Suggestions for a new PSU?

[ed^chigliak]

This is a very interesting thread. What makes a 'good' PSU? I have been convinced by reading this forum that the Tagan 480W is a very good PSU and am considering it for my next PC. However, what makes it good? Is 'good' really aimed at high-power usage and overclocking needs? Or is it defined by the level of noise it produces? Or both?

For those building a basic system with no overclocking, no extra fans, no lights, etc., would any PSU be good?

Taz

Tells you everything you need to know to make an informed PSU purchase. Doesn't get much better for the noise conscious enthusiast. Make sure you check out the recommendations of page 3. See the Antec 380w (Sonata) doesn't feature so high in the recommended PSUs... interesting considering they are marketing the Sonata as a quiet PC which it is but not as quiet as it could be which is what I found out first hand.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article28-page1.html

The most interesting fact about PSU to me anyway is that a small increase in efficiency translates to a massively reduced cooling load and it is this more than anything else that makes the new fanless PSU designs possible. The higher the efficiency the quieter the PSU because even with fans they will hardly ever need to ramp up the RPM. Over the life of the PSU you will also making a saving on your electric bills. High efficiency rocks.

[littlewill]

I must have had a dud Tagan 480 because it started off quiet and then good really loud after about 3 minutes!

[StormPC]

I just built an Asus A8N-SLI and used a new Antec Neo 480 Watt PSU and I have to say it's very impressive. Built-in 120mm fan is very quiet yet provides a lot of air movement. Much better than the dual fan PSUs IMO. I always thought that having 2 fans in series was not a good use of fans.

Anyway, the Neo 480 is a monster and very stable under heavy loads.

[Taz]

Storm, does the Antec Neo 480 come with PCI-E power connectors, SATA and 24-pin<->20-pin connectors? It seems to be on a par with the Tagan 480W that i'm considering. The Tagan seems to be supplied with a a lot of connectors for modern motherboards.

[schrickvr6]

OCZ powerstream, the best psu i've ever used by far.

[t_aitch]

Sorry to go slightly OT, but im looking for a new PSU, but im not looking to spend too much, i was looking in the neighbourhood of about £40-45, can anyone help me out??

Thanks

[wei]

just bought an enermax noisetaker 475. it runs really quiet. love it

used to have an antec truepower 420. it's loud.

[acidrainy]

I'm interested in getting a TAGAN 480, what I want to know is about its TSCT.
Does anyone, which has one of these PSU's, know roughly how many devices have to be in use before the fans start to spin faster/louder?

As I think I mentioned earlier, I run a 24/7 SETI rig, I'm hoping the draw is low enough to keep the fans quiet!

[BlueMagician]

Slightly o/t.. sorry, but..

I just built an Asus A8N-SLI and used a new Antec Neo 480 Watt

I was considering the Antec Neo, but looking closer at the sales pitch for the Tagan480, is claims to support upcoming BTX.

As I was considering one of the CoolerMaster Stacker cases, should I be looking at a differently shaped 'BTX' power supply or what?

[skuzgib]

Slightly o/t.. sorry, but..


I was considering the Antec Neo, but looking closer at the sales pitch for the Tagan480, is claims to support upcoming BTX.

As I was considering one of the CoolerMaster Stacker cases, should I be looking at a differently shaped 'BTX' power supply or what?

I think it's just a different power connector isn't it?

[StormPC]

The Neo comes with support for every kind of connector you could imagine and then some. It's new so it supports all the new technologies, and the design is superb!

[Thorsson]

Although you'll see lots of good reviews for the Tagan, you'll also see that some people have problems with them - here's one famous recent example: http://www6.tomshardware.com/cpu/200...ss_out-01.html
I'd say they have some quality control issues...

[RDL]

I love the Tagan, and was planning on getting it right up until now. Is it better than the Neo I haev to ask?

[Bro John (UK)]

Thanks Guys, looks like the Tagan gets tops marks, so that what I will go for.

Change of plan went for the Antec NeoPower 480W, main reasons:-
1.Advanced Cable Management System
2.Dual +12V rails provide plenty of juice for even the most power-hungry systems
3.Dedicated Fan-Only connectors allow NeoPower to control case fan speeds
4.Ability to unplug un-wanted cables

Thanks for all your help and opinions.

[StormPC]

You'll be happy you did. It's an incredible PSU. The only thing I am not 100% sure about is reliability but Antec has a pretty good track record. I don't keep many computers but I plan on keeping this A8N-SLI setup for awhile (has the Neo 480) so we'll see how reliable it is. This system runs SETI BOINC 24/7 in addition to being a gamer and internet machine. I am running in SLI mode as well, and have lot's of drives and fans so I'm giving it a workout.

[RDL]

Does anyone have the Amps for the different voltages? Just wanted to see how it compared.