VCool PSU from Maplin

[corylus]

Anyone any idea what this PSU is like:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=115169

I can't find any info on the net on Vcool power supplies at all. But for £25 (on offer this month) for a 480W PSU, it looks a good deal.

Rgrds

Peter

[kalniel]

The XClio 480W CWT unit is better for 25 quid. This isn't the same one.

What are the ratings over the 12v lines?

[Flewis]

It may look like a "good deal", but the chance of it going and taking most of ur system with it is much greater than a better branded psu. Might not sound like such a "good deal" now.

[DratUK]

The fact that there is no info to be found on the net seems to say Dont buy me

[alsenior]

go to a store and feel the wight and check out te power rails. a heavier power supply usually means that it is of better quaility. also check to see if it has a strong 12v rail.

[IAmATeaf]

From the pics it looks good but as we all know looks aren't everything. Pop into Maplins and have a fondle is all I can suggest.

[amjedm]

Maplins usually are quite expensive as you probably already know. This with their high markup is on for £25 so I can only assume it's in the same league as QTec!.

[mishima]

I can't understand by people invest in no-name PSUs. The PSU is the backbone of the system - providing power to all those quality components. I made the big mistake of getting a QTEC a few years ago, it went straight back. Spend that extra on a decent PSU its worth it. There are budget brands out there like Akasa, FSP etc. Just do no invest in £20 PSUs.

[StaffsKieran]

With Psu's it pays to get the best one you can afford as itll be more stable and reliable, which in the long term will save you money and heartache!

[corylus]

The XClio 480W CWT unit is better for 25 quid. This isn't the same one.

What are the ratings over the 12v lines?

I dropped in and had a look - it certainly feels heavy to me but I'm no expert.

As Maplin's web site is so poor on detail (on everything, it seems to me) the only way I could check the specs was to open the box and read them off the device. Here is what it said:

3.3v 28A
5v 35A
12v 25A
-5v 0.5A
-12V 0.8a
+5VSB 2.5A

But how reliable these numbers are is anyone's guess.

Rgrds

Peter

[kalniel]

*nods*

25A on the 12v line is very poor, but as it's not dual rail you might get away with it. It'll be fine for systems with onboard graphics or low end cards.

[corylus]

I can't understand by people invest in no-name PSUs. The PSU is the backbone of the system - providing power to all those quality components. I made the big mistake of getting a QTEC a few years ago, it went straight back. Spend that extra on a decent PSU its worth it. There are budget brands out there like Akasa, FSP etc. Just do no invest in £20 PSUs.

Don't hold back, say what you really mean!

The only PSU that I can see on Maplin's list (and I want to get something local for various reasons) that seems to get votes is the Blue Storm 500 at £60. Which doesn't sound too far out?

Any thoughts?

Rgrds

Peter

[amjedm]

Don't hold back, say what you really mean!

The only PSU that I can see on Maplin's list (and I want to get something local for various reasons) that seems to get votes is the Blue Storm 500 at £60. Which doesn't sound too far out?

Any thoughts?

Rgrds

Peter

Blue Storm is made by FSP and they make quality PSUs. They are one of the larger or largest manufacturers.

It's a much safer bet but I would still try to go for a Seasonic/Corsair. Corsair will be quieter than the FSP most likely and is also modular.

[mishima]

FSP can definately be trusted, they are great budget PSU's

[amjedm]

FSP can definately be trusted, they are great budget PSU's

They also make PSUs for other companies (OCZ?) and they're not just budget but top of the range as well - Epsilon is one of models.

[redddraggon]

They also make PSUs for other companies (OCZ?) and they're not just budget but top of the range as well - Epsilon is one of models.

I've only only ever had FSP PSUs, only had 1 PSU go on me in 11 years and that was about 7 years ago, and it didn't damage my system.

I've just gone for OCZ GameXStream 700W which I believe is FSP built. So I hope my success with FSP continues.

FSP all the way!