My old PSU is a bit weak at a mere 375 watts. Need a new one around 500-600, but I don't know which brands are reliable. Any suggestions on who to look at? (I'm short on cash, so I'm hoping someone recommends one that's cheap. )
the coba nitrox - IT-7600Sg 80+ 600W is equal to what i use its powerfull and reliable and mostly important very quiet also comes with cable management.The Coba is about 79,29 Euros thats around 114 USD or you could pick up a be quiet they are also pretty nice
Corsairs are pretty stable.
Seasonic, hands down. S12-D series is not that expensive and as good as it gets.
About reliable, i am very happy with Supermicro product... they are not cheap but my computer is running 24/24, 7 op 7, and for the last 6 year, without any problem...
I have buy directly he case with everything ( http://www.supermicro.com/products/chassis/4U/745/SC745TQ-920.cfm ) at around 300 euro... but they sell part too... some sample here for mid tower ( if you have a ATX tower )...
If you are a heavy computer user, best put a little more money in your PSU for a high efficiency power supply, at lest a 80+ model... low end PSU convert a lot of energy in heat, not really useful and costly in the long term...
If you are really short on money, and not too much ashamed, try a container park ( http://www.gentblogt.be/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/200804_containerpark.jpg )... my last keyboard and mouse come from there... some people throw away a full computer when maybe only one memory module is defect... will only cost you 1 or 2 beer bottle for the guy who watch the park...
How's this?: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256071
Did a lot of research before I got my last PSU, actually built two computers with the same model, an ST50-EF (500W). One of em's still running strong, after ~5 years, the other one died a few months after the power pole outside died (really rare), a couple months back.
Was planning on replacing it with an ST60-EF, for what it's worth. For reasons not relevant to PSU choice, it hasn't happened yet.
And no, I don't remember what exactly the difference is between an EF and an ES. It's, uh, been a while.
Antec TruePower Quattro 1000w PSU
That's what's in mine..... wouldn't have anything 'less' ...
I have to agree. I recommend a Single Rail PSU so you don't have to worry about load balancing. Unless you're running crossfire or sli you probably don't need more than 750W
Does the neighborhood dim when you turn that thing on?
I've been using a Tagan 1100W for nearly two years. Plenty of juice available for my crossfire setup and for some serious gaming.
Don't skimp on power. Yes, the car with the 1ltr engine moves the car along nicely, but the 3ltr V6 cruises with ease
jafo, we have the SAME power supply(mine is in my B3 beast i7 930 oc to 4ghz), the only thing against the antec 1kw IS the 60 watt power consumption while the computer IS OFF., but by switching the power input switch on the supply to off there is NO power used, and I have the m/b set to wake up on power becoming available(power supply switch is switched on)
kitkun, the best advice is to look around locally for power supplies with the wattage you want, and have Over Voltage Protection(to minimise the damage that a spike(and a power supply fail too high volts(this does not happen often, but I have seen it a couple of times) and causes all the components to let the smoke out) can cause), Over Current Protection(in case a part fails drawing too much power causing under-voltage to other components and burning them out)
harpo
Thanks all. Currently going with this. If my cash actually comes through today. Corsair, 600 watt, (Well over what I my system will draw, and if I upgrade beyond that I'll be buying a whole new system.) 80+, and a grand total of ~$45.
I just bought corsair 1200W Gold. Its fully modular comes with s*** loads of cables and it had 90% efficiency at 600W. Also 7 year corsair warranty. So far I'm very pleased with it.
As you have found out, you don't need to spend a lot to get better equipment than is provided by the PC manufacturers. I'm using an Enermax 600 watt with an AMD quad core and an EVGA 8800GT. You should be in good shape power wise as most new GFX cards and CPU's will probably use far less power than my rig.