Is 500W PSU sufficient? All opinions welcome! Replacing faulty Antec

ne_cede_malis · 19 Mar 2011 at 14:59

My system:

Intel i5-2500 @ 3.30Ghz (not interesting in overclocking, sorry!

)
Asus H57 Evo motherboard
4GB Corsair Ram
1GB ATI HD5770
1x SSD
2x HDD
Antec True Power 650W
SG-04 SFF Case

The problem:

Basically I built this computer myself about 2 weeks ago, and the Antec Power Supply has started to make this REALLY ANNOYING hi-pitched buzzing noise. It either happens as soon as I turn the computer on, or it will happen after the computer has been on for a while. It lasts for several minutes and it's so loud you can't really use the computer while it lasts.

Also, even when the power is connected, but the computer turned off, the Power Supply still makes a slight buzz, more than I would expect.

So I think I am going to return the Power Supply.

Replacement:

I am considering exchanging it for this PSU:

http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_spec.php?pno=ST50F-P&area=usa

Would this still power the above system ok, even though it is 150W less than the Antec?

Is this a good PSU or should I stop trying to save money and go with something more expensive, like Corsair or Seasonic? I need something fairly small and modular, because my case is so small!!!

Should I just swap it for another Antec, and hope it works better than the last one? I have read some bad stories about Antec products.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

*Jen

cmndr_andi · 19 Mar 2011 at 15:07

Hi there, Welcome to the forums

Yes, the 500W Silverstone should be absolutely fine powering an i5 2500 system with a 5770 graphics card.

Is this PSU one you already have, one you have been offered by a company as a free replacement for the Antec or something you are planning to buy yourself(possibly as a stopgap)? Also, if you are planning to use your own money - how much will this cost you (perhaps we can find a better alternative for the same money)?

As for overclocking, since you have a H67 board then you can't overclock, unfortunately.

ne_cede_malis · 19 Mar 2011 at 15:14

Hi thanks for the quick reply!

Basically I haven't contacted the company who sold it to me yet, but one of the reasons I bought this Power Supply is that it had a 5 Year RTB Warranty. So, given the problems I have had, I think I will be entitled to a replacement, because it is unacceptable.

I could just do a straight swap but I have found a lot of threads where people have reported these Antec buzzing noises, and I wondered if it is a common fault.

I suppose I could also just get a refund, and look for a different PSU elsewhere.

I'm in the UK so in pounds I am not wanting to go much above £70. I just want something that is reliable, and modular, because you have no idea how many cables are in my computer!!! :mad:

ne_cede_malis · 19 Mar 2011 at 15:17

Oh sorry the 500W PSU I mentioned, I don't already have. I was just thinking about getting that one, because the company I bought the other PSU from, also stock that one.

Pighardia · 19 Mar 2011 at 15:18

ne_cede_malis said:
I could just do a straight swap but I have found a lot of threads where people have reported these Antec buzzing noises, and I wondered if it is a common fault.

I have one, and have had no problems at all. Probably just got a bad one. Luck of the draw.

cmndr_andi · 19 Mar 2011 at 15:23

That makes sense.

I would certainly contact the retailer you bought it from immediately and tell them your problem. Since they will be responsible for backing up the warranty for the 1st year - you shouldn't need to contact Antec, and they will hopefully arrange a replacement.

The first thing I would say is that even though some report issues on the forums, this doesn't mean its a particularly common problem for this unit - since LOADS are sold, as it is a very highly praised PSU (review here). Hence, I wouldn't let these posts put you off accepting a new replacement of the same model, issues like the one you describe can happen with all power supplies.

If you are offered the option to get a similar PSU of the same price range by the company and you don't want to go for the Antec 650W, then this XFX is a very similar unit which also rather nice.

ne_cede_malis · 19 Mar 2011 at 15:31

cmndr_andi said:
The first thing I would say is that even though some report issues on the forums, this doesn't mean its a particularly common problem for this unit - since LOADS are sold, as it is a very highly praised PSU (review here). Hence, I wouldn't let these posts put you off accepting a new replacement of the same model, issues like the one you describe can happen with all power supplies.

Hi, thanks for taking the time to respond again. I may have overreacted slightly then.

I suppose if I got a replacement, and the same thing happened again, then at that point I could think about getting a different make of Power Supply.

Pighardia said:
I have one, and have had no problems at all.

Oh that's good to know!

One thing I noticed about this Power Supply is, it says it is 'modular' on websites, but people should be told that there are still a lot of cables connected to it, with a handful of modular options. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't fully modular.

Thanks again for all your help.

Pighardia · 19 Mar 2011 at 15:34

it might be slightly misleading, but all of the cables connected are needed. Your pc won't run without them, so there really is no point in it being completely modular!!