PSU thread

DatabaseError

I remember a thread a week or 2 ago about PSUs...

Suddenly I think I find myself needing one, good quality and value, and I can't remember the recommendations (antec?)
around 500W and close to silent, link to the thread would be great if anyone has it (search is failing me )

Suppose I ought to turn off my PC now to swop my PSU out to test..or maybe I'll strip one of the kids' pc's instead

gonzo127

dont know the thread but this could be helpful http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/psus/

macman

Why do you 'think' you need one? PSU's can go flakey and cut in and out, but not for long-generally a couple of boot-ups later they'll be completely dead, so you'll know it. I use a little PSU tester from Antec that cost about a tenner, very useful device, you just plug it into the 20 or 24 pin mobo connector.
I get PSU's from a local independent PC shop, completely unbranded but quite quiet, bought one last month and a 500W was just £20. Maplin etc will ask double that.

DatabaseError

Thanks, gonzo.

DatabaseError

macman - still to test (putting off stripping down a PC) but the PSU is an old tagan (good quality) The PC it was in had random boot issues, requiring the PC to be turned of and on again several times to get working. Moved to a 'new' build, only parts in common are PSU and CPU and it worked for 1 day....when the PC booted for the final time the PSU was extremely hot!

So...probably a PSU issue..but worth 30 minutes stripping down 2 PCs to check.

Normally I'd spend around £70+ on a new one..but times are hard...but as it's going in the living room noise is a major factor..as well as stability across the rails

macman

That little Antec tester not only checks the overall 'power good' signal, but also the different rail outputs. Never found it to be wrong yet.
One I got from Maplin (emergency purchase) was a lot noisier than the £20 one just recently fitted.

Russel245

I wouldn't trust a bottom bracket PSU, when you first get your line of smoke coming out the back of your computer (which is well within the PSU's stated capacity) you will understand why.

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500w-antec-bp500u-gb-basiq-power-80mm-quiet-fan-dual-rail-atx12v-v201

On scan, that is the first decent brand PSU meeting your specs, but I would be tempted to go for a:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500w-corsair-cmpsu-500cxuk-builder-series-80-eff-120mm-fan-single-rail-atx

Another good brand, but the larger fan should run more quietly (because it can run slower) and provide better air circulation for your case.


You may want to give ebuyer a look too, I'm sure there're some other shops people will mention too. Good luck.

DatabaseError

EDIT - a bit late.

Testing done - not the PSU - it's the CPU...looking for a replacement now

The CPU was bought with a board 2nd hand -that butchery is nothing to do with me![IMG]file:///C:/Users/Tony/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/Users/Tony/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png[/IMG]

Russel245

Hehe

Hi Tony,

Is that soldering on the CPU by the way?! :eek:

Richie-from-the-Boro

Its not one I've done DatabaseError, even in my dotage with 0 / 20 vision I'm better than that !

DatabaseError

Looks like solder - no pins joined, looks like they cut the joint, but there is just enough bluring of the edges to render the CPU flaky at best.

Might have another go at a photo if I can work out the settings of my camera

Just bought a E5200 from ebay for £35 - so happy enough...wife will then be able to play farmville again (which is all she wants a PC for..)