Need a new PSU

[akahuddy]

Hey guys, I've noticed that my 3.3V is running at around 4.08. I don't know what that means, but it doesn't sound good to me at all. I need my machine to last me for three years, so I don't want a crappy PSU destroying the rest of my parts. The PSU that the builder put in is some absolutely crappy no name 400W POS. I'm about to drop in an X1900XTX, another fan, and probably another HD, any suggestions? I'm trying to keep it under $75.

Specs
AMD x2 4200
Sapphire X1600PRO
2 GB Corsair XMS DDR 400
1 x 320 GB Maxtor HD
2 DVD Drives
Audigy 2 Sound card
ASUS A8R-MVP Mobo
Cooler Master Praetorian 730 Case

 

[akahuddy]

The Antec TP Trio looks pretty nice. One other PSU that looked good was the Cooler Master Real Power 450W. Anyone have any thoughts about this?

Going above and beyond that though, my current system won't be getting Vista or DX10. I have an X1900XT if I want to run in Crossfire when I get a larger monitor. If I run Crossfire, I don't mind spending $130 on a PSU. I found five that I liked the looks of. What do you guys think?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817163112

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341001

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817371002

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151027

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817139001

 

[akahuddy]

Thank you sir! It looks like I'll probably go with the Corsair or Antec models and have the capacity to go Crossfire when I add a larger second monitor.

Anyone else with expertise on PSU's feel free to chime in.

 

[waylander]

LOL that's awesome because mine would be reversed based on those choices but my top 5 are.

1. PC P&C
2. Silverstone
3. Tagan
4. Seasonic
5. Fortron (FSP)

There is a reason that Falcon NW (one of the best custom computer builders) uses Silverstone and PC P&C are pretty much regarded as the best psu maker out there (as long as you can afford them).

 

[akahuddy]

I've always heard great things about PC P&C, but they are definately out of this poor college student's budget.

Ther more opinions, the merrier.

 

[jaguarskx]

All 5 are great choices. If i had to rate them in order it would go somthing like this.

1) Corsair.
2) Antec
3) Seasonic

Funny, 'cause I rate them as follows:

1) Seasonic - S12, S12 Energy +, M12 series
2) Corsair - Their PSU are based off of Seasonic's M12 series
3) Antec - Seasonic supplies some of their PSUs.

 

[avarice]

This brings up a weird question - but which PSU makers are sleeping with the other PSU makers?

I thought that Fortron made some of Seasonic's PSUs - and you are saying that Seasonic is making some of the ANTECs? Are some of these PSUs simply rebranded with possible slight modifications?

Case in point:

FSP FX-600

Seasonic S12 600W

With the exception of the 3.3V and 5V amps (FSP is higher) and the price (Seasonic is higher) - these appear to be identical. Perhaps this is the state of the technology - that when manufacturers create these components to the PC industry specs - this occurs. Quality manufacturers will tend create very similar components.

As I am writing - this sortof makes sense - as we all tend to lean towards a quality PSU by the brand name and not neccesarily by the actual component. For example - this thread has listed manufactuerers and not neccesarily specific products that they create.

Of course back the the original question - which products from manufacturer A are actually re-branded or unique products created by manufacturer B?

Any Thoughts?

 

[jonnyguru]

FSP and Seasonic are not the same. Not even close. They're both manufacturers and both make their own stuff. There are no Fortrons built by Seasonic.

Antec has never been made by FSP (Fortron.) Only Channel Well and Seasonic.

As far as "rating" the Seasonic builds; you can't put the Antec between Seasonic and Corsair as the Seasonic and Corsair are actually of the same build quality, as is the Seasonic built PCP&C Silencer (all three are built by Seasonic.) The Seasonic built Antecs like the NeoHE and the Trio uses a cheaper (not "bad" but "cheaper") Seasonic platform and is NOT of the build quality of the other three brands mentioned.

Silverstone: It depends on the Silverstone. Some are built by Etasis, some are built by Enhance. Some of the Enhance models are high efficiency like the Seasonic. Like I said, depends on the model.

If you have any more questions, feel free to reference: http://www.jonnyguru.com/SMPS_UL.htm

Also for an FYI: 49A on a 12V rail is only "just shy" of 8800 certification if we're talking about 8800GTS cards. GTX cards require 60A on the combined 12's and four PCI-e connectors for certification.

For reference: The Corsair HX620W has 50A on the 12V rail and the Seasonic M12 700W has 56A.

 

[mrmez]

Yeah, had a similar prob 2u...
Got a 1950XT, and my 400W psu didnt have the 6pin pci-e pwr connector!!!
Called every computer shop, no1 had a molex adapter GRRRR
So.... forked out for a 650W coolermaster. Cost me $140AUD, not too bad i supose.
For that card id go at least 500W, its not so much the watts u need... but the amps. Higher watt psu's have higher amp rails... duh.

I didnt mind getting a 650W, as ill go 6600 in a few months, OC that + water + 4HDDs + neons... would be silly to skimp on pwr.