Improve a power supply?

[lmartinefc]

I recently finished a mini ITX build. Everything had to be housed within a low profile case. The maximum PSU for this case / space is 160w.

I do not want to use a pico PSU or an external brick.

I am running this PSU pretty close to the margins (I think). The setup is as follows :

Proc : Intel Celeron G530 65w
Mobo : Asus P8H67i Deluxe
GPU : MSI Twin Froze GT440 1Gb
RAM : 8gb SODIMM Corsair Vengeance
HDD : OCX 120gb Vertex SSD

I assume the celeron runs less than it's 65w TDP as it is not making use of the onboard graphics. The GPU is likely pulling less than manufacturer spec as real world benchmarks show reasonable power draw. Everything is still running close to limit - even if it was an 80+ PSU.

I plan on buying another PSU as a spare (in case this one pops) but wondered if I could open it and upgrade individual components within it to increase durability...or even performance?

http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/65399_INWIN_POWERMAN_160W_PSU_ITX_FOR_BM.aspx

I was thinking new long life caps, change for a long life increased flow fan (noise is not my concern). What else can be changed?

 

[C12Friedman]

If you are confident enough in your abilities to replace caps, you might look this article over and see if there are other parts you feel are within your skills to upgrade also http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Anatomy-of-Switching-Power-Supplies/327
Good luck, be very careful

 

[lmartinefc]

Awesome - thanks for the quick reply. Too often a question is answered with a question...

"Why don't you just buy a better one - here's a newegg link" ::facepalm::

Will give this a read, completely forgot about these guys. Luckily I have a PSU tester to hand so can verify the before / after without risking my PC.

 

[C12Friedman]

A few more for you
This article seems also to be very informative although a little on the 'agressive' side for my needs http://www.qrp4u.de/docs/en/powersupply/index.htm and this one I find just to be good http://www.qrp4u.de/docs/en/smps_new/index.htm

...Too often a question is answered with a question...
"Why don't you just buy a better one - here's a newegg link" ...

Lol, I almost did but I happen to like Powerman PSU's (The very first highly rated PSU I owned)