Power Supply Decision

sorcos · 02-02-2007, 02:17 PM

My current power supply that I have in one of my computers has gone bad, and I am told it is a crap power supply anyway

After looking around the forums I have decided I want to buy an Antec True Power Trio, but am undecided about the 430w or the 550w. I would like to buy the 430w as to save some money but I cant help but worry that the power supply I have now (420 watts) crapped out because it was not enough. My computer specs are on the side if that helps.

I used two PSU calculators I have found here on the site:

http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine says 297w before the 30% added (I am assuming Surge Compensation and Capacitor Aging are considered the 30%?)

http://www.journeysystems.com/power_...calculator.php says 334w before the 30% added

After the 30% is added, they come to around 386w/434w. Would getting the 430w watt PSU be safe? I would be happy getting the 430w if it were 386w, but needing 434w doesn't sound good lol.

430w:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103942
550w:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371002

**TheMatt** · 02-02-2007, 02:51 PM

Considdering the 550 w is only $30 more, I would take it, but if you are looking to spend less money than $100, look at this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104934

**linderman** · 02-02-2007, 04:05 PM

You must be careful when selecting

I would rather have the 85% efficient 550 trio over that 70% efficient Fortron

Fortron makes mid level units too, must be cautious

the antec trio 550 would be far best choice

Tumbleweed36 · 02-02-2007, 04:13 PM

Hi,

While the 500 might pull it, the $30 bucks extra for the 550 Antec Trio might be the best money you have spent on that computer. When possible I always use a rule of thumb when using a calculator to add about 100 watts for safety and the possiblity that I might want to add another drive, or a better video card....there are so many reasons why the 550 Trio would be your best bet. In addition, with the lower efficiency, you will spend more than the difference on electricity over a period of time since it is not as efficient. In the end, you have to choose.

**PanamaGal** · 02-02-2007, 04:37 PM

I wouldn't overlook this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817163112

**linderman** · 02-02-2007, 04:54 PM

WOW P-gals choice is a winner too !

sorcos · 02-02-2007, 05:15 PM

I will most likely spend the extra $30, but putting that aside for a moment, since adding 30%/100 watts comes out pretty close to 430w, it would be safer to go with something that is 500 watts and up? I have already had this computer for a few years now, I will probably not add very much to it (if I decide to, id probably just buy a new computer).

**TheMatt** · 02-02-2007, 06:47 PM

If you really don't want to spend extra money, then get the Fortron, but Linderman had a good point, the higher effeciency of the Antec makes it worth it most of the time.

**linderman** · 02-02-2007, 07:34 PM

the 500 watt Fortron should pull the rig nicely

in actuality; any of the units we have discussed here are hordes better than your former Raidmax

you take it from there; that info you can be confident on.

**Kalim** · 02-03-2007, 12:10 PM

Look to the Fortons -- some of them don't have PFC let alone Active PFC.

If you get an Antec TP3 then just look for one that has a similar price in the range. Usually you can pick up a deal for a 650W to put it to the same value of 550W - although its much better.

SeaSonic made them PSU's so they're very good. Every review of them is excellent.

02-02-2007, 02:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
sorcos Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 57 OS: XP My System	Power Supply Decision My current power supply that I have in one of my computers has gone bad, and I am told it is a crap power supply anyway After looking around the forums I have decided I want to buy an Antec True Power Trio, but am undecided about the 430w or the 550w. I would like to buy the 430w as to save some money but I cant help but worry that the power supply I have now (420 watts) crapped out because it was not enough. My computer specs are on the side if that helps. I used two PSU calculators I have found here on the site: http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine says 297w before the 30% added (I am assuming Surge Compensation and Capacitor Aging are considered the 30%?) http://www.journeysystems.com/power_...calculator.php says 334w before the 30% added After the 30% is added, they come to around 386w/434w. Would getting the 430w watt PSU be safe? I would be happy getting the 430w if it were 386w, but needing 434w doesn't sound good lol. 430w:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103942 550w:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371002

02-02-2007, 02:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheMatt Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,695 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Considdering the 550 w is only $30 more, I would take it, but if you are looking to spend less money than $100, look at this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104934 __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

02-02-2007, 04:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 14,055 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	You must be careful when selecting I would rather have the 85% efficient 550 trio over that 70% efficient Fortron Fortron makes mid level units too, must be cautious the antec trio 550 would be far best choice __________________ If you cant be polite and friendly; then please be silent.

02-02-2007, 04:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 14,165 OS: XP Professional	Hi, While the 500 might pull it, the $30 bucks extra for the 550 Antec Trio might be the best money you have spent on that computer. When possible I always use a rule of thumb when using a calculator to add about 100 watts for safety and the possiblity that I might want to add another drive, or a better video card....there are so many reasons why the 550 Trio would be your best bet. In addition, with the lower efficiency, you will spend more than the difference on electricity over a period of time since it is not as efficient. In the end, you have to choose. __________________ ----------

02-02-2007, 04:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
PanamaGal Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Panama Posts: 1,240 OS: WinXP Pro SP2; Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista Ultimate; Vista Business	I wouldn't overlook this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817163112 __________________ It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.

02-02-2007, 04:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 14,055 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	WOW P-gals choice is a winner too ! __________________ If you cant be polite and friendly; then please be silent. Last edited by linderman : 02-02-2007 at 04:55 PM.

02-02-2007, 05:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
sorcos Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 57 OS: XP My System	I will most likely spend the extra $30, but putting that aside for a moment, since adding 30%/100 watts comes out pretty close to 430w, it would be safer to go with something that is 500 watts and up? I have already had this computer for a few years now, I will probably not add very much to it (if I decide to, id probably just buy a new computer).

02-02-2007, 06:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
TheMatt Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,695 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	If you really don't want to spend extra money, then get the Fortron, but Linderman had a good point, the higher effeciency of the Antec makes it worth it most of the time. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

02-02-2007, 07:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 14,055 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	the 500 watt Fortron should pull the rig nicely in actuality; any of the units we have discussed here are hordes better than your former Raidmax you take it from there; that info you can be confident on. __________________ If you cant be polite and friendly; then please be silent.

02-03-2007, 12:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
Kalim Roaming To Help Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5,609 OS: Many	Look to the Fortons -- some of them don't have PFC let alone Active PFC. If you get an Antec TP3 then just look for one that has a similar price in the range. Usually you can pick up a deal for a 650W to put it to the same value of 550W - although its much better. SeaSonic made them PSU's so they're very good. Every review of them is excellent.