I'm buidling a new system for my son-in-law. Currently, Micro Center is selling these Cooler Master (RP-500-PCAR) power supplies for ten dollars after rebate. I normally use Antec or Corsair power supplies for my builds. But I've heard good things about Cooler Master. Looking for advice and any input in regards to this power supply. I'm going to be spending between six and eight hundred on the build. If this is a decent power supply I'll use it, but if it is a piece of junk that might endanger the rest of my parts, forget it.
I'm using cooler master extreme 550w.I can overclock my intel e6300(1.86ghz) to 2.8ghz without any problem.but it make a noise when the temperature hit 40c
Message edited by yamahazr on 02-12-2008 at 02:45:08 AM
It appears the cooler master units fall into tier 4 and 5 categories. I have never tried using one but based on the tier list I would NOT trust a powerful gaming system on one of those.
Get a tier 3 or higher for sure.
Things may have changed since the list was updated of course.
It appears the cooler master units fall into tier 4 and 5 categories. I have never tried using one but based on the tier list I would NOT trust a powerful gaming system on one of those.
Get a tier 3 or higher for sure.
Things may have changed since the list was updated of course.
That list is a full year old. I wouldn't take that list too seriously.
That list is a full year old. I wouldn't take that list too seriously.
Yeah. Things may have changed. But lacking anything definitive I'd play it safe. Do we have any recent reviews on this unit? $10 is tempting but you know what they say about deals that sound too good to be true.
Yeah. Things may have changed. But lacking anything definitive I'd play it safe. Do we have any recent reviews on this unit? $10 is tempting but you know what they say about deals that sound too good to be true.
Well, if he isn't going to be using it for intense loads, it probably won't be a problem. After all, many people uses their case PSU which is probably worse than the CM and they're fine.
I'm using the 550w version on an overclocked system with single 8800GT.
The PSU provides stable spot on voltages. I wouldn't take these PSU 'tiers' listings too seriously. They are unsanctioned and the authors opinion based on the research that they have done.
Just use common sense and go with a reputable brand - the Coolmaster unit does feature high quality capacitors etc and is going to power a typical system perfectly well. However it is not the quietest PSU and definitely wouldn't be suitable for someone trying trying to build a near silent system.
On your budget I wouldn't recommend spending significantly more on another PSU of pretty much no practical benefit.
CoolerMaster "Real" power supplies are better, but the "extreme" ones have a spotty reputation at best. The fans can be noisy, they are sometimes DOA, and some reviews have them conking out under moderate loads and even catching fire. They would probably be ok for a non o/c system. But I would rather have a 400w Sparkle for $35 than one of those, even for $10.
You can also buy the OCZ 600 watt Stealthstream (nearly identical to GamexStream) for around $65 now, which has four-18 amp 12v rails, made by Fortron GLN (tier 2) and has a great warranty. I have the Fortron version and it has been an excellent and quiet power supply for $75.
Message edited by Invader on 02-16-2008 at 09:23:58 AM
