[jiggamanjb]

Edited 4-23-08 : Added Power Recommendations by Video Card, PSU Rebranding Guide & PSU Recommendations

First off I would just like to say that this is not an original compilation. Much of the information is edited from collection of PSU information here (http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1045259). I just thought that we needed one thread of everything you need to know. Also, I am no guru, so if you have feedback please tell me ( except if you are going to flame me j/k ). I'm sure there are many errors as this is just version 1.0
Here it goes…


PSU calculator http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp

PSU reviews http://www.psuinquisitor.com/

Great place for a everything! http://www.jonnyguru.com/

Dual PSU How to http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=88976

How to use a DMM to check voltages http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=403837 or http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...d.php?t=137886

Recommended Digital Multimeter (DMM): http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.ph...3&postcount=12

The Guide to Power Supply Pin removers (ATX/P4 and Molexes) http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=367661

To jump-start a PSU attach a wire or paper clip ( or anything that carries a current ) to the green and any black wire. Sometimes PSUs require a load to start, so be aware of this. http://www.pcpowerandcooling.com/sup...oubleshoot.htm

How to run fans at different voltages http://www.fanbus.com/faq/fanfaq.htm

Sleeving guide: http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...d.php?t=155111

If you own an HP, Gateway, Compaq, Dell or Emachine: This is how to find-out what PS is probably inside.
http://www.power-on.com/index.html


Basic Questions Answered
________________________________________

Voltages & Amperage: Only the +3.3V, +5V & +12V are used by modern computers. Spec is usually +/- 5%. When the original ATX spec was written the +3.3V & +5V were far more stressed by heavy usage demands than they are in today’s computers. Almost any high quality ATX spec PS of 300Watts or more can supply far more +3.3V & +5V amperage than today’s computers require. Today’s computers, especially the AMD A64’s and the latest Intel P4’s stress the +12V rail the most, requiring far more amperage than was originally called for in the original ATX spec for the +12V rail.

Wattage: Voltage times Amperage equals Wattage. Wattage is the ability to do work; it can be converted into Horse Power. A PS’s wattage rating is the total combined wattage output of all the rails combined. Older ATX designs created most of their wattage in the +3.3 & +5V rails, creating very little on the +12V rail. Newer ATX12V & ATX12 V2.0 designs are creating ever more wattage on the +12V rail, to meet the needs of today’s & tomorrow’s computers.

Dual +12V Rails: Most PS’s today supply all of their +12V amperage through one rail, just like almost every PS manufacturer supplies their +3.3V and +5V through one rail each. However some forward thinking manufacture’s are supplying their +12V amperage through more than one rail, the most common today for PC’s is to use two +12V rails or dual rails. The new ATX12 V2.0 spec. also requires dual (or more) +12V rails.

Why more than one +12V rail? Electrical isolation for noise and improved voltage regulation. Some devices, usually electromechanical ones having motors, produce noise spikes & voltage fluxuations, these can include pumps, compressors, fans, drives, lights (when turned on & off) and probably TEC’s & Peltiers. By putting these “noisy” devices, that often turn on & off, or at least often change their power (amperage) demands, on a separate rail we isolate them from the MoBo, CPU, Video Card(s) and the other electronic components that are sensitive to noise & sudden changes in voltage. This is a good thing! ATX12 V2.0 is the future. Additional Information: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article28-page3.html

Hold Up Time: Measured in milliseconds (ms) is how long the PS will continue to supply in spec voltage & amperage, once the AC input voltage is removed. The longer the hold up time generally the higher the quality of the PS. Hold up time gives the time necessary for an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to switch to batteries and allow uninterrupted operation of the computer.

Efficiency and Temperature: There are no electronic devices that are 100% efficient & PS’s are no exception. Typically PS’s operate between 60% and 70% efficiency. The more efficient the PS, the less power that is lost as heat and the lower the cooling requirements. Newer PSU's meeting the ATX12V 2.xx specs have efficiency ratings from 70% to as high as 85%. The Antec Phantom's & the Seasonic S-12's are 80%+ efficient.

Reading and Adjusting Voltages: BIOS and software such as Motherboard Monitor 5 (MM5) can not be fully trusted to give accurate voltage readings and since many of today's better PS's allow the user to easily adjust their voltages, it is very important that a voltmeter/multimeter be used to measure these voltages correctly.

EPS: Among other things, it means it has the 8-pin 12V plug for the motherboard. The 8-pin is meant for dual CPU setups. Many EPS12V-ready PSU's like the OCZ Powerstream come with two 12v 4-pin headers that can be combined into the 8-pin.

PFC: Power Factor Correction: This has always been important for large scale commerical applications,
now it is something that the home & small office user can also consider,
especially if you are going to be operating outside of north america.
Here is a good explination of PFC: http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx...var1=81&var2=0
APC on PFC: ftp://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/SADE-5TNQYL_R0_EN.pdf

APC UPS : American Power Conversion (APC) http://www.apcc.com makers of IMO the world’s finest Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), check them out, I promise that you will be glad you did.
I recommend this one as it also protects your network connections.
Back-UPS ES 725 Broadband: http://www.apc.com/resource/include/...se_sku=BE725BB
Available at new egg for $81: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ription=42-101

PSU's to Avoid for High Performance or OC'ed Systems:
______________________________________________
Some of these PSU's are dangerous to your system, some are just sub-standard,
however NONE can be recommended, for high performance or over-clocked systems.

Achieve
Aerocool
Allied
Apex
Arrow,
Aspire > Dangerous! They don't even pretend to meet the ATX/AMD/Intel specs!
Austin
Codegen
Coolmax
Demon
Deer
Duro
Dynapower
Eagle
EagleTech
Foxlink
Hercules
InWin (except FSP models)
Jpac
JustPC
Key Mouse
Kingwin
L&C
Logic
Linkworld
Macron Power
MGE
Mustang
Okia
Power-Man (except FSP models)
Powmax
Power-Up
Powerstar
QMax
Qtec
q-tec
Raidmax (except Topower/Tagan models, not sold with cases)
Real PC Power
Rhycon
Robanton
Rosewill - Lowend models - If it's over $50 though, it's probably OK to use
Skyhawk
Soly Tech
Thermaltake (except the Thermaltake W0057 PurePower 500W)
TMP-ANS
Tsunami
Turbo
Turbolink
Ultra (except X2 & X-Finity)
US-Can
Viomax

Side note on Thermaltakes:

Thermaltake is also being made by CWT (OEM for Antec/XClio), so some care should be taken about specifiying which models to avoid. I know the ToughPower 550w is CWT, not sure about the ToughPower 600w since I don't see CWT having made any quad rail PSU's yet. The OEM's that I know of that are doing quad rail are Topower, Fortron/SPI, and Enhance (in affordable $ range). Your guess is as good as mine right now in figuring out who it is, it could be someone else not mentioned. The ToughPower 550w should be as good as the Antec TruePower II 550w.

Some of these PSU's are dangerous to your system, some are just sub-standard,
however NONE can be recommended, for high performance or over-clocked systems.


Some of the Basics
________________

Minimum of +12V@26A for Single Video Card Systems & +12V@34A for Dual Video Card (SLI) Systems.

PC Power & Cooling (PC P&C): 1% Regulation, Adjustable Rails & 5yr warranty.
OCZ PowerStreams: 1% - 2% Regulation, Adjustable Rails & 5yr warranty.

Antec (TruePower, TruePower II & NeoPower) & Zippy: Tight Regulation & 3yr warranty.

Antec (Smart Power), Cooler Master, Enermax, Fortron, Hiper, OCZ (ModStream),
Seasonic, Silverstone (Zeus), Sparkle, Tagan, Vantec & XClio: Known Good Quality & often at Low Prices.

All of the above are very good PSU's & are recommended.

___________________________________________

some info below based on
http://www.computerforum.com/90118-u...se-guides.html

___________________________________________


This list is a consolidation of official, manufacturer supplied power requirements for PCs by video card. It is intended as a first resource when choosing an appropriate PSU for a system or video card upgrade (or choosing a video card that will work with your current PSU).

Keep in mind that these figures are based on a typical gaming system including the specified video card. Users with multiprocessor systems, large RAID arrays, or other power sucking devices will need to use a larger PSU than is specified here.

Figures in blue are those which I have extrapolated, due to manufacturer data being unavailable. If anyone has any additions or corrections please post/PM me. I will endeavour to keep this list updated as new cards are released. Be aware that some manufacturers specify different requirements for the same card. In this case I've taken a little licence when choosing the figure to use.

ATI Multiple Card

Card...................................Wattage ...............+12V Amperage
HD 3870X2 Crossfire.................750W .........................60A
HD 3870 Crossfire....................550W .........................42A
HD 3850 Crossfire....................550W .........................42A
HD 2900XT Crossfire................750W .........................60A
HD 2900GT Crossfire................550W .........................40A
HD 2600XT Crossfire................550W .........................30A
X1950 - All Models Crossfire......550W .........................38A
X1900GT Crossfire...................550W .........................38A
X1800 - All Models Crossfire......550W .........................38A


ATI Single Card

Card...................................Wattage ...............+12V Amperage
HD 3870X2.............................550W .........................34A
HD 3870................................450W .........................26A
HD 3850................................450W .........................26A
HD 2900XT............................550W .........................34A
HD 2900GT............................450W .........................30A
HD 2600XT............................400W .........................22A
HD 2600Pro...........................400W .........................20A
HD 2400Pro...........................300W .........................18A
X1950 - All Models..................450W .........................30A
X1900GT...............................400W .........................25A
X1900 CF Edition....................450W .........................30A
AIW X1900............................450W .........................30A
X1800 - All Models..................450W .........................30A
X1650 - All Models..................350W .........................20A
X1300 - All Models..................350W .........................18A


nVidia Multiple Card

Card...................................Wattage ...............+12V Amperage
7600GS SLI............................400W .........................20A
7600GT SLI............................400W .........................24A
7800GT SLI............................450W .........................26A
7900GS SLI............................500W .........................28A
7950GT SLI............................500W .........................28A
7800GTX SLI..........................500W .........................34A
8500GT SLI............................400W .........................22A
8600GT SLI............................400W .........................22A
8600GTS SLI..........................450W .........................24A
8800GTS SLI..........................650W .........................52A
8800GT SLI............................600W .........................48A
8800GTX SLI..........................700W .........................56A
8800Ultra SLI.........................750W .........................60A
9600GT SLI............................450W .........................28A


nVidia Single Card

Card...................................Wattage ...............+12V Amperage
6200LE..................................250W .........................18A
7100GS.................................250W .........................18A
7300GS.................................300W .........................18A
7300LE..................................350W .........................18A
7300GT.................................350W .........................18A
7600GS.................................350W .........................18A
7600GT.................................350W .........................18A
7800GS.................................350W .........................20A
7800GT.................................350W .........................20A
7900GS.................................350W .........................20A
7950GT.................................350W .........................22A
7800GTX...............................400W .........................26A
8400GS.................................300W .........................20A
8500GT.................................300W .........................18A
8600GT.................................300W .........................20A
8600GTS...............................350W .........................18A
8800GTS...............................400W .........................28A
8800GS.................................450W .........................30A
8800GT.................................400W .........................26A
8800GTX...............................450W .........................30A
8800Ultra..............................500W .........................34A
9600GT.................................400W .........................26A
9800GX2...............................580W .........................40A

Other lowend/Integrated..........250W .........................18A

___________________________________________

My "Top Pick" PSUs at various pricepoints. I'll do my best to keep this updated regularly.

Antec Basiq 350W - $19.99
Ratings:+3.3V@20A,+5V@20A,+12V1@10A,+12V2@13A (Total +12V@23A),-12V@0.3A, +5VSB@2.5A
Comments: $20 doesn't get you much, but this PSU is better than most.

Rosewill RP500-2 500W - $49.99

Ratings:+3.3V@30A, +5V@45A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@16A (Total +12V@31A), -12V@1A, +5VSB@2.5A
Comments: A viable alternative to the Ultra or XClio for those who want a little more 'bling', the presence of an 8pin EPS12V connector is a distinct advantage. The use of Fuhjyyu capacitors means that this PSU should be restricted to well ventilated cases, however

XCLIO StablePower 460W - $51.99
Ratings:+3.3V@25A;+5V@22A;+12V1@18A;+12V2@16A;-12V@0.5A; +5VSB@3.0A
Comments: A very capable, Enhance built, PSU at this price

Corsair CMPSU-450VX - $65.50 after $10 rebate - ceewi1's pick
Ratings:+3.3V@20A,+5V@20A,+12V@33A,-12V@0.8A,+5VSB@2.5A
Comments: While the rated 450W may look small, this unit still features an impressively strong 33A single +12V rail. A superb quality PSU.

Corsair CMPSU-550VX - $74.99 after $15 rebate
Ratings:+3.3V@30A,+5V@20A,+12V@41A,-12V@0.8A,+5VSB@3A
Comments: A superb quality PSU at a fantastic price, this PSU is strongly recommended.

BFG Tech 800W - $84.99 after $30 rebate - ceewi1's pick
Ratings:+3.3V@24A, +5V@30A, +12V1@20A, +12V2@20A, +12V3@20A, +12V4@20A -12V@0.8A, 5VSB@3A
Comments: A solid high powered unit at a superb price.

Corsair CMPSU-520HX - $89.99 after $10 rebate
Ratings:+3.3V@24A, +5V@24A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, +12V3@18A, (Total +12V@40A) -12V@0.8A, 5VSB@3A
Comments: Despite the labelling, this is essentially a single rail design. A top quality modular Seasonic built PSU.

Silverstone ST75ZF - $109.99 after $40 rebate - ceewi1's pick
Ratings:+3.3V@28A,+5V@30A,+12V1@18A,+12V2@18A,+12V 3@18A,
+12V4@18A (Total +12V@60A),-12V@0.5A,+5VSB@3.0A +12V4@18A,-12V@0.5A,+5VSB@3.0A
Comments: For those who don't mind the rebate, this is a top quality, best of the best server grade unit. A superb PSU at this price, despite the relatively low efficiency.

Thermaltake Toughpower 700W - $119.99 after $40 rebate
Ratings:+3.3@30A,+5V@28A,+12V1@18A,+12V2@18A,+12V3 @18A,+ 12V4@18A (Total +12V@56A),-12V@0.8A,+5VSB@3.0A
Comments: A good quality PSU from Thermaltake, well priced after rebate.

Coolermaster Real Power Pro 850W - $129.99 - ceewi1's pick
Ratings:+3.3V@25A,+5V@30A,+12V1@18A,+12V2@18A,+12V 3@18A, +12V4@18A,+12V5@18A (Total +12V@60A),-12V@0.8A,+5VSB@3.5A
Comments: A good quality, superb value PSU.

Silverstone ST85ZF - $139.99 after $50 rebate - ceewi1's pick
Ratings:+3.3V@28A,+5V@30A,+12V1@18A,+12V2@18A,+12V 3@18A,
+12V4@18A (Total +12V@70A),-12V@0.5A,+5VSB@3.0A +12V4@18A,-12V@0.5A,+5VSB@3.0A
Comments: Another top quality, best of the best server grade unit from Silverstone. A great buy, despite the low efficiency.

Antec Quattro 850W - $153.65 - ceewi1's pick
Ratings: +3.3V@25A,+5V@30A,+12V1@18A,+12V2@18A,+12V3@18A, +12V4@18A (Total +12V@64A),-12V@0.5A,+5VSB@3.0A
Comments: A good quality 850W PSU, this represents superb value and quality.

Ultra X3 1000W - $189.99 - ceewi1's pick
Ratings:+3.3V@25A, +5V@28A, +12V@70A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@3A
Comments: To see such a great quality, modular, 1000W PSU available at the $200 mark is superb. This is an easy recommendation for anyone needing this much power.

_____________________________________

Few companies actually make their own PSUs. In most cases, they are made by another company (the OEM), and sold under a different brand name. This guide is intended to provide information as to who is the actual manufacturer of PSUs sold by various companies. In many cases, knowing the OEM will give you a better idea as to the actual quality of the unit.

The UL (Exxxxxx) number for these units is also provided.

This list is obviously far from complete (and never will be complete). Any additions/corrections are most welcome. Please don't copy/paste an entire list from an Internet site/forum, though - I've seen quite a few of these and most are horrendously inaccurate/outdated. If possible, please provide a link to the source as well.

Aerocool
Known Manufacturers - Andyson
Specific Units

All units - Andyson E239028

Andyson
Known Manufacturers - Andyson
Specific Units

All units - Andyson E239028

Antec
Known Manufacturers - Channelwell, Enhance, FSP, Seasonic
Specific Units:

SmartPower series - Channelwell E176105
TruePower II series - Channelwell E176105
Phantom series - Channelwell E176105
NeoHE series - Seasonic E104405
TruePower Trio series - Seasonic E104405
Earthwatts series - Seasonic E104405
Solution (SU) series - Seasonic E104405
Basiq series - FSP
Quattro series - Enhance E166947

*E176105 is actually Antec's own UL number - some units appear to be registered under this number, others under the number of the OEM.

Akasa
Known Manufacturers - Enhance
Specific Units:

All units - Enhance E166947

Allied
Known Manufacturers - L&C
Specific Units:

All Units - L&C E214301

Apevia/Aspire
Known Manufacturers - Youngyear, Wintech, Real Power Pro
Specific Units

AS Prefix - Youngyear E126556
Iceberg series (IB Prefix) - Youngyear E126556
PFC Prefix - Youngyear E126556
MR Prefix - Youngyear E126556
WIN Prefix - Wintech
CW Prefix (Turbolink on label) - Real Power Enterprise

Apex
Known Manufacturers - L&C
Specific Units

AL Prefix - L&C E214301
SL Prefix - Soltech E223918

*Solytech are a division of Deer

Asus
Known Manufacuters - Acbel Polytech
Specific Units

All units - Acbel Polytech


Athena Power
Known Manufacturers - Sun Pro
Specific Units

AP-MP4ATX25 - Sun Pro E210743
AP-MPS3ATX30 Sun Pro E210743
AP-P4ATX42F Sun Pro E210743
AP-MPS3ATX40 Sun Pro E210743
AP-MP4ATX40 Sun Pro E210743
AP-P4ATX50F12 Topower E130843

BFG
Known Manufacturers - Topower
Specific Units

All units - Topower UL Not stated

Coolermaster
Known Manufacturers - Acbel Polytec, Enhance, Hipro, Seventeam
Specific Units:

Real Power 550W - Acbel Polytec E131875
eXtremePower 430W - Hipro E143709
eXtremePower 600W - Seventeam UL Not stated
eXtremePower 650W - Seventeam UL Not stated
Real Power Pro 750W - Acbel Polytec
Real Power Pro 850/1000W - Enhance

Coolmax
Known Manufacturers - ATNG, Sirtech

Corsair
Known Manufacturers - Seasonic, Channelwell
Specific Units

HX Series - Seasonic UL Not Stated
VX450W - Seasonic UL Not Stated
VX550W - Channelwell UL Not Stated

Delta
Known Manufacturers - Delta
Specific Units

All units - Delta E131881/E217431/E313881


Diablotek
Known Manufacturers - Leadman
Specific Units

All units - Leadman UL Not Stated

Enermax
Known Manufacturers - Enermax
Specific Units

All units - Enermax E134014

Enhance
Known Manufacturers - Enhance
Specific Units

All units - Enhance E166947

ePower
Known Manufacturers - Topower
Specific Units

All Units - Topower E130843

*ePower are Topower's retail brand

Etasis
Known Manufacturers - Etasis
Specific Units

All units - Etasis E176239

FSP
Known Manufacturers - FSP
Specific Units

All units - FSP E190414

Gigabyte
Known Manufacturers - Channelwell
Specific Units

All units - Channelwell E161451

Hiper
Known Manufacturers - Andyson
Specific Units

All units - Andyson E239028

Hipro
Known Manufacturers - Hipro, Topower
Specific Units

Units with HP Prefix - Hipro E143709
Units with TOP Prefix - Topower

In Win
Known Manufacturers - In Win, FSP
Specific Units

Models with FSP prefix - FSP
Models with IW/IP prefix - In Win E193791

Kingwin
Known Manufacturers - Super Flower
Specific Units

All units - Super Flower E197467

Koolance
Known Manufacturers - Channelwell
Specific Units

Liquid Cooled 1200W - Channelwell UL Not stated

Leadman
Known Manufacturers - Leadman
Specific Units

All units - Leadman UL Not stated

Linkworld
Known Manufacturers - Linkworld
Specific Units

All units - Linkworld E131039

Logisys
Known Manufacturers - Youngyear

Masscool
Known Manufacturers - Seventeam
Specific Units

All Units - Seventeam E141400

Mushkin
Known Manufacturers - Topower
Specific Units

All Units - Topower E130643

*Topower's actual UL is E130843. This seems to be a Typo on Muskin (and a few others') part.

MSI
Known Manufacturers - Solytech
Specific Units

All units - Solytech E223918

*Solytech are a division of Deer

OCZ
Known Manufacturers - 3Y, FSP, Topower
Specific Units

Powerstream series - Topower
GameXStream series - FSP E190414
EvoStream series - 3Y E190414
ProXStream series - 3Y E190414
StealthXStream series - FSP E190414
ModXStream - FSP E190414

*FSP have a controlling interest in 3Y

Powmax
Known Manufacturers - Leadman
Specific Units

All Units Leadman UL Not Stated

PC Power and Cooling
Known Manufacturers - Seasonic, WinTact
Specific Units

Silencer series - Seasonic
Turbo-Cool series - WinTact UL Not Stated

*PC Power and Cooling are now owned by OCZ, although the product lines remain separate

Raidmax
Known Manufacturers - Sun Pro, Topower
Specific Units

RX-380K Sun Pro E210734
RX-420K Sun Pro E210734
RX-500S Andyson E239028
RX-630A Topower

Rosewill
Known Manufacturers - ATNG, Deer, Leadman, Solytech, Wintech, Youngyear
Specific Units

RV200 - Deer E203196
RV300 - Leadman UL Not Stated
RV350 - ATNG E186010
RV350-2 - Deer E203196
RV450 - ATNG E186010
RD series - Solytech E223918
RE series - Youngyear E126556
RP series - ATNG E186010
RT series - Wintech UL Not Stated
RX series - ATNG E186010

Scythe
Known Manufacturers - Topower
Specific Units

All units - Topower E130843

Seasonic
Known Manufacturers - Seasonic
Specific Units

All units - Seasonic E104405

Silverstone
Known Manufacturers - Enhance, Etasis, FSP, Seventeam
Specific Units:

Olympia OP1000 - Seventeam E141400
Decathlon DA1000 - Seventeam E141400
All other Olympia units - Impervio
All other Decathlon units - Impervio
Element series (EF suffix) - Enhance E166947
Strider series (F suffix) above 500W - Enhance E166947
Strider series (F suffix) below 500W - FSP
Zeus ST56ZF - Enhance E166947
All other Zeus models - Etasis E176239
Nightjar series - Etasis E176239


Sparkle
Known Manufacturers - FSP
Specific Units

All units - FSP

*Sparkle is owned by FSP

StarTech
Known Manufacturers - ATNG
Specific Units

All Units - ATNG E186010

Super Flower
Known Manufacturers - Super Flower
Specific Units

All units - Super Flower E242429

Tagan
Known Manufacturers - Enhance, Topower
Specific Units

Silver Power - Enhance
All Other Units - Topower E223995

Thermaltake
Known Manufacturers - Channelwell, HEC, Sirtec
Specific Units

Purepower series - Channelwell E161451
TR2 430W - HEC E199442
All Other TR2s - Channelwell E161451/E193705
Toughpower series - Channelwell UL Not stated

Ultra
Known Manufacturers - Andyson, Seventeam, Wintech
Specific Units

V-Series - Wintech E178768
XVS - Wintech E178768
X-Finity 600W - Wintech E178768
X2 - Wintech E178768
X3 - Andyson E239028
X-Pro 600W EE - Andyson E239028
X-Pro 750W - Seventeam E141400
X-Pro 800W - Andyson E239028
X-Finity 800W - Andyson E239028

XClio
Known Manufacturers - Channelwell, Enhance
Specific Units:

Stablepower series - Enhance UL Not stated
Greatpower series - Channelwell UL Not stated
Goodpower series - Channelwell UL Not stated
BL series - Channelwell UL Not stated

Xion
Known Manufacturers - Super Flower

Zalman
Known Manufacturers - FSP
Specific units:

All units - FSP E198072

Zippy
Known Manufacturers - Zippy
Specific Units:

All units - Zippy E143756

PSU's for Older Systems (+5V Powering the CPU)
________________________________________

These PSU's were/are designed for older systems where the CPU is often powered from the +5V rail.
However these still provide enough +12V amperage to run most of today's lowend to midrange systems.

$26.50 & shipping [20-pin ATX Only]
ENERMAX EG301P-VB-1-FM 300W
Output +3.3V@28A; +5V@30A; -5V@1A; +12V@22A; -12V@1A; +5VSB@2.2A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103463

$55 & shipping [20-pin ATX Only]
ePOWER Tagan TG-380 ATX 380W
Output +3.3V@28A, +5V@37A, +12V@22A, -5V@0.8A, -12V@1A, +5VSB@2.5A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817101508

$76 & shipping [20-pin ATX Only]
ENERMAX EG465P-VE(FC) ATX 460W
Output +3.3V@35A; +5V@35A; -5V@1A; +12V@33A; -12V@1A; +5VSB@2.2A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103440

$65 & shipping [20-pin ATX Only]
PC P&C Silencer 360 ATX 360W
Output: +5V @ 30A, +12V @ 21A, -12V @ 0.8A, +3.3V @ 26A, +5VSB @ 2A
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...hp?show=S36ATX

$58.00 & shipping [24-pin ATX, includes 20-pin adaptor]
VANTEC ION 2 VAN-460N ATX12V/ EPS12V 460W
Output +3.3V@28A; +5V@30A; -5V@0.5A; +12V@30A; -12V@0.8A; +5VSB@3.0A
http://store.yahoo.com/svcompucycle/van-460n.html


Power Supplies for Intel OC'ing (Single +12V Rail)
________________________________________

As many Intel P4's require more +12V amperage than AMD A64's &
this thirst for power increases greatly with OC'ing, many are finding their OC's limited by their PSU's.

Under the ATX12V 2.xx specs for dual +12V rail PSU's,
+12V rail #2 which supplies the CPU is usually limited to 14A to 18A, this is often not enough.

Therefor I recommend single rail PSU's for P4 OC'ing.

Any of these should be more than enough!

Zippy PSL-6701P-SATA 700W (+12V@45A)
http://www.zippy.com/P_PRODUCT_DETAI...r=3&lv_rfnbr=2
$284 & shipping: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...en&btnG=Search

PC P&C 510 Express/SLI (nVidia SLI Certified) (under-rated +12V@34A, Peak@38A)
From $219 : http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...hp?show=T51SLI

OCZ PowerStream 520W (under-rated +12V@33A)
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...m_power_supply
From $116 : http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

Antec TRUE 550W EPS12V (+12V@36A)
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=20551
From $89 : http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...en&sa=N&tab=wf

Sparkle 550W (EPS) FSP550PLG-SLI (+12V@36A)
http://www.sparklepower.com/pdf/FSP550PLG-SLI.pdf
From $85 : http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

ENERMAX Whisper II EG465P-VE FMA(24) 460W (+12V@33A)
$76 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103464



DFI N4 Power Supplies's:
__________________________________

GeForce 7800 GTX (G70) Specs Updated:
Single card requires min. 400W PSU with 12V rating of 26A
SLI configuration requires min. 500W PSU with 12V rating of 34A
http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=2206&s=1

Nvidia has lower the requirement for highend SLI to +12V@30A:
http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_howtobuild_2.html
However, since we will be over-clocking, we will continue to recommend +12V@34A.

Nvidia SLI Certified: http://www.slizone.com/object/slizon..._powersupplies

DFI REQUIRES native 24-pin ATX molex & 480W for all the DFI N4 mobos.http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/show...2&postcount=34

"A" List for SLI PSU's: These are KNOWN to work well with DFI N4 mobos!

PC P&C 510 Express/SLI (nVidia SLI Certified)
From $219: http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...hp?show=T51SLI

OCZ PowerStream 600W
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...m_power_supply
From $179: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

Enermax 600W (New) Noisetaker 600W (AX Series) EG701AX-VE (W)SFMA (nVidia SLI Certified)
From: $139: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

OCZ PowerStream 520W
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...m_power_supply
From $116: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

Enermax 535W (New) FMA ATX12V Ver2.01 535W (nVidia SLI Certified)
$83: http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-...c6f67876470201

Sparkle 550W (EPS) FSP550PLG-SLI
http://www.sparklepower.com/pdf/FSP550PLG-SLI.pdf
From $85: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

Fortron 550W (EPS) FSP550-60PLN
http://www.home2000.net/client/fspgr...linenumber=126
From $79: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

Anandtech used the OCZ PowerStream 520W for all of their SLI testing,
back when the 6800GT/U's first came out & before there was an Nvidia SLI Certified program.
THE OCZ POWERSTREAM 520W HAS PROVEN TO BE THE BEST ALL ROUND PSU FOR DFI N4 MOBOS!

"A" List for Non-SLI PSU's: These are KNOWN to work well with DFI N4 mobos!
Enermax 485W Noisetaker AX Series EG495AX-VE (W)SFMA (V2.01)

Older 2.0 Version from $79: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...26709780011814

Frotron Blue Storm 460W (AX500-A)
http://www.home2000.net/client/fspgr...linenumber=195
From $75: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...Search+Froogle

OCZ ModStream 520W (Modular for those seeking style over performance.)
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...m_power_supply
From $94: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=OCZ+ModStream+520W


Recommended SLI Power Supplies:
( Crossfire as well )
______________________________

The Power Supply is extremely critical with an SLI system. Keep in mind that nVidia recommended a 470 watt PS when the 6800 Ultra was first introduced. Since then, recommendations have lowered a bit, but Asus recommends at least a 500 watt power supply with dual 6800 Ultra video cards, and we agree. We had no issues in our tests with the Power Supply, but we used an OCZ 520 watt PowerStream power supply for all our tests. Make sure that the 500W+ PS is of good quality with a 24-pin ATX connector and check the specifications for the rails. Since high power is a big selling point right now, we have seen 500W, 550W, and 600W power supplies selling for $25 to $30. Most of these have poorer specifications than a quality 350 watt power supply and they are not adequate for a top SLI system. Two 6800 Ultra video cards require 4 Molex connectors (plus another 4-pin to plug into the Asus board), so these cheaper power supplies usually don't even have enough 4-pin connectors for your video cards - let alone your other components. They are also often 20-pin ATX, when you should consider 24-pin a must for top SLI performance. Consider these cheap power supplies the same as cheap Asian car stereo specs that advertise hundreds of watts and deliver more like 5 watts RMS. Go with a respected brand name with good rail specifications. If you are looking at a brand that you haven't heard of, compare their specifications on-line to those of a unit like the OCZ 520W. This will tell you quickly if the unit can supply what is needed.
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2358&p=20


GeForce 7800 GTX (G70) Specs Updated:
Single card requires min. 400W PSU with 12V rating of 26A
SLI configuration requires min. 500W PSU with 12V rating of 34A http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=2206&s=1

Nvidia SLI Certified: http://www.slizone.com/object/slizon..._powersupplies


PC Power & Cooling: Turbo Cool 510 SLI
$219: > 5 year warranty < > Nvidia SLI Certified <
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...hp?show=T51SLI

OCZ PowerStream 600W
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...m_power_supply
From $179: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

SilverStone Zeus ST65ZF 650W ATX 12V 2.0 & EPS 12V:
$165: > Nvidia SLI Certified <
http://www.dealsonic.com/sizesttibl65.html

Enermax 600W (New) Noisetaker 600W (AX Series) EG701AX-VE (W)SFMA (nVidia SLI Certified)
From: $139: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

SeaSonic S12-600 ATX12V 600W:
$132
3 year warranty < > Very Quiet < > Nvidia SLI Certified <
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl...line&scoring=p

$119 & Shipping > MODULAR <
Thermaltake W0057 PurePower 500W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ription=17-153

OCZ PowerStream 520W
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...m_power_supply
From $116: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

SilverStone Zeus ST56ZF 560W 'single rail'
http://www.techtastic.ca/reviews5/zeus2.html
$115 + shipping http://www.sundialmicro.com/SilverStone-Power-560Watt-sstst56zf_1723_593.html

XCLIO XCLIO-550BL ATX 550W:
$109: > 3 year warranty <
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189001

Antec TruePower 2.0 TRUECONTROL II-550 550W:
$103: > 3 year warranty < > Nvidia SLI Certified <
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103933

Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 550W:
$100 > 3 year warranty < > Nvidia SLI Certified <
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103931

Enermax 535W (New) FMA ATX12V Ver2.01 535W (nVidia SLI Certified)
Older 2.0 version from $85: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

Sparkle 550W (EPS) FSP550PLG-SLI
http://www.sparklepower.com/pdf/FSP550PLG-SLI.pdf
From $85: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

Sunbeam Nuuo 550w SUNNU550 > Nvidia SLI Certified <
http://www.overclockercafe.com/Revie...PSU/index.html
From $80: http://www.frozencpu.com/psu-169

Fortron 550W (EPS) FSP550-60PLN
http://www.home2000.net/client/fspgr...linenumber=126
From $79: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?ti...Search+Froogle

Let's make this official.

If you can afford the PC P&C 510SLI for $219 get it!

If not get the OCZ PowerStream 520W for around $120.

But at the very least get the Enermax 535W or Fortron 550W for $79!

Bottom Line:

If you can't afford at least $79 for a quality PS, you need to rethink your SLI configuration.

[All SLI recommended PS's have native 24-pin ATX.]

Modular Power Supplies

FYI, A modular PSU will not be as 'efficient' as it's non-modular counterpart.

Articles :: Modular Power Supplies: The Reality of the Resistance. :: Motherboards.org

________________________________________

$319 & Shipping > 5 Year Warranty
PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool 510 SLI Series Modular with PFC TURBOCOOL510-M/SLI:
DC OUTPUT
+5V @ 40A
+12V @ 34A, 38A pk
-5V @ 0.3A
-12V @ 2A
+3.3V @ 30A
+5VSB @ 3A
power<510W
peak power<650W
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ec5723ac5182cb 7c87df484

$129.99 & shipping
Hiper Modular Type-R 580W Power Supply (630W Peak) SLI Ready
+12V1@18A, +12V2@20A
http://www.frozencpu.com/psu-163.html

$119 & Shipping > MODULAR <
Thermaltake W0057 PurePower 500W Power Supply - Retail
Output +3.3V@30A, +5V@30A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, -12V@0.5A, +5VSB@2A
Approvals CB, CE, FCC, UL, CUL, TUV
Features Dual PCI Express connectors, 4 SATA connectors, and nine 4-pin power connectors, 5.25" Drive Bay embedded a Total Watts Meter Module to read power consumption
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ription=17-153

$100.50 & shipping > 3 year warranty
Antec NeoPower 480 watt 120mm fan ATX 12V v2.0 power supply, Active PFC, Model "NeoPower" -RETAIL
Model# NeoPower Item # N82E16817103924
Specifications:Type: ATX
Maximum Power: 480W
PFC: Active
Hold-up Time: 20ms at full load
Efficiency: 70%(min.) at full and typical loads, 115V/230V AC 60/50Hz 60% (min) at light load
Over Voltage Protection: +5V trip point < +6.2V, +3.3V trip point < +4.1V, +12V trip point < +14.3V
Input Voltage: 100V AC to 240V AC +/- 10%
Input Frequency Range: 47Hz - 63Hz
Input Current: 12/6A
Output: +3.3V@30A, +5V@38A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@15A, -12V@1A, +5VSB@2A
MTBF: 80,000 hours at 25°C
Approvals: TUV, UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...Search+Froogle


$99 520W & Free Shipping > 3 Year Warranty
$75 450W & Free Shipping > 3 Year Warranty
OCZ ModStream 520W OR 450W Power Supply with OCZ EZMod technology, SATA Connector,
Model# OCZ52012U Item # N82E16817104155
Specifications:
Type: ATX
Maximum Power: 520W
Input Voltage: 95~132Vac / 190~264Vac
Input Frequency Range: 60/50Hz
Input Current: 12/6A
- 520W: +3.3V(28A), +5V(52A), +12V(28A)
- 450W: +3.3V(28A), +5V(45A), +12V(26A)
Approvals: TUV, UL, CSA, CE, CB, FCC
Features: 3 Year warranty, Supports ATX/BTX/PCI Express/SATA, OCZ PowerWhisper Technology with 120mm fan
520W: http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...ory_Code=pscat
450W: http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...ory_Code=pscat

Sunbeam Nuuo 550w SUNNU550 > Nvidia SLI Certified <
http://www.overclockercafe.com/Revie...PSU/index.html
From $80: http://www.frozencpu.com/psu-169

$66.99 & shipping > 3yr warranty
Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 500W[/b]
+3.3V@32A, +5V@35A, +12V1@17A, +12V2@19A, -12V@0.3A, +5VSB@2A
http://www.costcentral.com/proddetai.../SP500/F09966/


These are Very Quiet PSU's:
____________________________
$124.95 + S&H > 3 year warranty <
SeaSonic S12-500 ATX12V 500W
+3.3V@30A, +5V@30A, +12V1@17A, +12V2@16A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@2A
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...oducts_id=3153

$130 + S&H > 3 year warranty <
SeaSonic S12-600 ATX12V 600W
nVidia SLi certified
+3.3V@30A, +5V@30A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@2A
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl...line&scoring=p


Highend Power Supplies
________________________________________


This addition to the guide is especially for those lucky few
who need to power the very best of high performance systems.

I am defining a highend system a having a high performance CPU such as an
AMD A64 or Intel Prescott and a highend single or dual card video system such as SLI.

There are no inexpensive recommendations here, as only the very BEST will serve.
All have 5yr warranties. Adjustable rails. Very low ripple. Very tight regulation. And Excellent Customer Service!

For Dual Video Card (SLI) Systems:

Nvidia SLI Certified: http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_s...ersupplies.html

PC Power and Cooling Turbo-Cool 850 ETX (SSI): $469:
[Note: No adjustable pots/rails until probably 4Q05]
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produ...php?show=T85SSI

PC Power & Cooling: Turbo Cool 510 SLI
$229:http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...hp?show=T85SSI

The newest OCZ's are SLI ready without adaptors, the older ones require adaptors,
ask before you buy and if you need then, I'm sure that OCZ will give them to you.

OCZ: PowerStream 600W:
$205:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl...line&scoring=p

OCZ: PowerStream 520W:
$125:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...en&btnG=Search

For Single Video Card Systems:

PC Power & Cooling: Turbo Cool 510 Express:
$189:
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...hp?show=T51SLI

OCZ: PowerStream 600W:
$205:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl...line&scoring=p

OCZ: PowerStream 520W:
$125:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...en&btnG=Search

OCZ: PowerStream 420W:
$87:
http://www.directron.com/ocz420adj.html

Short list, but when you limit your choices to the VERY BEST, it usually is.!


These are the "BEST BANG for the BUCK" PS's:
________________________________________

Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 500W Modular:
$66.97: > 3 year warranty <
+3.3V@32A, +5V@35A, +12V1@17A, +12V2@19A, -12V@0.3A, +5VSB@2A
http://www.costcentral.com/proddetai.../SP500/F09966/

Fortron 460W Blue Storm AX500-A ATX12V:
$72 & Free Shipping
+3.3V@30A, +5V@28A, +12V1@15A, +12V2@15A, -12V@0.5A, +5Vsb@2.0A
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-FS500A&c=pw

$79.00 & shipping >Modular< nVidia SLi certified
Sunbeam NUUO SUNNU550-US-BK 550W
+3.3V@28A, +5V@36A, +12V1@20A, +12V2@18A , +12V2@0.8A, +5VSB@2.5A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817709004

Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-480 BLUE ATX12V 480W:
$79: > 3 year warranty <
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Produ...82E16817103930

Enermax 535W Whisper II EG565P-VE FMA V2.01
$83: (nVidia SLI Certified)
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-...c6f67876470201

Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 550W:
$87 > 3yr warranty nVidia SLi certified

+3.3V@32A, +5V@40A, +12V1@19A, +12V2@19A, -12V@1A, +5VSB@2A
http://www.acorncomputers.com/power/...ply_100018.asp

Antec TruePower 2.0 TRUECONTROL II-550 550W:
$103: > 3 year warranty < nVidia SLi certified
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...Search+Froogle

XCLIO XCLIO-550BL ATX 550W:
$99: > 3 year warranty < > Recommended for SLI <
+3.3V@32A, +5V@40A, -5V@0.5A, +12V1@19A, +12V2@18A, -12V@1.0A, +5VSB@2.0A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189001

Antec TRUE 550W EPS12V (Single Rail +12V@36A)
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=20551
From $89: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...en&sa=N&tab=wf

Zippy PSL-6701P-SATA 700W (Single Rail +12V@45A)
http://www.zippy.com/P_PRODUCT_DETA...br=3&lv_rfnbr=2
$310: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...en&btnG=Search

UK/EU Best Punch for Pound PSUs: http://forums.extremeoverclocking.c...5&postcount=642


Quick round up of Best PS's for your rig
__________________________

$39: FSP Group (FSP) AX400-PN ATX12V 400W (Low to Midrange)
$52: XClio 450BL 450W (For 95%+ of All Modern PC's)
$62: Antec SP2 500W Modular (Highend to Limited SLI)
$79: Enermax 535W SLI-Ready (For SLI & DFI N4 mobos)
$125: OCZ PowerStream 520W (The Best All-Round PSU Available.)
$239: PC P&C 510 ASL (THE BEST PC PSU EVER MADE!)

_________________________


From our own guru.....

Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf

In no particular order, these are the ones I know well enough to recommend based primarily on reliability.

Top of the heap industrial grade:
Zippy/Emacs
Etasis (Silverstone 560w)
Win-Tact (high watt PC P&C)

Excellent:
Fortron-Source (also sold under Sparkle/SPI, Powertech, BFG, some PC P&C models, and Aopen among others)
Seasonic (Antec Neo HE, PC P&C Silencers)

Above Average:
Enhance (most Silverstone and Akasa units)
Channel Well (Antec, Meridian XClio, some Thermaltakes)
Topower (OCZ, Globalwin, BeQuiet, Athena Power, A+GBP, Tagan, some Vantec)
AcBel Polytech (Coolermaster)
Andyson Electronics (some Hiper models, AC Ryan)
Heroichi (HEC, Compucase, a few Thermaltakes)

Average:
Enermax
Superflower/TTGI/Fore Point/Fortrex
Wintech (Sintek, Ultras that aren't the first gen X-Connect)
Sirtec (most Thermaltakes)

That's all I can think of for now - hope that helps some.

_________________________

Pulled from Jonnyguru forums.....

Originally Posted by jonnyguru

PSU Recommendations for High End Gaming PC's

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations are made on a model by model or product line by product line basis since many companies make such a wide range of product, it is dificult to say things like "Seasonic makes excellent PSU's" or "Coolmax sucks."


Tier 1:

PC Power and Cooling Turbo-Cool product line
Built like a server PSU, but with the home user also in mind.
Louder than most, but not as loud as other "server grade" PSU's like SuperMicro or Zippy.
1kW is 8800GTX SLI certified
1kW is Crossfire X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified
850W is 7800 and 7900GTX SLI certified
5 year warranty

Etasis Gaming Power product line
Server grade
Fairly quiet for PSU's with 80MM fans
ET-750 and ET-850 are both 8800GTX SLI certified
3 year warranty

Silverstone Zeus and Nightjar product line
Based on Etasis units, a company known for server grade PSU's
Not very loud, even when outfitted with 80MM fans.
Often sleeved cables, etc. Geared more towards the enthusiast than other server grade PSU's.
ST85ZF is Crossfire X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified
ST75ZF is 8800GTX SLI certified
ST56ZF is 7800 and 7900GTX SLI certified
3 year warranty

Silverstone Olympia product line
Uses SevenTeam 1kW server platform
Very stable power
80A continuous power on a single 12V rail
Single, rear mounted 80MM fan is loud
8800GTX SLI certified
3 year warranty

Zippy GSM and PSL product line
Typically server power supplies and can be loud
PSL model has 40MM fan which has a high pitched sound when running
There is a "gaming" product line that offers all of the necessary connectors for almost any high end gaming rig, a nicer finish and has a much quieter fan than the server models.
Crossfire X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified
PSL-6850P(G1) is 8800GTX SLI certified
3 year warranty


Tier 2:

Enermax Galaxy product line
Lots of power
Semi-Modular
Very quiet
Very efficient
Crossfire X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified
3 years

Enermax Liberty 620W
Excellent voltage regulation
Modular
Very quiet
Crossfire X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified
Only 1 year warranty

Seasonic S12 and M12 product lines
Very good voltage regulation
Very efficient
Very quiet
M12 series is modular
Crossfire X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified
S12 650W is 7950 GX2 Quad SLI certified
3 year warranty

Corsair product line
Based on same platform and component quality as Seasonic S/M12
Very efficient
Very quiet
Modular
HX620W is 7800 and 7900GTX SLI certified
5 year warranty

PC Power and Cooling Silencer product line
Based on same platform and component quality as Seasonic S/M12
750W is 7950 GX2 Quad SLI certified
3 year warranty

Coolmax Greenpower product line
Based on ATNG server platform
A little on the loud side
X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified
3 year warranty
SevenTeam SSI EPS 12V 2.91 Series and "Fanless" product lines
Strong regulation
Efficient and quiet, despite being based on a server platform
Good price, but rarely available in the U.S.
2 year warranty

MGE/XG Duro and Magnum
Based on SevenTeam's higher end units
Lifetime Warranty
Enhance products
Efficient and quiet
Very affordable
Often does not come with sleeved cables
Only 1 year warranty

Silverstone Element and Strider product lines
Based on Enhance's higher end products
3 year warranty on PSU's > 500W. All others are only 1 year warranty

Xclio Stablepower product line
Based on Enhance's ENP 850W and 1000W products
Cooled by quieter 140MM fan (as opposed to pair of 80's)
2 year warranty

Andyson's server line (recognized by dual 80MM fans) and high-efficiency line (recognized by single 130MM fan.)
Extremely affordable
Solid performance and quality components
High efficiency models are 84% typical and very quiet
Not commonly found in U.S. or E.U. Andyson doesn't even have a website
Warranty unknown

Hiper Type-M 670 and 730W and Type-R 730W
Based on server grade Andyson units
3 year warranty
Ultra X-Finity and X-Pro 800W
Based on server grade Andyson units
3 year warranty/Lifetime with product registration

Ultra X-Pro/X-Finity/X3 600W and 700W ("EE" for "Energy Efficient") APFC (not non-APFC)
Based on high-efficiency Andyson units
Quiet and efficient
3 year warranty/Lifetime with product registration


Tier 3:


Antec Trio/NeoHE product line
Built by Seasonic, but not the same build quality as above Seasonics
NeoHE is modular
Trio 650W is 7950 GX2 Quad SLI certified
NeoHE 550W is X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified
700W is 7950 GX2 Quad SLI certified
5 year warranty

FSP Epsilon product line
Compact size
Fairly efficient and quiet
Notable ripple issue
Inexpensive
X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified

OCZ GameXstrem product line
Based on FSP Epsilon mentioned above
3 year warranty

AOpen AO700-ALN
Based on FSP Epsilon mentioned above
Only 1 year warranty

Thermaltake Toughpower product line
Built by CWT, but without all of the Fuhjyyu capacitors
550W is X1800/X850/X800 Crossfire certified
600W, 700W and 750W are X1900/X1950 Crossfire certified and 7950 GX2 Quad SLI certified
750W is modular
5 year warranty

Xclio GreatPower product line
Supposedly same construction as Toughpower (??? need confirmation)
650W, 700W and 750W is 7950 GX2 Quad SLI certified
2 year warranty


More to be added later.....

Reviews:

AeroCool's ZeroDBA 620W
Antec's NeoHE 550W
Mushkin's XP-650 650W
OCZ's PowerStream 600W
OCZ's GameXStream 700W
Thermaltake's ToughPower 550W & 750W
Ultra's X-Connect X2 550W

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/348/11/

also a great article on the same PSUs comparing efficiency vs cost. A great read!!

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/372/1/

_________________________

AcBel ATX-550CA-AB8FM
Antec Phantom
Antec True Power 2.0 550 watts
Aopen Prima Power 700
Be Quiet BQT B5-520W S1.3
Cooler Master Real Power
Enermax Coolergiant EG485AX-VHB (W)
Enermax Noisetaker EG701AX-VE(W)
Epower Silent Engine Xscale 470
Fortron FSP300-60GNF
HEC AcePower ACE580UB
Hiper Type R580
Jeantech Arctic JN120F-600AP12V2
OCZ Powerstream 600
PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 510
PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 850 SSI
Seasonic S12
Silverstone ST65ZF
Spire SP-500W

http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/07/...st/page28.html

_________________________

CoolerMaster Real Power RS-550-ACLY
Enermax Liberty ELT500AWT
Hiper Type R 580W
Silverstone Zeus ST56ZF
Silverstone Strider ST56F

http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/02/...nt/page15.html

_________________________

Fortron Source FSP300-60GRE (PF)
Seasonic SS-300FB Active PFC
Be quiet BQT P4 370W
Fortron Source FSP350-60PN -R
Q-Technology QT-02350 Gold Series
Q-Technology QT-02350 Papst Series
Sirtec / High Power Supply High Power HPC-360-302 DF
Aerocool Aero-420P4
Global Win TOP-420P4
Nexus NX-4000
Silverstonetek SST-ST40F-G02
Sirtec / High Power Supply High Power HPC-420-302 DF
Vantec VAN-400B
Antec True Control 550
PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool 510 ATX-PFC Deluxe
PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool510 ATX-PFC

http://www.tomshardware.com/2004/01/...er/page20.html

_________________________

Antec NeoPower 480W
Enermax EG485P-SFMA24P 485W
OCZ PowerStream 520W
SH SH-ATX465P4 465W
Silverstone SST-ST30NF 300W
Ultra X-Connect 500W
Vantec Ion 2 350W
Zalman ZM400B-APS 400W

http://techreport.com/reviews/2004q4/psus/index.x?pg=24





.

[redrumy3]

Very Nice will be helpful to alot of ppl. including myself


For Dual Video Card (SLI) Systems:

Crossfire as well

[amazon10x]

Very nice. Should be stickied. I do have some suggestions...

Use color coding and columns to make quick browsing of prices et cetera easier.

It would also be nice if you added a budget section.

[jiggamanjb]

Very Nice will be helpful to alot of ppl. including myself

For Dual Video Card (SLI) Systems:

Crossfire as well

done

Very nice. Should be stickied. I do have some suggestions...

Use color coding and columns to make quick browsing of prices et cetera easier.

It would also be nice if you added a budget section.

color will take me a little bit as well as the columns. all the white is getting to my eyes too!!

kinda added a budget section at the bottom.

also noticed some of the links are broken. i will work on that now.

[kovboi]

nice culling of info from a lot of different places.

the link for sli certified psu's has changed:
http://www.slizone.com/object/slizon..._powersupplies

you might want to add sunbeam nuuo 550w to the sli and/or modular section, as well.

[jiggamanjb]

the link for sli certified psu's has changed:
http://www.slizone.com/object/slizon..._powersupplies

you might want to add sunbeam nuuo 550w to the sli and/or modular section, as well.

updated

I also added some more links for some things and added a friendly pic at the bottom of the post as a reminder.

still working on fixing broken links...

[mdcomp]

I stickied this. Good work, this is looking great so far. Keep working on it.


Matt

[jiggamanjb]

Woo Hooo sticky time!!

update:

links are almost all updated. i am now trying some color schemes.

feedback is still appreciated!

[PWatterson]

This is one excellent guide and it is very well written. This should help a ton of people.

[Kilted Man]

Thank you for posting such a well thought out and timely article, the more information that is made available by people such as yourself the better we manufactures can serve the customer, Well Done. (Kilted Man)[EMAIL="engineer@ostipower.com"]

[bignick]

Hey I don't know the history on aero-cool but they are making some great PSU's now. I have the 620W zerodba model and it's rock solid. They also make a 500W model. Here's a review http://www.cluboverclocker.com/revie..._620/index.htm

I have a P4 630 overclocked and a 930 on the way incase those of you that are going to chime in and say "I hope you don't have a INTEL you plan to OC". The voltages don't budge no matter what I throw at it and it dead silent.

[Shell]

I just bought an ENERMAX Liberty, because it was the best 620 watt PSU available withing a 20km radius when my OCZ PSU died.
http://www.enermax.com.tw/english/pr...ay1.asp?PrID=5

Was this worth $190CDN?
It seems to be the best PSU I've ever owned looking at it's readings, but does this have a "history"?

[George Poncho]

Hi I was wondering if you had a chance to try the Silenx Ixtrema Prof 600w PSU. I would like to know how you would rate it for the following:

1. Power
2. How quite it is
3. Would you recommend it and under what catagory would you put it under

[jiggamanjb]

Originally Posted by Shell

I just bought an ENERMAX Liberty, because it was the best 620 watt PSU available withing a 20km radius when my OCZ PSU died.
http://www.enermax.com.tw/english/pr...ay1.asp?PrID=5

Was this worth $190CDN?
It seems to be the best PSU I've ever owned looking at it's readings, but does this have a "history"?

It is an excellent PSU, which you should be happy with for many many years to come.

Hi I was wondering if you had a chance to try the Silenx Ixtrema Prof 600w PSU. I would like to know how you would rate it for the following:

1. Power
2. How quite it is
3. Would you recommend it and under what catagory would you put it under

No, I have not had a chance to look at it. I did a bit of review research and found that some liked it and some didn't. It is supposedly an extremly quite PSU, but some have said that it will overheat because of not enough cooling. I know that the Silenx name is recommened for a silent PSU usually.

[g0dM@n]

i skimmed through... looks good so far... will read up more when i have the time. good work, man.

[orionlion82]

first off, thank you for the list of PSU's to avoid.
its such a tricky subject.

second, let it be noted that most PSU's on the "to avoid" list have their place:
they can run pumps and fans safely enough,(unless they are known for fires) and come in handy for the "free" rigs that we all end up with in need of a PSU; slap some flavor of linux on and take off with.

ive discussed such a list as this with our own oklahoma wolf said it was as close to impossible as it gets. i sincerely applaud your efforts, and time will tell if this list is worth its salt i suppose.

regarding the ASPIRE 500 watt psu's and its brother/twin the ultra (the early x-connects ones from what i gather)
they are more or less the same PSU. (search for my thread about this) taiwan youngear.
ul lookup e126556

please make a great post better with some sources and refrences.

[orionlion82]

Originally Posted by George Poncho

Hi I was wondering if you had a chance to try the Silenx Ixtrema Prof 600w PSU. I would like to know how you would rate it for the following:

1. Power
2. How quite it is
3. Would you recommend it and under what catagory would you put it under

silenx... search the forums for peter kim.

wellcome!

[jiggamanjb]

Yes, I do need to work on it more with references and sources. I basically put it out there so people, such as myself, would have a basic knowledge of what to buy and what not to. In the comming months I hope to tweak and upgrade this thread to something that everyone can depend on.

Like I said in my opening, I am no expert, far from it. So any help with this is much appreciated. Hopefully this helps one or two people from buying the wrong PSU and being ******ed about it

[orionlion82]

Originally Posted by jiggamanjb

Yes, I do need to work on it more with references and sources. I basically put it out there so people, such as myself, would have a basic knowledge of what to buy and what not to. In the comming months I hope to tweak and upgrade this thread to something that everyone can depend on.

Like I said in my opening, I am no expert, far from it. So any help with this is much appreciated. Hopefully this helps one or two people from buying the wrong PSU and being ******ed about it

sweet.

youre gonna wanna play with this:
http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/t...RAME/index.htm

and allso take note that you need to really make sure the final version is as good as it gets. remember, that you are putting your "name" on it, and it is your work. many of the reasons a thread like this has yet to exist in this form.
hats off to ya.

[jiggamanjb]

Originally Posted by orionlion82

sweet.

youre gonna wanna play with this:
http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/t...RAME/index.htm

and allso take note that you need to really make sure the final version is as good as it gets. remember, that you are putting your "name" on it, and it is your work. many of the reasons a thread like this has yet to exist in this form.
hats off to ya.

Oh man, you are getting me into this deep!! Better lay off the coors light for a while

[Super Nade]

Mate, I will not place OCZ and FSP on my list of best of the best PSU's. There are several other contenders for the top spots. There are units like the Silverstone Zeus, PCP&C Turbocool, Supermicro-Ablecom, Zippy/Emacs.

You might want to add Lite-ON to your OEM list.

Here is a little something I wrote up regarding PSU's:-

Originally Posted by Super Nade

After seeing many people asking for opinions on PSU's I've decided to write up a list of units I would feel comfortable using. I'll keep this terse and short, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

I did a lot of research about this, so I'd like to share my experience with you guys. I learnt a lot from Okhlahoma Wolf about PSU's so its best if I start off with what is on his list. My Edits are in Red.

• Okhlahoma Wolf's List of recommended OEM's in order of reliability

1. Zippy (Superb regulation, good efficiency and exceptional built quality!)
2. Etasis (Silverstone fanless, ST56ZF, ST75ZF, ST85ZF)
3. Win-Tact (PC P&C Turbocool)
4. Lite-On (Supermicro/Ablecom) This is my current unit. You can find a small review of it HERE (link).
5. Delta (some Chieftec units)
6. Seasonic (PC P&C Silencer, Corsair, Antec Neo HE).[ The silencer series brings PCP&C's superb QC at a budget price, to the table. The customer service makes it well worth the price! Starts at $140]
7. AcBel Polytech (some Coolermaster)
8. Enhance (Akasa, Silverstone except fanless, ST56ZF, ST75ZF, ST85ZF)
9. Seventeam (some Thermaltake and MGE units)
10. Jou Jye (AMS)
11. Wintech (Ultra except X-Connect)
12. Andyson (Hiper, AC Ryan, Aerocool - these get overrated sometimes)
13. Topower (Tagan, BeQuiet, Mushkin, Epower, A+GBP) [The Mushkin 550W is just crap.]
14. Heroichi/HEC/Compucase (some Thermaltake)
15. CWT (Antec except Neo HE)
16. Enermax
17. Superflower/TTGI
18. Inwin/Powerman

I would characterize a poor design as follows (or things one should look for, in no particular order):-

• Quality of Caps. Cheap caps imply shorter life span. Higher the ESR, more likely the impact on regulation.
• Size of the Caps. Most complaints with regulation and ripple are due to undersized primary or secondary caps.
• Insufficient cooling. This is a biggie. You would want to keep the unit cool for obvious reasons (i.e keep components within their working temps).
• Poor quality Voltage regulators. Although this issue is almost a non-issue these days, you still find the occasional burn out.
• Poor quality inductive elements i.e chokes and transformers. Imporoper winding or using smaller guage wires as the winding. Rare.
• Poor soldering. This is very very common.
• Bad circuit design. Really, there is not much you can do here, unless you are willing to do a complete rebuild.
• Poor PCB's being used as the logic board. This is not critical, but worth a mention.
• Under sized rectifier diodes. I don't understand why didoes are still being used instead of composite bridge rectifiers. Diodes also need to be cooled.

These are the points I think are pertinent.

Points to note before you buy a PSU:

1. Figure out what you intend to power. This is very important if you are on a tight budget.
2. Do NOT skimp on quality. Poor PSU's would just hose your entire rig.
3. Look for a beefy single 12V rail (> 30 A) if you plan on running SLI or CF
4. Try to identify the OEM of the unit. You cannot go wrong if you pick a good OEM.

S-N

[jiggamanjb]

Would you mind adding the the ones from this list that you don't have on yours? Maybe we could have like a top 25 or something.

I would add weight to your list of pertinent points. Seems like all the light ones are always crap.

Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf
In no particular order, these are the ones I know well enough to recommend based primarily on reliability.

Top of the heap industrial grade:
Zippy/Emacs
Etasis (Silverstone 560w)
Win-Tact (high watt PC P&C)

Excellent:
Fortron-Source (also sold under Sparkle/SPI, Powertech, BFG, some PC P&C models, and Aopen among others)
Seasonic (Antec Neo HE, PC P&C Silencers)

Above Average:
Enhance (most Silverstone and Akasa units)
Channel Well (Antec, Meridian XClio, some Thermaltakes)
Topower (OCZ, Globalwin, BeQuiet, Athena Power, A+GBP, Tagan, some Vantec)
AcBel Polytech (Coolermaster)
Andyson Electronics (some Hiper models, AC Ryan)
Heroichi (HEC, Compucase, a few Thermaltakes)

Average:
Enermax
Superflower/TTGI/Fore Point/Fortrex
Wintech (Sintek, Ultras that aren't the first gen X-Connect)
Sirtec (most Thermaltakes)

That's all I can think of for now - hope that helps some.

[Super Nade]

Not always. If you need massive sinks for cooling a unit, it could very well be inefficient, which in turn would necessitate the use of massive heatsinks. So light-weight does not always imply crap quality. If you noticed, the efficient units by FSP or Silverstone are quite light.

[jiggamanjb]

Agreed, it for sure isn't a definitive test of a good PSU, but maybe 75% of the time it is.

[LuminoZ]

Whats the story with Rosewill? I got one from a friend when he put an FSP PSU in his rig... Am I toasting my sytem? lol

[jiggamanjb]

I don't think anyone would recommend putting a Rosewill in a rig.

The question to ask yourself is 'Why did my friend replace the Rosewill to begin with?' There is your answer.

[LuminoZ]

yeah, thats what thought... but then a free PSU isnt a bad thing. I'm thinking ill just get this:



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103941

seems to be the greatest thing around!

[jiggamanjb]

I think there are some better options at that price range. I'm not saying that would be a bad PSU though. Start a new thread when you are ready to purchase for some other opinions.

[dsNinja]

Sadly I wish I had read this like a year ago, when I paid no heed to the crappy PSU that came with my case. Although stock speeds in my computer, it did not give my computer the power it needed, and thus, It turned a few components into crispy bacon bits, yum yum. Also, a mobo is now half retarded. (It kinda works, and kinda doesn't...)

This vital information SHOULD be considered when building a new computer. Although everyone knows this, learn from this n00b's hard learned lesson.

[wanab]

tars a $25 dolla' rebate on the OCZ 520 until 11/30/06. i just kicked one up while reading this.