PSU conundrum

[elthenar]

Well, basically my question is this. I just ordered the stuff to build my new PC, and I found a combo-deal on newegg where I got this Xclio greatpower 750 for a little over 30$ I did some googling and it seems to have a decent rep. Will it be ok for an overclocked wolfdale 8400 and a single ATI 4850 build, or should I spend some money and get something from Corsair or the like.

 

[jonnyGURU]

No OEM for that unit (there's no # under the UL logo to point to the actual OEM) and no +12V combined wattage listed.

It may not be such a bad unit... especially for $30. Did you already have your heart set on an Xclio case?

 

[elthenar]

Yeah I am sold on the case. My roommate built a comp last year with virtually the same case, and it is very good. Moves a lot of air, keeps everything inside chilly and makes no noise while doing it.

Like I said, I did some googling and the brand seems to be decent. This is the only review I found of this exact model PC perspective test.

If I am not mistaken, the Xclio stuff is made by Channel Well.

 

[BladeVenom]

You probably won't even be using half of 750 watts.

 

[magreen]

Did ya buy it yet? Cause there's some good deals on PSUs in the hot deals forum... I saw a bfg 500W posted by jonny for $30 that would probably chew up that "750W" xclio and spit out the pieces. But jonny can tell us for sure.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: magreen
bfg 500W posted by jonny for $30

Which one was that? I don't remember it.

There's the LS-550 at Buy.com for $37 after rebate with free shipping (minus 5% coupon if you can get it to work). There's also the $38 GS-550 at ProVantage.

They are both good PSUs. The LS-550 is the better one with a longer warranty, APFC and rated continuously. However, there's a rebate involved (for those who don't like 'em). The GS-550 has "only" a 3 year warranty and is rated peak, but it is still a solid unit that can put out 450-500W continuous. The nice thing is the low no-rebate price. Both units are fairly efficient and rated 80+. The LS-550 has 4 more amps on the +12v.

Basically the ES series takes on top end units like the Antec Signature, PCP&C Turbo Cool, etc. The LS series takes on mid range units like Corsairs, Antec TPT, PCP&C Silencers, etc. The GS series takes on lower end (but not crappy) units like Antec Basiq, FSP, Ultra LS & V series, etc.

I think these units do quite well compared to their competition in quality, output and pricing. Too bad few people know about them (hence why they're discounted ). We sometimes give out PSUs at large LAN parties like AsylumLAN, PDXLAN and ShowdownLAN, and people still go "BFG makes PSUs?!?!" So, our obscurity is your gain (with low prices).

I'm sure JonnyGURU will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[elthenar]

BFGtech makes power supplies?!

I had to do it... I really didn't know that they made PSU's but I've had very good experiences with their GPU's.

I did order already. I didn't think I was going to find anything close to that price. I am not an Anandtech regular, and didn't even notice the hot deals board until it was just pointed out. I don't get to build a comp but every other year or so, so once I get a new one built I pretty much stop reading tech stuff. It keeps me from getting depressed about how fast my comp ages.

From what I have gathered though, this Xclio PSU should be a pretty decent bit of hardware. I figured I'd ask here though, some of the guys here see an awful lot of parts. I was hoping someone could shed a little bit of light on it, and reassure me that my new PSU won't spontaneously combust =)

 

[jonnyGURU]

Originally posted by: elthenar

If I am not mistaken, the Xclio stuff is made by Channel Well.

Not all of them. Like most brands, they'll use different OEM's for different price/performance levels.

That said, it is very clear from the PC Per review that this particular unit is a CWT. But that review was written back in July 2006... which doesn't mean it's not a good unit. It just explains why they're on sale for so cheap. They've probably been sitting around for a while.

 

[magreen]

Originally posted by: elthenar
BFGtech makes power supplies?!

I had to do it... I really didn't know that they made PSU's but I've had very good experiences with their GPU's.

I did order already. I didn't think I was going to find anything close to that price. I am not an Anandtech regular, and didn't even notice the hot deals board until it was just pointed out. I don't get to build a comp but every other year or so, so once I get a new one built I pretty much stop reading tech stuff. It keeps me from getting depressed about how fast my comp ages.

From what I have gathered though, this Xclio PSU should be a pretty decent bit of hardware. I figured I'd ask here though, some of the guys here see an awful lot of parts. I was hoping someone could shed a little bit of light on it, and reassure me that my new PSU won't spontaneously combust =)

LOL. :laugh:

Enjoy your new build. Come hang out here more often -- sometimes you can get a fix hearing what latest and greatest stuff other people buy, without getting depressed about your own stuff (or your wallet). That's what I do!