.Radar · May 6, 2004

The TP550 is a better PSU. It has better rail regulation (both the Sparkle & the Antec keepe their rails very steady, but the TP550 also keeps it closer to it's rating).

Sniper.nkc · May 7, 2004

I like the Turbo-Cool 510 Deluxe for the following reasons:

The next runner up ps (antec 550) will cost about 100 + shipping. For an extra 100 you will get:

1. 1% regulation on all critical rails vs the 3 % regulation.
2. 5mv ripple vs 50 mv. You will get cleaner power.
3. My ps can regulate with 80VAC. Others will drop on a dime with less than 100VAC
4. 5 year warranty vs 3 years.
5. Finally Turbo cool ps have a higher power output at @40 C. Others have lower power outputs.

PSU Recommendations?

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