Antec SmartPower 2.0 500W w/ Q6600 and X1900 XT

[Laminator]

I'm upgrading my gaming computer to a Q6600 (OC'd to 3.0GHz) and an X1900 XT (one hard drive, two optical drives, and floppy drive). It's all going to be powered by an Antec SmartPower 2.0 500W. Now I'm sure a good 500W PSU is more than enough for this setup but I've heard that the version of the SmartPower I have has a tendency to blow itself out after a few months due to a bad capacitor.

Does anyone have one of these PSU's? On NewEgg, it seems that a lot of people have experienced the blowing-out process, which consists of a long hiss when the PSU turns on and then - death. I've been using my PSU for over a year now, driving an E6600 @ 3.0GHz and a 7900GT KO, and I've had no problems. On the other hand, a Q6600 and an X1900 XT is definitely going to draw more power. I run my computer at full load several hours a day.

Does anyone have any experience with the SmartPower and did it blow out on them?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

http://www.smartgirl.org/fortune.html

 

[MrOblivious]

If you are registered over at ocforums you might ask SuperNade. He was working a SmartPoer 2.0 over to see how it does with better caps and should have some concrete information for you on it.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Several guys over at badcaps.net have recapped both the SP and TP with good results.
The platform CWT used for those units was/is a decent one but the use of cheap Fuhjyyus was not a good idea.

Why are Fuhjyyu and many other cheap caps prone to early failure?
The aluminum foil has traces of copper and other elements that react with poorly made electrolyte creating hydrogen gas to push the electrolyte out of the capacitor. Before this happens the cap is already operating out of spec sending dirty current downstream. Bad news.

 

[Laminator]

Thanks! I registered at OCForums and I'll go check it out.

I don't know if I'm willing to go through the trouble to replace a capacitor. I'll probably just sell the PSU and get another one.

 

[RallyMaster]

I will not trust a SmartPower with even an AthlonXP let alone a Q6600.