Another PSU help thread!

[jcgamo88]

I'm looking for a new PSU from with close to 30A or more on the 12v rails. I've found few but I'm not sure what a decent brand is anymore. I'm also trying to keep cost to under $50 before shipped.

Fortron AX400-PN
Coolmax CXI-400B
Silverstone SST-ST405
Rosewill RD450-2-SB
Xclio GOODPOWER
Silverstone ST350

Of course, I'm not closed to other suggestions, after all I'm looking for any help.

System that needs to be powered is a X2 3800+, 1Gb(512Mbx2) DDR2 system. I'm adding a x1900gt to replace the IGP I have. I only have about 20A on my 12v with the current psu, and I don't believe it's enough to power the card since when I attempted to add it the system powered for a few seconds and then went dead.

 

[myocardia]

While Silverstone is an awesome brand, this is probably the best under $50 psu that newegg sells: link.

 

[jcgamo88]

Thanks!

Before I make a final decision, anyone want to throw in their own 2 cents or enlighten me to another psu perhaps on another sight?

 

[myocardia]

This one would be more than enough for you: 460 watt Enhance, and will last years longer, for ~$50.

 

[jcgamo88]

I've never heard of Enhance!

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: jcgamo88
I've never heard of Enhance!

Enhance builds for many of units for Silverstone. They themselves don't actually have a retail presence, the units e.wiz is selling were intended for the OEM market.

Personally I would go with the 80+ 400 watt ENP-5140GH.

 

[jcgamo88]

Is Rosewill still a decent PSU supplier? I remember their cases used to come with a decent psu for fairly cheap.

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: jcgamo88
Is Rosewill still a decent PSU supplier? I remember their cases used to come with a decent psu for fairly cheap.

Some models are fine, some are not. Rosewill rebrands products from a number of companies. They are a Newegg house brand, as is XClio.

 

[Googer]

Where's the Guru? I am suprised he isn't "Johnny on the Spot" for this thread....

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: jcgamo88
I'm looking for a new PSU from with close to 30A or more on the 12v rails. I've found few but I'm not sure what a decent brand is anymore. I'm also trying to keep cost to under $50 before shipped.

Fortron AX400-PN
Coolmax CXI-400B
Silverstone SST-ST405
Rosewill RD450-2-SB
Xclio GOODPOWER
Silverstone ST350

Of course, I'm not closed to other suggestions, after all I'm looking for any help.

System that needs to be powered is a X2 3800+, 1Gb(512Mbx2) DDR2 system. I'm adding a x1900gt to replace the IGP I have. I only have about 20A on my 12v with the current psu, and I don't believe it's enough to power the card since when I attempted to add it the system powered for a few seconds and then went dead.

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware. IF you buy the 1st and 2nd best PSU's they can be mailed to the manufacturer for any type of custom reconfiguration. Your mind is the limit.

The best PSU under $200 (Commercial Grade) (As rated by CPU Magazine)

The Second Best PSU (Commercial Grade)

The Third Best PSU


Best PSU over $200 (High Temperature/Industrial Grade)

 

[kapoww]

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware.

I just bought a modular PSU. Could you explain that or point me to some info?

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: kapoww

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware.

I just bought a modular PSU. Could you explain that or point me to some info?

1. Go to library
2. Pick up an electrical engineering text book.
3. Read, read, read.

Any time there is an interuption in a power line (i.e. connectors, switches, etc) there is a current and voltage drop. Also most of those connectors are not designed to handle high current (5A and above). Also over time those connectors will become worn and may slide out or become loose, hence providing very poor contact or no conduction.

 

[Sdiver2489]

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: kapoww

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware.

I just bought a modular PSU. Could you explain that or point me to some info?

1. Go to library
2. Pick up an electrical engineering text book.
3. Read, read, read.

Any time there is an interuption in a power line (i.e. connectors, switches, etc) there is a current and voltage drop. Also most of those connectors are not designed to handle high current (5A and above). Also over time those connectors will become worn and may slide out or become loose, hence providing very poor contact or no conduction.

Show me a review that shows a very negative effect of the modular cables on the voltage regulation and current capability of the power supply.

You are speculating over issues that should not occur with well designed contacts. Yes, there will be a small voltage drop due to the resistive contact. Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply? Secondly, you speculate that the connectors will become worn out and provide poor contact within the life of the power supply. Where you get this information I have no idea. Again, should we start complaining about the power cords to our power supplies? After all, they often plug into a socket! According to your speculation this should be avoided at all costs. Components are designed to have an acceptable range of voltages as you probably know. A product would never be designed to ONLY work with 12V. Instead, real world considerations are taken into account and the product is designed to work with a more achievable range, such as 11.2-12.8V.

Engineers take into account these design parameters when they create any product. If there is going to be a voltage drop due to a contact and it is significant, then account for this in the regulation of that voltage rail. I also doubt your claim that any product would ship with connectors that are rated below the current capability. That would be poor engineering and a failure point that could result in damage or injury.

Modular power supplies are not as evil as you would make them out to be.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: kapoww

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware.

I just bought a modular PSU. Could you explain that or point me to some info?

1. Go to library
2. Pick up an electrical engineering text book.
3. Read, read, read.

Any time there is an interuption in a power line (i.e. connectors, switches, etc) there is a current and voltage drop. Also most of those connectors are not designed to handle high current (5A and above). Also over time those connectors will become worn and may slide out or become loose, hence providing very poor contact or no conduction.

Show me a review that shows a very negative effect of the modular cables on the voltage regulation and current capability of the power supply.

You are speculating over issues that should not occur with well designed contacts. Yes, there will be a small voltage drop due to the resistive contact. Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply? Secondly, you speculate that the connectors will become worn out and provide poor contact within the life of the power supply. Where you get this information I have no idea. Again, should be start complaining about the power cords to our power supplies? After all, they often plug into a socket! According to your speculation this should be avoided at all costs.

Engineers take into account these design parameters when they create any product. If there is going to be a voltage drop due to a contact and it is significant, then account for this in the regulation of that voltage rail. I also doubt your claim that any product would ship with connectors that are rated below the current capability. That would be poor engineering and a failure point that could result in damage or injury.

Modular power supplies are not as evil as you would make them out to be.

It's a known fact.

 

[Sdiver2489]

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: kapoww

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware.

I just bought a modular PSU. Could you explain that or point me to some info?

1. Go to library
2. Pick up an electrical engineering text book.
3. Read, read, read.

Any time there is an interuption in a power line (i.e. connectors, switches, etc) there is a current and voltage drop. Also most of those connectors are not designed to handle high current (5A and above). Also over time those connectors will become worn and may slide out or become loose, hence providing very poor contact or no conduction.

Show me a review that shows a very negative effect of the modular cables on the voltage regulation and current capability of the power supply.

You are speculating over issues that should not occur with well designed contacts. Yes, there will be a small voltage drop due to the resistive contact. Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply? Secondly, you speculate that the connectors will become worn out and provide poor contact within the life of the power supply. Where you get this information I have no idea. Again, should be start complaining about the power cords to our power supplies? After all, they often plug into a socket! According to your speculation this should be avoided at all costs.

Engineers take into account these design parameters when they create any product. If there is going to be a voltage drop due to a contact and it is significant, then account for this in the regulation of that voltage rail. I also doubt your claim that any product would ship with connectors that are rated below the current capability. That would be poor engineering and a failure point that could result in damage or injury.

Modular power supplies are not as evil as you would make them out to be.

It's a known fact.

Well, you sure convinced me...:roll:

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: kapoww

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware.

I just bought a modular PSU. Could you explain that or point me to some info?

1. Go to library
2. Pick up an electrical engineering text book.
3. Read, read, read.

Any time there is an interuption in a power line (i.e. connectors, switches, etc) there is a current and voltage drop. Also most of those connectors are not designed to handle high current (5A and above). Also over time those connectors will become worn and may slide out or become loose, hence providing very poor contact or no conduction.

Show me a review that shows a very negative effect of the modular cables on the voltage regulation and current capability of the power supply.

You are speculating over issues that should not occur with well designed contacts. Yes, there will be a small voltage drop due to the resistive contact. Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply? Secondly, you speculate that the connectors will become worn out and provide poor contact within the life of the power supply. Where you get this information I have no idea. Again, should be start complaining about the power cords to our power supplies? After all, they often plug into a socket! According to your speculation this should be avoided at all costs.

Engineers take into account these design parameters when they create any product. If there is going to be a voltage drop due to a contact and it is significant, then account for this in the regulation of that voltage rail. I also doubt your claim that any product would ship with connectors that are rated below the current capability. That would be poor engineering and a failure point that could result in damage or injury.

Modular power supplies are not as evil as you would make them out to be.

It's a known fact.

Well, you sure convinced me...:roll:

My point is: GO LOOK IT UP FOR YOUR SELF.

 

[Sdiver2489]

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: kapoww

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware.

I just bought a modular PSU. Could you explain that or point me to some info?

1. Go to library
2. Pick up an electrical engineering text book.
3. Read, read, read.

Any time there is an interuption in a power line (i.e. connectors, switches, etc) there is a current and voltage drop. Also most of those connectors are not designed to handle high current (5A and above). Also over time those connectors will become worn and may slide out or become loose, hence providing very poor contact or no conduction.

Show me a review that shows a very negative effect of the modular cables on the voltage regulation and current capability of the power supply.

You are speculating over issues that should not occur with well designed contacts. Yes, there will be a small voltage drop due to the resistive contact. Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply? Secondly, you speculate that the connectors will become worn out and provide poor contact within the life of the power supply. Where you get this information I have no idea. Again, should be start complaining about the power cords to our power supplies? After all, they often plug into a socket! According to your speculation this should be avoided at all costs.

Engineers take into account these design parameters when they create any product. If there is going to be a voltage drop due to a contact and it is significant, then account for this in the regulation of that voltage rail. I also doubt your claim that any product would ship with connectors that are rated below the current capability. That would be poor engineering and a failure point that could result in damage or injury.

Modular power supplies are not as evil as you would make them out to be.

It's a known fact.

Well, you sure convinced me...:roll:

My point is: GO LOOK IT UP FOR YOUR SELF.

I have my BSEE, I have "looked it up" for years

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: kapoww

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware.

I just bought a modular PSU. Could you explain that or point me to some info?

1. Go to library
2. Pick up an electrical engineering text book.
3. Read, read, read.

Any time there is an interuption in a power line (i.e. connectors, switches, etc) there is a current and voltage drop. Also most of those connectors are not designed to handle high current (5A and above). Also over time those connectors will become worn and may slide out or become loose, hence providing very poor contact or no conduction.

Show me a review that shows a very negative effect of the modular cables on the voltage regulation and current capability of the power supply.

You are speculating over issues that should not occur with well designed contacts. Yes, there will be a small voltage drop due to the resistive contact. Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply? Secondly, you speculate that the connectors will become worn out and provide poor contact within the life of the power supply. Where you get this information I have no idea. Again, should be start complaining about the power cords to our power supplies? After all, they often plug into a socket! According to your speculation this should be avoided at all costs.

Engineers take into account these design parameters when they create any product. If there is going to be a voltage drop due to a contact and it is significant, then account for this in the regulation of that voltage rail. I also doubt your claim that any product would ship with connectors that are rated below the current capability. That would be poor engineering and a failure point that could result in damage or injury.

Modular power supplies are not as evil as you would make them out to be.

It's a known fact.

Well, you sure convinced me...:roll:

My point is: GO LOOK IT UP FOR YOUR SELF.

I have my BSEE, I have "looked it up" for years

?????
http://www.bsee.co.uk/

 

[Sdiver2489]

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Sdiver2489

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: kapoww

Avoid modular cables, they are a failure point and limit current flow to your hardware.

I just bought a modular PSU. Could you explain that or point me to some info?

1. Go to library
2. Pick up an electrical engineering text book.
3. Read, read, read.

Any time there is an interuption in a power line (i.e. connectors, switches, etc) there is a current and voltage drop. Also most of those connectors are not designed to handle high current (5A and above). Also over time those connectors will become worn and may slide out or become loose, hence providing very poor contact or no conduction.

Show me a review that shows a very negative effect of the modular cables on the voltage regulation and current capability of the power supply.

You are speculating over issues that should not occur with well designed contacts. Yes, there will be a small voltage drop due to the resistive contact. Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply? Secondly, you speculate that the connectors will become worn out and provide poor contact within the life of the power supply. Where you get this information I have no idea. Again, should be start complaining about the power cords to our power supplies? After all, they often plug into a socket! According to your speculation this should be avoided at all costs.

Engineers take into account these design parameters when they create any product. If there is going to be a voltage drop due to a contact and it is significant, then account for this in the regulation of that voltage rail. I also doubt your claim that any product would ship with connectors that are rated below the current capability. That would be poor engineering and a failure point that could result in damage or injury.

Modular power supplies are not as evil as you would make them out to be.

It's a known fact.

Well, you sure convinced me...:roll:

My point is: GO LOOK IT UP FOR YOUR SELF.

I have my BSEE, I have "looked it up" for years

?????
http://www.bsee.co.uk/

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/BSEE

 

[Googer]

Remember that the PSU business is not the most honest one, manufacturers tend to exaggerate specifications or operating temperatures to give them more marketing potential. Modular connections are still a break in the wire and a potential failure point or wear point.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Were you kidding when you replied with http://www.bsee.co.uk/ ?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Googer
Remember that the PSU business is not the most honest one, manufacturers tend to exaggerate specifications or operating temperatures to give them more marketing potential. Modular connections are still a break in the wire and a potential failure point or wear point.

Please reply to this:

Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply?

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Were you kidding when you replied with http://www.bsee.co.uk/ ?

Well, he could be. It was the first thing to come up in a google search.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo

Originally posted by: Googer
Remember that the PSU business is not the most honest one, manufacturers tend to exaggerate specifications or operating temperatures to give them more marketing potential. Modular connections are still a break in the wire and a potential failure point or wear point.

Please reply to this:

Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply?

If you are obsessive compulsive then the answer is YES. Otherwise it' not too practical and the amount of load demanded by a HDD is very very low (around 12w or 1a).

12v
x1a
12w

 

[Sdiver2489]

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo

Originally posted by: Googer
Remember that the PSU business is not the most honest one, manufacturers tend to exaggerate specifications or operating temperatures to give them more marketing potential. Modular connections are still a break in the wire and a potential failure point or wear point.

Please reply to this:

Should we hardwire our cables into ours cards and hard drives as well? Or is, for some reason, that loss acceptable while an additional loss over a contact not acceptable at the power supply?

If you are obsessive compulsive then the answer is YES. Otherwise it' not too practical and the amount of load demanded by a HDD is very very low (around 12w or 1a).

12v
x1a
12w

Nice math. What about a video card which has significant current draw? Why would an engineer design as card with a power connector in that situation if it is an issue? They even include SPLITTERS sometimes with the graphics card. There is another connection that should be "unacceptable" to you.