Best affordable Power Supply?

[01Boxer]

I'm looking for a 750W or more power supply for a new computer and was wondering if there was a model that is both affordable and reliable. Also, i will eventually go for a Crossfire setup, so do i have to watch for specific features?

[Gilly]

for features you really want 2x 6pin PCI-e connectors + 2x 6+2pin PCI-e connectors, that would allow you to run 2x6pin cards in crossfire, or the 6+8pin cards if you needed. I don't really think you could go far wrong with any decent Corsair, Seasonic or Enermax, although my Pref is on the new (unreleased) X series from Seasonic, which is a redesign of last years X series, or the AX from Corsair.

Affordable is a matter of opinion though, none of them will be cheap if you are looking for something that is reliable for crossfire at around that wattage.

The Corsair HX750w is very nice, but it is also quite expensive.

I am sorry for not really answering your question, but in the past I have had a crappy generic PSU go bad on me, causing random restarts due to loose ATX connector pins, that didn't present itself for a good 2 weeks after installation, and a Thermaltake 480w unit that decided to die one day. I also had a 520w OCZ Powerstream back in the day that cooked itself. And before you all jump to say there was some power problem, they all ran through a hefty surge protector, and the Powerstream was even through a UPS after the surge protector. I guess I was just lucky ;)

I know that generally what you put into the PSU will be rewarded, if by nothing else, just a lack of failures/ problems.

Hope that helped a bit.

[Abram]

^ Yupp.


NEVER buy an "affordable" PSU. Particularly a high-power one. I've seen a few rigs get destroyed by cheapo units. Heh, it's also hard to rid your domicile of that fabulous smell. I've had great experiences with Corsair, Silverstone, and Enermax.

Depending on whom your order from, you may be able to get a price-match and save yourself some cash. I saved $60 on mine doing so.

[MobsterOO7]

Sounds like you are building a gaming rig. Make sure that the PSU you get has a high amperage rating on the 12v rail.

[Bluesilentpro]

Consider a Seasonic X-750. If you're building a gaming rig and even go for Crossfire it would be a shame to get an "affordable" (means cheap) PSU. I's the most important part of your rig. Please don't underestimate it and get a quality PSU. After serveral bad experiences with PSUs I only recommend Seasonic these days. But you might also consider Enermax, Tagan, Thermalthake and Corsair.

[01Boxer]

Thank you for all the replies so far. I also forgot to mention that the case is a mid-tower with a bottom mounted PSU location.

[Abram]

The aforementioned Corsair line (hx750w) have quite long cables. My 850w of the same line has cables that are plenty long enough for my HAF 922 case, which also has bottom-mount PSU.

[Gilly]

I will just re-itterate what Bluesilentpro said there, the 2nd rig in my sig uses a Seasonic X 750w, the fan NEVER turns on, so the unit is completely silent, apart from barely audible coil whine with your ear up close. Defo my recommendation of the moment, but I am personally looking to compare the Corsiar AX and the new Seasonic (when) it comes out!

[Skid]

I can vouch for Corsiar as well, I got one of there original modular 650w units when they was relatively new and I've never had a problem with it, despite it being connected to a motherboard that overheats its chipset and crashes. My main unit atm is running off a HX1000 (I think its HX it again is over a year old but its modular so the HX is the eqiverlent) but its been running my pair of GTX295s and an overclocked CPU since I've got it and its never failed me.

[BRPunk]

I've actually been using an Antec 1000W for quite a while now with zero complaints. Can't believe they haven't been mentioned yet.

[01Boxer]

This one seems like a good deal but i'm wondering if would be taking a chance with an open box:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006R

[Abram]

It'll work fine for ya.

Open box is likely fine. Not sure how newegg does Open Box stuff, but it'll likely carry the same waranty service. If anything, you risk being shorted a piece. But not being a modular unit, there's little worry of that. Open box-ed items are usually just when someone wanted something else, and return that product.

Send them an email and ask about it.

Had a quick look, and Amazon.com has the same one, brand new, for $109. Unsure if the American Newegg does price-matching, but it's worth a shot.

[01Boxer]

Had a quick look, and Amazon.com has the same one, brand new, for $109. Unsure if the American Newegg does price-matching, but it's worth a shot.

Newegg.ca dropped the price to 109.99$, had free shipping and a 20$ mail-in rebate. I just ordered one.

Now comes the fun part: the CPU and video card...

[Abram]

Sweet.

[Bluesilentpro]

Thats an outdated Corsair PSU but it might serve you well. btw: Afaik most of the older Corsair PSUs are just made by Seasonic and rebranded. So now it might be the case Corsair gets Seasonic technology again, but a little later than Seasonic. The X-Series is just the next level of modern PSUs - atm well beyond its competition.

[whismerhill]

Corsair, Seasonic or Enermax

NEVER buy an "affordable" PSU. Particularly a high-power one.

Second both of this and most of what was said by others in this thread...

video example of a bad PSU when stressed @ below what it's rated to provide :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWt3St_MhSY&feature=player_embedded

there was one that was worse with the whole room going black because of the return current & the room electric security kicking in but I don't find it anymore...

here's a french website (can use google translate) :http://www.pcworld.fr/article/comparatif-de-105-alimentations/lc-power-3-alimentations-resultats/94911/
basically two of 3 LC power died when the load reached 350W while being rated for 550W
the worse being than THE FUCKING POWER SUPPLY SECURITY DID NOT KICK IN !!!!!!!!!!!
which means the rest of your electrical installation suffers from "return current" in those kind of events which could provoke fire or death of other equipment ....