PC Power Supply Torture Test

***Corey*** · 01-01-2005, 07:38 AM

One of my favorite PC mags is Maximum PC.
In the January issue for 2005 is an article on them torture testing 7 power supplies to see which to get, and which to avoid.

Quote:

Seven big-rig power supplies go through a gauntlet of non-UN approved “interrogations.” We sweat them, deprive them of stable power, and stress them to their limits. Wait until you see which manufacturer’s PSU comes out on top.

I read this with great interest as this year I will be getting a new tower case to transfer my current setup over to it.

The new case does not come with a power supply, and I have been scouring the 'Net for reviews.
One site that has lots of videos and a very sexy wife who shoots them (Corey, thou shall not covet they fellow gamers wife) runs the X-Connect 500W ATX power supply which Maximum PC gave a very bad rating to.

Here is the one to avoid.
X-Connect 500W ATX PS

Very cool looking is it not?
Member Drew bought this same power supply for his new gaming rig he put together.
It would not fit his nice case correctly (I was there helping with the assembly), so he could not use it.
I am glad now that it did not fit, as he got a better one.
Those cool cables that can be plugged/unplugged to fill your needs are huge and interfered with his case and would not let it slide in all the way.

Maximum PC says the voltage on this unit is not consistent, ands could possibly damage cheap or poorly designed hardware over time.

So what power supply did they recommend after vigorous testing?
The NeoPower 480 made by Antec.

It too has removable cables to clear the clutter in your case if you do not need all the plugs.
Plus it has all the latest plugs for SATA hard drives, and the new PCI Express motherboards.

Maximum PC gave it their "Kick Ass" product award in the mag as well as seen on Antec's site.

This will be the PS I probably end up getting after reading the article in this months magazine.

TO find out how much wattage you need for your current PC, here is a cool site with drop down menus to select what you have in your PC now to see if your current PS is up to the job.

After using it, it said I need 291 watts, and my current PS is a 300 watt unit, barely capable.
This is why I will be upgrading to a newer and higher wattage PS unit when I get the new case.

Running an underpowered PS in your case can contribute to your PC acting strange at times such as rebooting for no reason.

Hope this helps someone building a new PC or upgrading your current one.

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

Scofco · 01-01-2005, 07:46 AM

Great Corey, thanks for the heads up.
The power supply is often overlooked. I didn't even worry about the kind I got when I built my system. I actually don't even know what kind it is

***Corey*** · 01-01-2005, 07:57 AM

You are welcome Scofco.
I just went with a generic one when I built mine too.

I am thankfull for the articles in these mags I read each month.
They are really informing.

data · 01-01-2005, 08:49 AM

Usually I stick with Enermax, Thermaltake, or Antec when I buy psu's.

***Corey*** · 01-01-2005, 08:55 AM

They wanted to test one from Enermax, but Enermax did not get off their butt in time to send one in for the magazines test.

I have looked at the Enermax ones too.

pinnacle · 01-01-2005, 12:50 PM

I just replaced the generic on that came with my case with an antec truepower 430 yesterday. It's been working great so far.

DudeBud · 07-27-2006, 08:57 PM

hmmm i have that same x connect and its been a great ps im running 4 hds 1 dvdrw pcie1800xl 3gb and 3 120mm fans with a fx53 without problems. that site says i need a ps around 405 watts. 500 watts sould be just about right after i get another video card for crossfire

arjan · 07-27-2006, 10:43 PM

DudeBud,

well designed hardware will compensate for a less then perfect powersupply and vise versa. That's why often times you won't really know until you add something which is more sensitive. Or you might just have a good one of the bunch, who knows.

Flakey psus can be headache to deal with though. Hard to pinpoint sometimes.

OutdoorLiving · 07-28-2006, 04:47 AM

When I was a PC Tech, often times the first component we would swap out during diagnostics was a power supply. A faulty power supply will often mislead you to believe that your HDD ro MBD is going bad when it is not. It usually helps if you have a multi-meter handy, also.

pc_tech_ohio · 07-29-2006, 05:58 PM

Like this one:

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod..._Supply_Tester

and it's worth it's weight in gold. A lot easier to use or carry around than my huge fluke multi-tester.

DudeBud · 07-29-2006, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arjan

DudeBud,

well designed hardware will compensate for a less then perfect powersupply and vise versa. That's why often times you won't really know until you add something which is more sensitive. Or you might just have a good one of the bunch, who knows.

Flakey psus can be headache to deal with though. Hard to pinpoint sometimes.

yeah totally know what you mean. i'v heard a lot of mixed reviews with this ps but who knows

01-01-2005, 07:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
Scofco Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3,577	Great Corey, thanks for the heads up. The power supply is often overlooked. I didn't even worry about the kind I got when I built my system. I actually don't even know what kind it is __________________

01-01-2005, 07:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	You are welcome Scofco. I just went with a generic one when I built mine too. I am thankfull for the articles in these mags I read each month. They are really informing. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

01-01-2005, 08:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
data Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,915	Usually I stick with Enermax, Thermaltake, or Antec when I buy psu's. __________________ 98 Limited 4x4, Rockstomper skid, Rockware Front bumper, Warn HS9500i, 1" RB BL, Tundra coils front & OME HD rear, Nuke quick discos, diff drop'd, 305/70/16 Baja Claws, Electric Locker, couple of battle scars, but nothing major :)

01-01-2005, 08:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	They wanted to test one from Enermax, but Enermax did not get off their butt in time to send one in for the magazines test. I have looked at the Enermax ones too. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

01-01-2005, 12:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
pinnacle Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Simi Valley, Ca Posts: 493	I just replaced the generic on that came with my case with an antec truepower 430 yesterday. It's been working great so far. __________________ 2006 Nissan 350Z - 3.5 V6 300hp, 6-Speed, Invidia Catback, 19" Volk LE37T wheels 1987 4Runner - 22re, 5-speed, 16" Tacoma wheels, 255/85/16 BFG MT's, LC Header, Magnaflow Cat, Flowmaster Muffler, All Pro Rear Bumper, Glassworks Fiberglass Fenders, Total Chaos Gen II Caddy Kit, 2.5"x8" King C/O's, Heimed steering, Upper and Lower uniballs, 62" Deavers, 2.5x18" Fox Bypass Shocks, 4.88 Gears, Detroit Trutrac/Detroit Locker 1987 4Runner Last edited by pinnacle; 01-01-2005 at 12:51 PM.

07-27-2006, 08:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
DudeBud Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: WA ,monroe Posts: 1,886	hmmm i have that same x connect and its been a great ps im running 4 hds 1 dvdrw pcie1800xl 3gb and 3 120mm fans with a fx53 without problems. that site says i need a ps around 405 watts. 500 watts sould be just about right after i get another video card for crossfire __________________ Dan 95 4runner 3vze A/T 84 4runner sr5 Ford 302 T-18 4spd yota t-case yota front and rear both open 37X13.00 boggers 88 4runner 22re 5spd

07-27-2006, 10:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
arjan Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mission, British Columbia Posts: 1,558	DudeBud, well designed hardware will compensate for a less then perfect powersupply and vise versa. That's why often times you won't really know until you add something which is more sensitive. Or you might just have a good one of the bunch, who knows. Flakey psus can be headache to deal with though. Hard to pinpoint sometimes. __________________ 2006 4Runner V8 Sports Edition Red 1997 4Runner 3.4L Bushwacker Flares, 5spd, E locker

07-29-2006, 05:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
pc_tech_ohio Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 13	I got a cheap PSU tester on ebay Like this one: http://www.compusa.com/products/prod..._Supply_Tester and it's worth it's weight in gold. A lot easier to use or carry around than my huge fluke multi-tester.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
cascade audio engineering 90 amp power supply $250 shipped	drpdmazda	The Classifieds GraveYard	1	04-09-2007 07:12 PM
Auxiliary 12v Power Supply - 2nd Gen 4Runner	Bob_98SR5	Electrical	0	12-31-2005 08:32 PM
PC Power supply blues	amusement	Off Topic Talk	5	01-29-2004 12:15 PM