Please recommend a computer psu
Apr 20, 2013 at 8:41 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 23

fzman

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Having just recently discovered that a computer does not operate properly when partially submerged in water.  I am assuming the psu is toast, as the computer will not turn on, even with the hard drives disconnected.  I am hoping the mobo, cpu and ram are ok, but need another psu to test it with.  So, I am looking for recommendations from you folks.
 
I have an Antec P182 case, where the psu is at the bottom, and there is a panel separating the bottom of the case from the mobo compartment.  the one that failed from the water is a pc power and cooling, which i liked very much.  I have a basic i3 system, with 8 gigs of ram, two drives, a prodigy sound card and i use the mobo. the machine is nothing special, and is my 'daily driver'.  i need a psu that will be quiet, stable, reliable, and probably 500-650W.  I would love to hear recommendations for specific brands/models of  psus that fit these criteria, and have the right form factor for my case -- any of you out there use the P182?
 
thanks for reading this and making a recommendation for me.
 
Apr 20, 2013 at 9:01 PM Post #2 of 23
I've been pleased and impressed with Corsair's line. I've owned two of their AX series PSUs, but I don't know if you need to spend that much given your hardware. check out their CX line.

I used to recommend PC power & Cooling, but not since OCZ took over.

many PSUs on the market are rebranded Seasonics, so you might wanna check those out too.
 
Apr 20, 2013 at 9:14 PM Post #3 of 23
I would also put down seasonic X500 gold or the X550 fanless PSU. Just a side note, you don't seem to be running a dedicated graphics card, so the power output you are looking at is a little high (unless you want it for upgradeability). You can comfortably go down to 450W PSU which are mostly fanless designs if you really don't need the power
 
Apr 20, 2013 at 10:53 PM Post #4 of 23
Seasonic makes pretty good PSU's. (not a popular brand like others but it has been proven its performance)
 
Apr 20, 2013 at 11:18 PM Post #5 of 23
I can 2nd the Corsairs. I've used the Corsair TX PSUs in my computer, and then the CX in a few budget builds.

I've also used the Antec Earthwatts series.
 
Apr 21, 2013 at 9:56 AM Post #6 of 23
thanks for the replies so far.  looks like it will either be a corsair or a seasonic.  either 
 
 

[size=1.7em] SeaSonic SS-400FL2 Active PFC F3 400W 80 PLUS Platinum Fanless ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply    http://www.amazon.com/SeaSonic-SS-400FL2-Active-Platinum-Fanless/dp/B003ZWQXUQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3B2T93FBCORMG&coliid=I186S4BKLO9O6H[/size]

 
or 
 
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Enthusiast-CP-9020039-NA650W-Certified-Performance/dp/B005E98I0G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3B2T93FBCORMG&coliid=I3S36OXN4HQN9F
 
I am narrowing it down to amazon, prime membership yo!  and under $150.  I pronbaby do not need more than 400w, but have to go with series/models which fit the prime availabilty.
 
Apr 21, 2013 at 12:04 PM Post #7 of 23
Try this power supply calculator which can ballpark the minimum wattage you need. Then it can be beneficial to get one with more wattage as power supplies do have reduced power supply capacity as they age (see the capacitor aging option in the calculator).
 
Apr 21, 2013 at 12:44 PM Post #9 of 23
Sorry. First return on google for "power supply caculator": http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

As I understand it, many of the other ones offered by power supply vendors are based on it.
 
Apr 21, 2013 at 8:41 PM Post #12 of 23
Thanks for that really helpful calculator. Found out I only use 397w... off to buy a 1500w power supply OVERKILL FTW:veryevil: :D :veryevil: !!!


LOL

Then the 650 watt Corsair would be a better choice than the 400 watt Seasonic. That should give you plenty of power should you want to upgrade your video card or add other components. And those PSU calculators are just rough estimates anyway (not good to cut it very close).

If you don't care about modular cables, you can get the TX 650 watt for $89: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Enthusiast-Certified-Compatible-platforms/dp/B004LB5AZY/ (choose enthusiast series).
 
Apr 21, 2013 at 10:00 PM Post #13 of 23
Get a Seasonic. The better ones (>600W) run fanless until they reach a certain % of load (70% ?).
Also, Seasonic supply a lot of the other brands as well (Corsair etc).
 
Apr 21, 2013 at 10:06 PM Post #14 of 23
Quote:
Get a Seasonic. The better ones (>600W) run fanless until they reach a certain % of load (70% ?).
Also, Seasonic supply a lot of the other brands as well (Corsair etc).


That's right a lot of brands let seasonic manufacture their PSUs. Also yea whatever the calculator says buy something a little bit more powerful. How much more powerful is entirely dependent if you wish to have it in the long term for upgradeability
 
Apr 22, 2013 at 11:33 AM Post #15 of 23
Magic 8-Ball, aka psu calculator said I need 254 watts.  I'm guessing 400 or so is enough even for a modest upgrade.  Debating between the Seasonic fanless, a kingwin praised on silentpcreview, and the Seasonic TX model mentioned above.  I just want it to work reliably, and be quiet and stable.
 

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