Budget PSU

Danger Phoenix · 29 Nov 2007 at 03:07

A friend of mine is looking to buy a really cheap 450W PSU (will go slightly lower as it is only for a basic system), but he doesn't want to go for the generic makes.

Is there anything you OcUKers would recommend?

sunama · 29 Nov 2007 at 03:17

Whats the reason for the 450W rating? 450W will be overkill if its for a basic system, unless of course he is running an SLI system and an Intel Prescott.

Whats his budget or is it as cheap as possible?

He could get the Antec 350W PSU, £25
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-088-AN&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

or if he genuinely needs the power (which I'm doubting at this present time):
Antec 500W PSU, £39
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-089-AN&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

steve258 · 29 Nov 2007 at 03:19

OCUK huntkey ones should be quite solid too for the price, according to the spec on the net.

Danger Phoenix · 29 Nov 2007 at 03:26

I think the 450W sounded good, but after using an online tool to calculate the wattage required it came to about 300W.

Budget is as cheap as possible, but he doesn't want it blowing up one day (obviously)

Any idea how many molex connectors the Antec Basic has?

NoobieOCer · 29 Nov 2007 at 08:44

Danger Phoenix said:
I think the 450W sounded good, but after using an online tool to calculate the wattage required it came to about 300W.

Budget is as cheap as possible, but he doesn't want it blowing up one day (obviously)

Any idea how many molex connectors the Antec Basic has?

what tool?

sunama · 4 Dec 2007 at 15:28

NoobieOCer said:
what tool?

You can get power estimating programs on the net. I think Antec have one on their PSU website. These show you the sort of PSU you should be buying. Its shocking to see just how low the estimates are compared to the recomendations that are advised on forums.

DeadMan · 4 Dec 2007 at 15:32

Just buy a good 350w PSU, "Buy cheap, Buy Twice!"

Dharok · 4 Dec 2007 at 16:12

I'd go for that Antec 500w, cheap and yet it is still branded - can't do much wrong there, from what I've seen from the Antec PSU's they aren't bad at all!

sunama · 4 Dec 2007 at 16:22

When I bought my Antec 550W psu (about 2.5yrs back), it was regarded as the best that money could buy. It cost me about £110 I think it was. Antec are still regarded as very good PSU makers. I think the likes of Corsair have overtaken though.