Greenest PSU

[climbingkid]

The fileserver is about to get a few upgrades and while I was at it I plan to replace the 4 year old no-name 500w PSU. Its on 24/7, microATX 5 drives on board video.

Is there such a thing as a 'Green' psu, thats really effient that I could consider? Maybe 500w is over the top?

I'm also considering solar power, waiting to see how Toms Hardware's test come out.

CC

[clown]

I'd suggest reading reviews on reputable sites. You are looking for an efficient power supply at all draw levels of server. Boot up is a huge draw with 5 drives drawing far more power than they normally do in use. This may happen again during normal operation if they spin down (good to be green). Many power supplies are efficient towards the top end of there spec. Your no name is probably not too in efficient at about 400W. But when your server only needs to tick over at 100W the power supply may be very inefficient and still draw 400W from the mains supply. So I'd check out the max you need (if you dont know how to do this stay with 500W) and find a test that shows the power supply is efficient at 20% 50% and 80% (100W 250W and 400W) and you should be OK.

I'd stay away from no name stuff.

And to close. To be green do not just throw away the old power supply. It wil have lots of nasty stuff in it. Find a electrial/electronic recycling/processing place. My local council tip has one.

[clown]

Forgot to say if you go solar power post you experience to the forum. I'd be interested.

[Dav0s]

there are efficiency tests on pretty much all of these reviews...check them out.

http://www.***********.net/index.php?/power_supply

edit: ok, hexus is blocking our url...

replace the stars with "overclock 3d" ,without the space in the middle.

[climbingkid]

Nice one clown and Dav0 - I read up on the reviews - I was kinda hoping someone had done alot of this legwork and I could learn from them. I will post what I feel is the most effiecient PSU for any future people.

CC

[climbingkid]

Anyone following me in finding the correct power usage of thier PC to correctly size thier PSU for most efficient use check out this link, great power calculator.

http://www.journeysystems.com/?powercalc

CC

[Fraz]

I'd go with a Corsair VX450. Very efficient, quiet & reliable, and should be fine for that system.

[climbingkid]

Ordered Corsair from Scan and it arrived today - thanks everyone.

[Yellowbeard]

Very cool, we appreciate it. Let us know how it works for you.

[clown]

I bought one of these to go into my new PC case. Just finished a 24 hour stress test. Its the best power supply I have ever had. I would also recommend it.