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[Solved] Psu problem

Forum CPU & Components : Power Supplies, PC Cases & Case Mods - [Solved] Psu problem

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Best answer from jtt283.

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JacKDuRdEn   06-04-2009 at 09:14:57 AM

Hi,
the other day my pc shutdown with no reason. The green led on the motherboard was on, but the pc didn't start. i disconnected it from the power outlet for a few minutes. When i reconnected it, the green led was on again and the system started, but within a few seconds it started smelling like something was burning so i shut it off. I opened the PC and the smell came from the psu.

My PC: (Everything at stock)
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
nVidia GeForce 9600GT
1 GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800Mhz (4-4-4-12 2.1V)
ASUS PW5 DH Deluxe
Coolermaster eXtreme Power 600W

I guess the PSU just died, so i want to replace it with this one:
Topower SilentEZ 500W
http://www.topower.com/product/silentez.htm

I want to know if this would be enough for my system, and if the PSU is good or not (brand/quality wise). The PSU I had made a very annoying noise (found something about it online, but never tried to fix it) and I'd like to buy something that will run my system safe. I don't plan to overclock.

Also I'm very limited in my options here, I'm from Chile, so there isn't a lot of variety. I'm planning on buying from this site http://catalogo.madboxpc.com/?cat=40 (spanish, PSU section)

Any advice?


Thanks

ED: I will go with the Zalman ZM460B-APS 460 W because after a search in http://www.80plus.org/ I didn't find any of the Topower's PSU that were supposed to be 80+

Thanks for all the answers!


Message edited by JacKDuRdEn on 06-12-2009 at 08:17:28 PM
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Best answer from jtt283
I went to the site. Your choices are very limited.
Judging from an old list, Topower is all over the quality scale. Some are garbage, but some are decent. The one you chose doesn't appear to be 80+ certified, although it claims up to 80% efficiency. From the mere fifteen PSUs you have available, choose one that is 80+ certified and has Active PFC, such as one of the Topower M9 units. Even the 450W model should be enough for your rig. At the very least, in order to have obtained the 80+ certification, the unit was tested at full load, and didn't croak.
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IH8U   06-04-2009 at 09:41:53 AM

I'd look for any of these: Antec, BFG, Thermaltake, PC P&C, Zalman, Corsair, or OCZ. I've only had 1 good Topower PSU, I bought it in Okinawa (Topower Combine 650). The other 3 that I have used (either mine, or friends) have fried, and took out a lot of other things in the process.

Reply to IH8U
4745454b   06-04-2009 at 10:13:59 AM

I would avoid Topower as well. Seeing as my spanish isn't so good, could you list what PSUs are available to you, and within your price range? I/we could vote on those.

------------------------------ The voice of REASON
Do NOT feed the TROLLS!
Always a DEMON!
 Reply to 4745454b
tobensg   06-04-2009 at 12:39:36 PM

Never heard of Topower, avoid. Get a proper PSU as IH8U advised.

Reply to tobensg
jtt283   06-04-2009 at 03:18:21 PM
Best answer

I went to the site. Your choices are very limited.
Judging from an old list, Topower is all over the quality scale. Some are garbage, but some are decent. The one you chose doesn't appear to be 80+ certified, although it claims up to 80% efficiency. From the mere fifteen PSUs you have available, choose one that is 80+ certified and has Active PFC, such as one of the Topower M9 units. Even the 450W model should be enough for your rig. At the very least, in order to have obtained the 80+ certification, the unit was tested at full load, and didn't croak.

Reply to jtt283
xaira   06-04-2009 at 04:20:59 PM

corsair was voted the best psu maker, anything 450w+ would easily handle ur system

Reply to xaira
morfinel   06-04-2009 at 05:54:04 PM

Hiper is as well good choice, they reliable and cheap.

Reply to morfinel
JacKDuRdEn   06-04-2009 at 07:30:15 PM

Hi again, thanks for all the answers.

I started looking for options and it seems that Topower is all we get around here...
The only different options I could found were these:

Option A: Zalman ZM460B-APS 460 W
http://zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Pr [...] sp?idx=194

Option B: Thermaltake PurePower RX 500W W0100RU
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Prod [...] 47&ID=1524

Option C: Thermaltake ToughPower 600W W0103RU
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Prod [...] 47&ID=1499

Options A and B would be within my budget, while C would be out by a good margin. Anyways, could you please tell me which one would be best for my PC?

It seems that the Zalman one has active PFC and Thermaltake (B) doesn't... and TT (C) has active PFC and is 80plus certified.

I leaning towards the Zalman... what do you think? (Because (C) is out of my budget)

Thanks again!

Reply to JacKDuRdEn
jtt283   06-05-2009 at 01:14:40 AM

Well, if C is out of your budget, then A is definitely the better choice out of the other two. A Topower M9 would be still better (due to the 80+) if it is within your budget.
The review linked by Zalman was meaningless, however. To see how PSUs should be reviewed, visit www.jonnyguru.com.

Reply to jtt283
IH8U   06-05-2009 at 04:19:08 PM

Another good site to check for reviews is: http://www.hardocp.com/

Reply to IH8U
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