Replacing Power Supply

[madad2005]

Hi,

I am going to replace my power supply. The current one is too noisy (2 80mm fans that cause a racket when playing games) and has a weak 12V rail (around 17A). My current system specs are in my sig. The only future changes to these will probably be a move to AMD (single or dual core). In a year's time I might upgrade the graphics card. I also like to partake in mild overclocking.

These are the power supplies that I am thinking of. The most important factors for me are 1) strong 12V rails, 2) high efficiency, 3) Low noise (120mm fans only), and 4) cannot cost more than say £50-70. A PCI-E connector would be necessary as well. I also like the modular idea but I am open to all suggestions.

Enermax Liberty 400W

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194002

Hiper 580W Modular

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=228615

Tagan TG480-01 480W

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=82572

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[rond36]

I would get the Enermax Liberty 500W (http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=284213)


It fits all of the criteria:

2 +12V rails @ 22A each

80% Efficiency

Has 1 120mm fan and its speed is temperature controlled for low noise

Has 2 PCI-E connectors

It is modular

It is a little over the price range at £70.25 Inc VAT but I think it would be worth the extra money.

The Enermax Liberty 400W would be good for now but I feel it would be a little weak for a duel-core and maybe SLI system if you decide to go that route in the future.

For more info go to the Enermax web site. (http://www.enermaxusa.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_45&products_id=83)

BTW; The PSU in my signature was purchased to replace a Thermaltake 480W PSU just like yours that quit working.

[madad2005]

Cheers, rond.

That's the one I was wanting in the first place, but i felt the price tag was a bit hefty. I guess I can save some more pennies and go for it. I'll be interested to see if I can eek out any more performance from my cpu/gfx card with the stronger 12v rails on it.

Have you ever changed the fan installed on a PSU before?

[madad2005]

Well, I finally went for the Enermax Liberty 500W. Scan had knocked £6 off it for today so I just jumped at it and picked up a snazzy fan controller whilst I was at it. A black bezel replacement for my beige dvd-rw drive (which looks sheat in a black case) and an exhaust fan to help with case cooling. I just hope it isn't too noisy. Well, that is my morning's worth - back to work!

[rond36]

Have you ever changed the fan installed on a PSU before? It is not a good idea messing around inside a PSU. There are capacitors in them that hold a lethal amount of electricity even though it is turned off and unplugged. The same goes for CRT monitors.

If you feel compelled to open up a PSU or CRT monitor make sure that it has been unplugged from the main power source for several hours, or more like a day or two to let the stored power dissipate.

[madad2005]

Well, got it installed and there won't be any need to open the PSU - it is extremely quiet. It can't even be heard over my normal case fans when under heavy load. Fantastic purchase. Not the biggest fan of there cable design with 2 molex and 2 sata power connections on each. I'm going to have to have a rethink on cable routing. I'm uber happy with the akasa fan controller too. Magic stuff.

[rond36]

Not the biggest fan of there cable design with 2 molex and 2 sata power connections on each.


Enermax calls those Eternity Connectors:
"Unique 4-pin Molex + SATA connectors in pairs give you free choice on using either PATA or SATA devices".

My Enermax PSU doesn't have them :D