PSU Shortlist

[Lad]

Hi,

I'm after a new PSU and have shortlisted 3 potential units. They should be fine for my build and really looking for advice on reliability and quality.

Antec 520W High Current Gamer
Antec Basiq Power 550W
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W

I've read that Antec are one of the better manufacturers but from my understanding, the ones I'm looking at are at their lower end so not sure if they are still good quality PSUs. I've not read many bad things about OCZ either. Out of the 3, is there an obvious one to choose?

Thanks.

 

[mosox]

SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze 520W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094&cm_re=seasonic_520-_-17-151-094-_-Product

LE modular
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

620W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096

 

[davcon]

If you're on a budget one of these is good.
Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031
Just make sure you have a spare power cord laying around from another psu.
Btw i have an OZC ModXtreme 600W and it's been fine after more then one year of service.

 

[Silvune]

I would go for the Antec High Current Gamer HCG-520, as it is the most efficient (especially from ~10$ to 50% utilization) and is based on the positively reviewed Seasonic S12II Bronze 520W that Mosox linked, so quality is not a question mark with that unit.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/954
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=185

 

[Lad]

Thanks for your replies. Is the Antec 520W High Current Gamer a re-badged Seasonic S12II Bronze 520W as I thought Antec made their own PSUs? In reality, it would be a Seasonic PSU and not an Antec?

Davcon, I take it you got no regrets with the OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W? I was looking at this as my first choice followed by the Antec 520W High Current Gamer. With the good reviews on the Seasonic and Silvune's recommendation, I'm now thinking Antec...

 

[Silvune]

Cable lengths might be something to consider as well.

Here is a link which explains them for the HCG-520:
http://diy.pconline.com.cn/power/reviews/1010/2236142.html
translated: http://translate.google.es/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdiy.pconline.com.cn%2Fpower%2Freviews%2F1010%2F2236142.html
It's an adequate explanation for what I consider to be the most important cable in terms of length, the ATX12V/EPS12V (CPU) connector cable which according to that link is 64cm.

Antec Basiq Power 550W
http://www.overclockers.ru/lab/37483_2/Obzor_blokov_pitaniya_Antec_EA-500D_i_Antec_BP550_Plus.html
translated: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=es&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://www.overclockers.ru/lab/37483_2/Obzor_blokov_pitaniya_Antec_EA-500D_i_Antec_BP550_Plus.html&rurl=translate.google.es
I think that's the right one, I'm only aware of one other Antec Basiq Power 550W unit, but I didn't think that's the one we were talking about.
This one says that the ATX12V/EPS12V cable is 49cm.

Hardwaresecrets will be the best place to explain the cable lengths for the ModXStream, as well as being one of the best PSU review sites around: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/936
ATX12V/EPS12V = 46cm.

 

[davcon]

Thanks for your replies. Is the Antec 520W High Current Gamer a re-badged Seasonic S12II Bronze 520W as I thought Antec made their own PSUs? In reality, it would be a Seasonic PSU and not an Antec?

Davcon, I take it you got no regrets with the OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W? I was looking at this as my first choice followed by the Antec 520W High Current Gamer. With the good reviews on the Seasonic and Silvune's recommendation, I'm now thinking Antec...

The ModX has been excellent Lad! btw i have other builds with a BP Antec and a Corsair HX.
No regrets choosing the ModX it's 80% modular, very efficient,quiet and the price was right i picked mine up for $45.
OZC offers very good psu's price/performance wise imo.

 

[Lad]

Thanks for your help, guys. I do like the modular design of the OCZ and its good to know that its a good brand and I shouldn't be disappointed with it if I went for it. However, now that I've read your comments, the Antec High Current Gamer HCG-520 does appeal more than when I posted my question! I need to have a little think about which one to plump for as there isn't an obvious choice - but it'll be one of these two. Thanks for the links, Silvune and for pointing out the importance of cable lengths. I need to make some measurents - maybe this will help make the decision