is this a good enough PSU

jonny512379

jonny512379

jonny512379

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Stoke on Trent
My current, no brand PSU has started to make a few "sparking" noises. still working, but i don't hold out much hope for its long term recovery!

i was looking at this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-045-OK&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=
Is it an OK buy, or would others suggest different.
Or would this be OK and save a few £'s http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-230-CM&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

The first is more money than i would really like to spend (as any old PSU used to do me), but i like the power rating and know the importance of a good PSU these days (i like the big numbers too ;) ).
I would like a little future proofing in it, as my current "office" pc is starting to get a little quirky so a few upgrades are coming up soon.
When i do upgrade it will probably be to a "last years model" components to save on costs a little and i will include a half OK GPU, If dual CPU boards are cheep enough i may go down this line (although rarely used to full potential, i just like to have it there if i need it).

Thanks in advance.
Jonny
 
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Nooo, don't skimp on the PSU man, never a good idea. The first is a NO, in fact, a NEVER lol

Second one is better but there are definitely still better out there!

The Antec High Current Gamer 620w is probably overkill but it is a top quality PSU that will definitely last you a long time.

If you want to save money however, then one of these depending on your set-up

Corsair Builder Series CX 430W

BeQuiet Pure Power L7 530W

These would be minimum depending on your system. Don't buy an 'own brand' PSU either.

What is your current system specs.
 
Thanks Guys.

I think my current system spec will be irrelevant as any a £10 PSU would probably do for 99% of the time.
I am more interested in buying a future proof PSU, without knowing exactly what spec i will upgrade too. So maybe i am looking for a general all round PSU not lacking in power.

Main use of PC is general use, web development software, Photoshop, emails, office products, very small amount of gaming until i get bored (which is not very long).
I do like to have lots of windows/programs/browser tabs open, especially when working and i HATE slow Pc's / having to wait for programs to respond. (not enough RAM is my pet hate especially in poor pre-built PC's from supposed reputable high street sellers!!)
Years ago i had a lovely dual P3 CPU system (in its day), this easily out performed most P4's and some dual cores when they came out, i had this PC a good few years!
If prices are good enough i may try this vast over kill style system again (but with better CPU's of course).

Current spec of "office" pc is:
AMD x2 4200+ (stock cooler)
ASrock AliveNF6**
6GB Ram
Asus 4850 (rarely used, but will probably upgrade this too)
a few SATA HDD's
a few DVD RW's
a few USB devices
a few 120mm fans

I like sk82jack idea of the overkill Antec PSU as hopefully this will be good for a few upgrades. Out of interest would this have the power for 2 CPU's and a half OK last years good GPU?
 
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sk82jack said:
Nooo, don't skimp on the PSU man, never a good idea. The first is a NO, in fact, a NEVER lol

Second one is better but there are definitely still better out there!

The Antec High Current Gamer 620w is probably overkill but it is a top quality PSU that will definitely last you a long time.

If you want to save money however, then one of these depending on your set-up

Corsair Builder Series CX 430W

BeQuiet Pure Power L7 530W

These would be minimum depending on your system. Don't buy an 'own brand' PSU either.

What is your current system specs.
Click to expand...

The CX430 & HCG-620 is fine, but the Bequiet is crap.
 
Surveyor said:
You've taken a quote from the 300W review :confused:

The 530W was rated as very good and that is the one OcUK sell.
Click to expand...

That's a crap review aswell. No voltage regulation, ripple/noise supression, or transient standby load tests... and no build quality analysis.

How do you know the 530w is very good?

Edit: There has not been a proper load testing review on this unit, but it's built by FSP (and out of all of FSPs designs, about 2-5% of them qualify as very good). The +12v capacity is only 420w, which is low for a 530w unit.
 
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Surveyor said:
You should read and follow the thread.

It wasn't my personal opinion.

It was the review which rated the 530W as very good.
Click to expand...

And you should read and follow my reply. The review was crap/incorrect for my reasons stated. They have no ATE/Oscilloscope for testing... you cannot accurately review any Power supply without the proper equipment.
 
Thanks for your replies, i think as it seems to be the most recommended Antec High Current Gamer 620w is will be!

Just out of curiosity why are the OCuk products/PSU's so strongly recommended against (and with no defense from OCuk)?
I assume these are OEM products scoured by OCuk and would expect them to be up to the high standard people expect/know from OCuk?
 
I have no idea. Everyone here would tell you not to overlook PSUs and recommend a reputable unit. These have no specs, no known manufacturer, no specified power protection (OCP OVP...), no professional reviews. So basically you take a gamble on some OEM. Gambling on a PSU is never a good idea :) If a PSU goes bang, and especially a bad one, it can take a whole lot of other things with it. Plus doubt about the accuracy of the specified wattage, without the actual specifications. You could have a 650W PSU with 220W max on 12V, and that would be more useful as a door stopper.

The Antec 620W on offer is a no brainer. Seasonic build, 576W on 12V (not the absolute best but still very high), >80% efficiency on load and full load, good reviews, good voltage regulation ect..., and all that for £50. I bought one as a back up for my HX620 which has almost the same specs and cost me £120 back then. This puppy will power any single card rig with ease.
 
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The antec 620 is excelent for the price. I wasnt happy with my OCZ 700w modular, so popped the antec in instead. Best decision I've made in ages.
 
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