Best Cheap PSU For a 100W Build

TechyInAZ · Sep 26, 2016

I'm building a new computer for a client of mine that does scanning at his workplace and remote desktop stuff. His current RDP computer just died (most likely the PSU it was making weird noises).

Anyways, what is the best high quality PSU for a 100W build? I could just buy a 450W seasonic, but I would like to see if there are other options.

Thank you!

Here is the Build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H110M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($67.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($39.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($93.88 @ OutletPC)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $351.83

13thmonkey · Sep 26, 2016

100W+ pico PSU? https://www.quietpc.com/st-nano-psus?gclid=CjwKEAjwjqO_BRDribyJpc_mzHgSJABdnsFWsI_b4iqj5HKdrjC4C0tN84dDPLv_IIBYKlYajTqq7hoCNjzw_wcB

OK it's not cheap, but quiet, efficient and no moving parts.

if you could drop that processor to the skylake equivalent of a 3220T then you can get a sub 100W PSU.

TechyInAZ · Sep 26, 2016

13thmonkey :

Thx for the suggestion, but I want a standard ATX PSU. I don't need an external brick based counterpart.

And I almost forgot to add, for anybody else who is suggesting PSUs, the bare minimum the PSU needs to last is 5 years.

Eximo · Sep 26, 2016

If you want high efficiency and longevity, then something like a fanless gold or platinum rated supply would work. But a low wattage seasonic is probably going to be the cheapest/best.

Barty1884 · Sep 26, 2016

Are you dead set on a standard ATX? An SFX unit is a godsend in that case.

Something like the Corsair SF450 would be nice.... but doesn't really fit the 'cheap' requirement considering it's near 2x the cost of a SeaSonic S12 430W.

Either way, either SFX or the shortest ATX PSU you can find. I doubt there's anything as cost-effective as a standard ATX SeaSonic that presents a better option though.

TechyInAZ · Sep 26, 2016

Eximo :

Thanks. Price isn't really an issue, unless it's above $100. I'll take a look at those.

TechyInAZ · Sep 26, 2016

Barty1884 :

SFX can work aswell. But if an ATX counterpart is cheaper, I might go that route.

TechyInAZ · Sep 26, 2016

So how is this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151097

Barty1884 · Sep 26, 2016

Yeah, when I had the Elite 110 I was cursing myself that I didn't opt for an SFX PSU and fully modular - but the full ATX (semi) was much cheaper.

It's cramped in there, with no room for cable management - so it ends up being a mess, at least an SFX would allow a little more airflow, along with modular helping dramatically too.

If it's on strict cost alone, I can;'t imagine a better PSU from a price standpoint than a 430W SeaSonic.

If you want something that'll actually be easy(ish) to build with & allow for decent airflow, then an SFX is a solid consideration.

Just my $0.02

TechyInAZ · Sep 26, 2016

Thanks barty, I'll actually start taking a look at SFX now.

After looking at reviews for that fanless seasonic PSU, there were many that were saying it had loud coil whine and it burned up in 7 months.

Barty1884 · Sep 26, 2016

TechyInAZ :

I don't see fanless being a smart option given the orientation of the case. The only exhaust available to the case is a PSU fan......with fanless, you'd be left with whatever can naturally escape (from experience, it's not a lot when using an ATX PSU). I'd expect to see higher than necessary temps overall with a fanless PSU.

TechyInAZ · Sep 26, 2016

Understood, I didn't realize that until you told me.

So is this the unit your suggesting barty? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139156

geofelt · Sep 26, 2016

Nice build. I have used low power Seasonic before with no issue.
Here is a 300w unit for $29:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151146

If you want a nice quality compact case, look at lian li Q07 or the the even smaller Q02 which comes with a psu.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112227
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112370
I have used both.

Barty1884 · Sep 26, 2016

Sorry, I thought I had linked it.

Yes, that's the one. Full disclosure, I've never used that PSU - but it reviews well.
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story6&reid=483

And, after building in the Elite 110 (and removing everything & rebuilding twice), I'd confidently say you'd find the experience much smoother with a modular SFX unit.

Of course, this is based on the case choice alone (it's a very small case). If you were to change it out for something ever so slightly bigger, you could comfortably use a full ATX case and save the additional money needed for a quality SFX unit...

bignastyid · Sep 26, 2016

I did a similar build for my parents. I used this.
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/dTK7YJ/seasonic-power-supply-ssr360gp

Rogue Leader · Sep 26, 2016

bignastyid :

I have the 450w version in my server:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16817151124

While you don't need the extra power, the 450 is semi-modular.

Quiet as a mouse and rock solid voltages.

logainofhades · Sep 26, 2016

This one is supposedly really good too. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104229

TechyInAZ · Sep 27, 2016

Ok I'm going to get the SF450. Unless we switch cases at the last moment.

But, does it come with an adapter so I can put it on a standard ATX bracket?

TechyInAZ · Sep 27, 2016

Ok change of plans, were getting the phanteks mini itx evolv case instead. I'll go with a standard ATX PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139144

Does the Corsair RMX PSUs have better components than a standard seasonic PSU?

Dark Lord of Tech · Sep 27, 2016

I have the SF600 , best SFX PSU's on the market are the Corsair , rest are junk.

Dark Lord of Tech · Sep 27, 2016

RMx are better than GS and G2.

Much better than SEASONIC , although the new Prime are good.

TechyInAZ · Sep 27, 2016

Oh nice! Definitely going to buy that one then.

Thanks Blackbird!

Dark Lord of Tech · Sep 27, 2016

I also have the 850w RMX , 550W RMx and the my SF600 , going into a new setup.

Barty1884 · Sep 27, 2016

TechyInAZ :

I see you've changed the case/PSU choice anyway, but I just looked into this.
Apparently not. Considering all the fuss that was made when Corsair released the SF line to 'compete with' or better Silverstone's SFX offerings, I had assumed they would include a bracket for mounting in SFX cases (like Silverstone do).... apparently they skipped this part, and charge a separate $5.99US* for that 'feature'.

http://www.corsair.com/en/sf-series-sf450-450-watt-80-plus-gold-certified-high-performance-sfx-psu

SFX PSU is compatible with SFX cases. To use with an ATX case, an SFX to ATX bracket (not included) is required

The bracket: http://www.corsair.com/en-us/sfx-to-atx-psu-adapter-bracket Poor show Corsair, poor show :fou:

*Actually, it appears to be 5.99 regardless of currency. I navigate to the Canadian site - it's $5.99CAD. Move to the US site, $5.99US.... UK site, 5.99GBP ............ Germany, it's 5.99 EUR.

That's the one time we get something cheaper in Canada! :cheese:

Best Cheap PSU For a 100W Build

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