Enermax 300w PSU!

[Deagle]

Hmm let me start off by saying that I intend to buy this PSU for my new case since it doesn't come with its own PSU. All right, I know that most people here and I too knows that a 350w is recommended nowadays. But since I'm on a budget, I'm trying to find the best deal so that I can save $.:p
I've found this 300w Enermax PSU and before you say that's not enough, please look at the rating of this PSU. Here's (http://secure.newegg.com/app/specification.asp?item=17-103-423) the link for it, and compare it to this (http://secure.newegg.com/app/specification.asp?item=17-103-912) Antec 400w specifications.
Now I was correct in assuming that this 300w Enermax is better than some generic 400w?
Thanx to anyone that reply.:)

[BigBlue66]

The Enermax may be better than some generic 400watt one, but it's not better than the 400 watt Antec that you linked to. Look at the combined wattage for the 3.3 and 5 volt lines combined. You will want at least 200 watts combined, if not a little more, if you get the GF4 Ti 4200. They suck quite a bit of juice. I would get the Antec 400 watter.

Or, consider an Antec TruePower series. With those, you don't have to worry about combined wattage, 'cause the TP series have independent dedicated circuits for the voltage rails. A True330 would probably suffice for your system.

[Deagle]

Hmm interesting, can you please explain more about this 3.3 and 5 combine output. Why is that important? Also what does it mean if when you said the Antec TP have independent circuits for voltage rails?
Sorry, I just wanted to learn more. THANX:p

Edit: hmm even though its not listed, the reviews on the web state that the combine output of the TP330w is 310w:eek: WOW:D

[BigBlue66]

Combined wattage is important because as one voltage rail suffers a big draw, the other voltage rail it shares with takes a hit. That can lead to instability or even crashes.

With the TruePower series, you don't have to worry about that. Each voltage rail is separate from the other rails, so a big hit on one rail won't bring down the wattage on another rail.

I highly recommend TruePower power supplies. That's all I ever use because I don't want to worry about two voltage rails sharing and all that.

[Deagle]

Would a 400w Antec be better than that TP330w? Since CompUSA is having a rebates sale on the Antec Performance II series. I'm thinking that I should get that instead of a cheap generic case and the TP330w.
So what do you think Bigblue?
Thanx:)

[Budfred]

I checked out that ad in CompUSA and that case looks pretty nice. It didn't say what the power supply was, but hopefully it is at least an Antec SmartPower since the case is Antec. I would check that before buying, but I definitely think that is a better deal than you were looking at before if the PS is okay....

The RAM also looked like a good deal, but Circuit City is still the best deal this week too...

[BigBlue66]

Originally posted by Deagle
Would a 400w Antec be better than that TP330w?

If the 400watt is a non-True Power, then no, it would not be better than a True330. Here again, you would need to worry about the combined wattage on the 3.3v and 5v rails with the 400watter.

You can run a surprisingly large number of components plus modding items like cold cathodes, LED fans, fan controllers, etc. on that True330.

[Deagle]

Well I punch in that Antec model series at newegg and it does seems to come with the 400w SmartPower. Now I'm 99% sure that it does, but I will check before I buy.;) Hmmm so a 330wTP is still better than that 400wSP?:eek:
Well thanx, I will go with that Antec since its an Antec case:D (Good quality)
THanx for the responses:p

[Budfred]

Here are the specs on that Smartpower (http://www.antec-inc.com/specs/sl400_spe.html) and here are the specs on the TruePower. (http://www.antec-inc.com/specs/true330_spe.html) They both look pretty good to me....

[Deagle]

Yay...I got it;) But after waiting for about 15mins so they can get a tech guy to know what I'm looking for and where to find it since the cashier don't know what I'm talking about:rolleyes:.
Yup, the specs looks good to me. 400w SP, 10bays, 4 80mm fan slots, can support mobo up to 12"x13". :p (Plus its Antec)
Thanx guys for your opinions:D

Edit: does this case size really equal to a server case? (20.6" x 8.1" x 18.6") Oh and I read the reviews at newegg, people are saying that the front panel only supports USB1.1. So should I contect Antec and ask them for a replacement(USB2.0)? Do I need to pay for it?(and shipping too)

[Budfred]

I am probably wrong about this, but I have been assuming that the USB 2 is dependent on the motherboard, not the ports. I'll look around a little and see what I can find out about that....

Here (http://www.everythingusb.com/usb2/faq.htm) is a link that gives a lot of info about USB ports, but it doesn't specifically say either way if the actual port matters. It does say that both standards should be able to use the same cables...

[Deagle]

Hmm well I read that the front USB is 1.1 and if I use a mobo that supports 2.0 then I'm going to have some voltage issue:confused:
Thanx:p

[Budfred]

Where did you read that? It is a question I have wondered about for a while and would like to see more info on it...

Also, was the case advertised as having USB2 ports in front? If it was, I would certainly be talking with CompUSA if you can't use USB2 there.... The ad in the paper doesn't say much at all.

[Deagle]

Umm..that's the problem, it just said 2 front USB ports and 1 IEEE1394 firewire port. I have email Antec and asked them about this, I will post back their response when I received it. Oh and I read that infos from the newegg user's feedbacks about that Antec case.

Thanx:p

[Deagle]

I've just received and email from Antec tech support.

"Dear HH,

Unfortunately the USB ports only support USB 1.1 but if you e-mail us your shipping address we will be more then glad to send you replacement USB 2.0 ports for your 1040II case.

Thank you for contacting Antec
Tech Support"

So should I send them my shipping add?
Thanx;)

[Budfred]

If your board supports it, I sure would....:)

[Deagle]

Yup, I've sent them an email containing my shipping add and this is the replied.

"Consider it sent.

Thank you for contacting Antec
Tech Support"

Hmm that's pretty nice of them since I don't have to pay for shipping or anything.:p

PEACE:)

[drewbob]

Props to Antec =)

[BigBlue66]

Oh well crap, Deagle, I missed the fact that you were looking at a Smart Power 400watter. Yep, them are good, too. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

I see now that CompUSA is selling a Precision Power supply under their brand name. Anybody use one of these?

[Deagle]

Hmm it has arrived, postmarked august 13.:) Only thing is I don't know how to install it. Need some help or should I email Antec and ask them?:confused:
PEACE:p

[Budfred]

I would do a close visual inspection of the one that is in there now and see if it can be figured out that way. If not, then I would email Antec...

[Deagle]

Ok, I did it as you've told me Bud and umm it went well. I actually learn how to take out the front air filters so that I can clean it in the future.;) But umm when I look at the old USB1.1 and the new one that they send me, it looks the same to me...:confused:
Thanx:p

[Budfred]

Yeah, that is why I am surprised that there is a difference. I installed a USB 2 PCI card in my P4 and the connectors seem exactly the same as the USB 1 ports. I am guessing there must be something internal to the connector that is different or Antec wouldn't have bothered sending you the replacement...