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How do you tell a good PSU from a bad one (discounting wattage)???
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knightrider01 · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2003 10:07 pm *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

Check out the brand. If its a popular one, it might be a good choice for you. That's how I tell good things from bad.
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Mine GO BOOM · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2003 11:14 pm *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

The rail is what you really need to check. Wattage isn't a good method of figuring it out, because different things use different rails (the +12V, +5V lines). So you look at the amperage on each rail, and also match that up. Buying a very well known name brand unit (Antec/Enermax) is a great start, as you know you'll be getting one made with quality parts. Plus, the difference between a shitty power supply and a good one is only $20-30 or so, and well worth it, because unlike other computer parts, a bad power supply takes down other parts of the system with it.

To figure out a good wattage you'll need, try sites like this one. For more information, try

I'd personally recommend getting an Antec case with a power supply, as thats a very cheap way of getting a nice case and a kickass power supply.

Helicon · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2003 11:15 pm *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

thank you, now go home and choke

...just kidding

any really (grounded, founded) advice?

Mine GO BOOM · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2003 10:46 pm *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

Talk to people who've have power supplies break on them. Then talk to those who've used Enermax or Antec for the last 5 years. The first group will label a bunch of random companies. The second group will give you VERY rarely any complaints.

I'm currently using a Sonata with stock cooling and stock power supply (which is kickass anyways). Got a DVD, CD-RW, 2x Floppies (hey, had some laying around), 4x HDs constantly being used (go bit torrent sharing!). The thing is only peaking at 60-70% under full load.

I previously had the same above, just a 1.4ghz compared to 2.2ghz Athlons, with a larger power supply but I'm guessing I was running it at above suggested operation conditions (the shitty power supplies won't give you info about themselves while they are running). I knew I was at/above the max limit, but I was trying to squeeze out another month on the machine before I was going to upgrade (ironicly, to exactly what I ended up getting as a replacement to what burned out anyways).

I like to think of it this way. If your CPU/HD/RAM/video card dies, you'll only use those parts. If a power surge comes and takes out your NIC/Power supply, it kills other parts too, but that happens with anything. If a power supply is running too high constantly, when it dies, it WILL take out other parts with it. The better power supplies have more amperage per rail, which means even though they produce the same wattage, they can handle more.

Too lazy to find links to sites explaining this information, but I'm also speaking from experience. I've never had anything die on me before, except this power supply I knew I was running above peak conditions.

Shanky · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 1:34 am *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

Get an Antec power supply and you will thank yourself in the future.

Last year I had some generic power supply blow and take out my harddrive with all my movies, music, and tv shows on it. I was pissed. Just a month ago, MGB had his blow up and take out his motherboard. He was upset, but got a newer, faster motherboard/CPU out of it.

A 350w Antec is ten times better than a 550w generic. The 350 will have better power overall not just a high peak output. The amps going to the different volt ranges will be higher allowing more 'things' to be powered. The amps are generally what is important. Enermax supplys will have higher amps than Antec. Both are excellent. The 12v and 5v lines are most important.
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Helicon · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 10:13 pm *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

many thanks to the both of you

i'm still pissed, as i think i ordered one psu and mwave gave me another(they changed their "generic power supply" from what i had asked earlier)
in any case, it looks like i'm going to have to try to get them to cover my board and cpu on warranty (no word yet, the machine itself is in the shop)

i didn't do anything apart from what the manuals for my hardware instructed me to, so i'm pretty sure my warranties are all still intact, if i need them.
My only concern is that i didn't buy direct but from a reseller. i will be pissed if they don't honor the warranties....

[anyone ever mess with mwave warranty and/or std ASUS or AMD warranty procedures???

Mine GO BOOM · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 10:58 pm *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

In future, by from newegg and never worry about fucking shit up. They'll take it back real nice and easy within a year of you buying your stuff usually. Just as long as it doesn't look like you smack it with a hammer, they are great at RMA.

Helicon · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 10:10 am *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

i decided not to go with newwegg (they were underbid).
I have heard good things, though.

I just hope that this can get sorted out without costing me another machine ( i can't afford it).
I'm going to have to try to exchange these things. if they are in fact fried.

Helicon · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 10:17 am *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/helptarget.hmx?UID=&CID=&Back=%20#bbone

Cyan~Fire · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 11:19 am *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

Helicon · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2004 5:13 pm *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

i'll check, though i don't think my cpu fritzed...

this is the first time i've been able to afford to build my own machine (and not inherit one). chalk it up to lack of experience...

Helicon · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2004 6:12 pm *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

i finally got it in black and white:

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/barespec.hmx?UID=&CID=&Back=+

Helicon · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 11:42 am *Post maybe stupid* Post subject:

i currently have a supercase pc-132 (http://www.dealsonic.com/dealsonic/appcatxmidto.html)

i think i am going to try to pull the psu out of it and replace it (if that is possible).
The repair guy wants me to get a whole new case, and i'm very skeptical...