What is a good PSU?

[SuperPcow]

So I need a 500W PSU and my budget max is $50. What would I really be looking for in a good PSU? What makes a good PSU good? What specific PSU should I get?

 

[Entomber]

As a consumer you should look at the reviews of PSUs done by experts, as well as the (actual) manufacturer of the PSU to determine its quality.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html
this link is something I refer to often

 

[jimthenagual]

I'd take a look at XFX. Their PSUs are made by Seasonic, one of the best in the industry. The TS550W is $2 above your budget right now.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-xfxts550w

Also, take a look at the link below. It's all the info you need to help choose a good PSU.

 

[gamenflix]

Hello SuperPcow,

Generally when you are looking for a power supply you want one that will be able to deliver enough power to your components. Aswell as one the has a "80 Plus" rating. It's important to not be "cheap" when selecting a power supply as it is one of the most crucial components. A bad power supply could potentially ruin your computer. Also depending on your needs you may find modular power supplies as a useful feature.

Based on your specified wattage and budget I would suggest the following power supplies:


EVGA 500W 80PLUS Certified
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-80PLUS-Certified-ATX12V-100-W1-0500-KR/dp/B00H33SFJU

 

[synphul]

That's a fairly limited budget but this would probably be your best bet for a quality psu in that range.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12ii620bronze

$55, it's a seasonic which tend to make better psu's. Ranks as a tier 2a (solid quality) and that's a good price for a decent psu. Modular vs non modular is more of a preference for cable management. Good psu's are ones that use quality components like quality capacitors, stable voltage regulation etc.

This article may provide you with some additional info.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-oem-manufacturer,2913.html

In the end, a better quality vs a lesser quality power supply will deliver more usable power, cleaner power (stable, less ripple which can add stress to components), can deliver the power it promises under load (cheaper psu's tend to crap out early and can't handle the full loads they claim to) etc.

 

[brispuss]

The PSU "tier" list here is not entirely accurate as it is somewhat subjective. Therefore, it is recommended that reference to good reviews of PSU's be made that do a thorough job by testing PSU's with varying loads and that do a close examination of the internal components of PSU's.

A good PSU is considered to be when it -

uses high quality components at high ratings
is assembled properly
is an efficient design
performs well with stable and clean voltage outputs

Some 500W (or greater) quality PSU's to be considered (and only those that have detailed reviews/information available) -

XFX Pro 550
SeaSonic M12II 620
SeaSonic S12II 520
Rosewill Capstone 550
Antec HCG-520M
SeaSonic M12II 520
SeaSonic S12II 620
Antec HCG-520
SeaSonic S12G-550
XFX XTR 550
Antec HCG-620M