Tenzium

Hey guys,

I've been upgrading my system piecemeal over the past and now I think my old PSU is about to be my next replacement with my specs below. This is my current supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153007 The 12V rail normally operates at about 11.50V, the max being 11.6 and going as low as 11.1v (this is taken off of Sandra 2007). I'm also starting to experience some system lock-ups that last anywhere from 5-30 seconds that I can't diagnose anywhere else. While I know using the PC isnt' the most accurate way to measure power, my current PSU only has one 12V rail at 18A. As far as I can tell, this needs to be replaced.

I'm not going to go SLI anytime in the near-mid future, especially since my mobo only has 1 PCI-E slot, but I'd like something I don't have to replace again for a few years, so getting something that's SLI ready isn't the worst idea in the world.

I'm looking at this power supply ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256001 ), but I'd like to find a solid one for cheaper if possible. Mostly about $100 is my celing.

So, am I correct in sensing the need to replace this PSU? And if so, any brands I should look for or avoid?

Edit: Of note - I don't care so much about noise so long as it doesn't sound like a dump truck crashed through my room. I mostly use headphones since I live with two other roommates, which cancels out the sound of the PC.

Thanks guys.

selectodude

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817128002

Modular, great looking, nice wattage, stable.

Tenzium

Stupid question: The rated wattage is the maximum it pumps out, not what it always does, correct? I don't want my electric bill to fly through the roof if I can avoid it. Basically, if all PSUs are the same except for wattage (and assuming they power the system just fine), will a 400W PSU will use the same amount of power as a 580W PSU?

selectodude

Yes. In fact, the 580 will use less because it's more efficent at a lesser load.

Tenzium

Interesting. I'll have to take that into consideration in justifying the case for a more expensive PSU.

Thanks a lot.

(If anyone else wants to suggest a PSU too, I'm all ears. I like a wide array of options)

selectodude

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817711001

Great PSU with adjustable rails. 100 shipped after rebate.

Nevermind. Not quite as good as I imagined.

BigpoppaFrary

you should always get a very good psu, becuse if you buy a midle of the road psu and it blows in your face guess what your computer is nothing now because it most likely fried it