Computer Power Supplies - A Guide

[kirkp]

I don't know that there are any hard and fast rules .....

So, I would say this question is very build-specific and will come down to a judgement call sometimes.

Thanks for the reply. I have mounted my Antec HcG 520 upside down on the PSU ledge so there is about a 1/2 inch space for airflow along the bottom of the case ( Antec 300). It appears to be working fine.

 

[Proximon]

If you have an infrared thermometer you can also monitor the temps at the rear grille of the PSU. I would expect something like +10C over ambient as normal.

 

[kirkp]

If you have an infrared thermometer you can also monitor the temps at the rear grille of the PSU. I would expect something like +10C over ambient as normal.

Its winter here at present and only cold air out the top at present, so apparently plenty of scope to push it further.

 

[amuffin]

I'm going to start a post on a list of power supply brands you should stay away from and why. Anyone object? I'll need a bunch of help from people like: delluser1, proximon, rolli, hunter, etc. to help with the reasons why you should stay away from each brand, and possibly specific models!?

 

[Proximon]

You wanting to make such a list is a good thing, but any list of brands is a problem. It comes down to Raidmax and Apevia... but even there I can't promise that they haven't sold some OK units.

See, even Raidmax got a pass from [H] on a 100W unit made by Andyson:
http://hardocp.com/article/2011/02/23/raidmax_rx1000ae_1000w_power_supply_review/

Huntkey is one of the most notorious OEMs ever, with many PSU failures to their credit. Yet they have made and sell a couple good ones also:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Huntkey-Jumper-300G-Planet3dnowde-Edition-Power-Supply-Review/1362

So, there is no such thing as a brand you should stay away from. There MAY be one or two OEMs to stay away from... but probably you have never heard of them anyway.

 

[amuffin]

Well how about specific psu models?? Or OEM that make bad psu?

 

[Proximon]

Certainly there are bad PSU models. Even a few bad OEM models that get sold as various brands.

There are many OEMs that make a lot of bad PSUs... Huntkey for instance.

Perhaps this Shen Zen company that makes some Ultras is a candidate
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page2713.htm

We do often steer people away from certain brands. We do this for many reasons.
Apevia and Raidmax may sell a few good PSUs along with all their junk, but why encourage them?
Cooler Master and Thermaltake may have several good PSUs for sale, but you have to be so careful with model numbers that I have to believe they do this DELIBERATELY so that they can foist off the junk on less educated consumers.

We were saying bad things about various brands until a few years ago... Kingwin, Rosewill, Sparkle, HEC... You know what turned all of these brands around? The 80plus program. It's way harder to find a really bad PSU these days.

 

[4Ryan6]

Nice work Bob, and something definitely needed! Ry

 

[Proximon]

Yes, and they don't need to re-test it if it's the same model as one that has passed I think, which allows easier cheating.

You can't rely on 80+ as a statement of quality, but it's been good for PSUs in general.


I have been thinking about compiling a list of symptoms verified to have been caused by a faulty or poor PSU.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

The past two weeks have been fairly quiet. There were a couple of in depth reviews of psu's that were already on the power supply recommendations list:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-recommendations.html

Anandtech did a roundup style review of some cheap low budget psu's. One of them, the Sinan Power VP-430, definitely qualified for the psu lemon list:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-lemon-list.html

 

[amuffin]

Nice website^^

Seasonic X750 review:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Seasonic-X-Series-750-W-Power-Supply-Review/1591

 

[JohnnyLucky]

amuffin - Thanks. Already posted the X750 to the recommended list. I normally post links to serious reviews within 24 to 48 hours of publication online.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

The Lemon List has been updated:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-lemon-list.html

The size of the lemon list has almost tripled because the list now includes lemons that were reviewed from 2005 to the present. PSU's that are no longer in production are also included since it is possible that some of the lemons might still be available.

The list of recommended psu's has also been updated:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-recommendations.html

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Hiya Gang!

The psu recommendation list is up to date as of a few minutes ago:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-recommendations.html

This month saw the addition of another XFX psu. As usual it was manufactured by Seasonic for XFX. In addtion, two new Xigmatek psu's were added based on reviews by jonnyGURU and Hardware Secrets. I also added links to several new reviews of psu's that were already on the recommended list.

The PSU Lemon List was also updated:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-lemon-list.html

Anandtech did a round-up style review of 11 cheap psu's. When they're really cheap you can bet there will be lemons.

I'd like an opinion about Overclockers which is another site that does psu reviews. It looks like Overclockers is another site that has the proper equipment and people to perform rigorous psu testing and component analysis. If so, then I'll include then in my list of appropriate review sites. Here are some examples of their psu reviews:

http://www.overclockers.com/nzxt-hale82-series-750-power-supply-review/

http://www.overclockers.com/thermaltake-smart-series-430w-review

 

[Proximon]

I like them. The reviews are well written and the best possible given the equipment. Obviously we can't give the reviews the same weight as we would the better equipped sites, but they do quite well in a pinch.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

That's what I thought too. I'll add them to the list review sites.

BTW - Some of the recommendations are based on just one technical review. I would feel a lot more comfortable if there were several reviews for each recommended psu.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Corsair must have released the new HX Series, Model 75-001219, 850 watt Gold certified power supply. There were numerous technical reviews published yesterday. Four of the reviews were published by sites that do competent reviews. I listed the psu in the recommended list and posted the links to the reviews yesterday:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-recommendations.html

 

[Proximon]

Interesting. I'm surprised they stayed with CWT, but I'm guessing the price will drop soon and make it a good buy.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Channel Well Technology has the capability to manufacture high quality power supplies. A lot probably depends what a client wants. One brand might have them build a high quality top of the line psu while another company may want to keep costs down and specify an average psu.

 

[Proximon]

Yes, and Corsair has had a long relationship with them.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Yesterday jonnyGURU published a technical review of the Hercules 500 watt power supply. jonnyGURU rates power supplies on a scalle of 1 to 10. The Hercules 500 managed to score just 0.4. It is the worst power supply ever reviewed.

Here is the link to the review:

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=324

I just added the Hercules 500 as well as 5 additional power supplies to the PSU Lemon List:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-lemon-list.html

 

[Proximon]

I read that one yesterday as well

 

[toyftw]

Both good points. I have planned:

A list of criteria (cable length would be one)
A discussion about ATX specs as they relate to PSUs
Bad PSUs section
Maybe some mention of accessories? Like extenders?

GR8!

 

[toyftw]

I'm going to start a post on a list of power supply brands you should stay away from and why. Anyone object? I'll need a bunch of help from people like: delluser1, proximon, rolli, hunter, etc. to help with the reasons why you should stay away from each brand, and possibly specific models!?

No objection at all - Start with JohnnyLucky's PSU Lemon list and add to it those you (we)
also know to be bad.

 

[toyftw]

Hiya Gang!

The psu recommendation list is up to date as of a few minutes ago:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-recommendations.html

This month saw the addition of another XFX psu. As usual it was manufactured by Seasonic for XFX. In addtion, two new Xigmatek psu's were added based on reviews by jonnyGURU and Hardware Secrets. I also added links to several new reviews of psu's that were already on the recommended list.

The PSU Lemon List was also updated:

http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-lemon-list.html

Anandtech did a round-up style review of 11 cheap psu's. When they're really cheap you can bet there will be lemons.

I'd like an opinion about Overclockers which is another site that does psu reviews. It looks like Overclockers is another site that has the proper equipment and people to perform rigorous psu testing and component analysis. If so, then I'll include then in my list of appropriate review sites. Here are some examples of their psu reviews:

http://www.overclockers.com/nzxt-hale82-series-750-power-supply-review/

http://www.overclockers.com/thermaltake-smart-series-430w-review

Gr8! I use both your lists always when in the forum.