Which PSU?

[alcor]

I have read in these forums how important the choice of PSU is for a computer, this is why i am asking for a second opinion on this matter.

I have decided to go for a 600W version, dispite this being more than adequate, as it will leave room for expansion later.

I have sort of settled on a choice between the:

600w Seasonic S12-600 SLi Ready Silent PSU (£96.29 from Scan)

600W Xclio X12S4P4 Modular SLi U-Quiet (69.27 from Scan)

I have heard a lot of love for Seasonic PSUs however the price difference is too large to ignore. I am fully prepared to pay the extra for the Seasonic if it is really worth it.

What are your oppinions and experiences with these PSUs, my choice is my no means set in stone, so any other suggestions are also good.

Many thanks

[specofdust]

Get a 500W Seasonic. Unless you're doing something extremely unusual, the extra 100W is totaly unnecessary. Most people won't be using more then 350W at most on their systems, so a 500W is easily sufficient. Forget the Xclio, I've never heard of it, and that means it's either rubbish or new, and both things are bad when it comes to PSU's.

[maverick77_uk]

Hi, Are you sure you need 600W?

You get check out the power you need here:

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp

[alcor]

I dont need that much, i ran a similar power test and it came to 418W.

However if i am spending a lot of money on a good PSU i just wanted to make sure it will last should i decide to upgrade in the future, crossfire perhaps.

But if you guys think that 500W will suffice, then i shall reconsider.

[-ChEM-]

how much do you care about noise and what is your system and upgrade plans (e.g sli in the future)?

[alcor]

Noise is not my greatest concern, however peace and quiet is always nice.

I am considering crossfire, but this would be in the future when i have saved up enough money again

[-ChEM-]

the st60f is the best psu for under £100, its cheaper than the seasonic, modular, quad rail EPS, more powerful and stable but not so efficient so the fan is audible when you start pounding it

unless you have a very very quiet pc you shouldnt notice a difference browing/idling though

[pands@scan]

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp

[dave87]

I agree that it is unlikely that you will need anything in excess of 500w, so you could save some money by going for the 500w Seasonic - just as good, same design, different power ratings

Honestly, the Seasonic S12 500w I have atm has been the best PSU I have owned - quiet, cool, stable - you can't really ask for much more

Dave

[specofdust]

the st60f is the best psu for under £100, its cheaper than the seasonic, modular, quad rail EPS, more powerful and stable but not so efficient so the fan is audible when you start pounding it

unless you have a very very quiet pc you shouldnt notice a difference browing/idling though

Strongly disagree with that. Seasonic and PC Power and Cooling are by far the two best PSU manufacturer. PCP&P are only neccesary when someones running a monster rig really, but Seasonic S12's are definately the PSU's to go for otherwise.

[kalniel]

XClio=Meridian=various sourced PSUs. Some are CWT which are basically the same as antec TP, but you'd have to check for that model.

[5aboy]

Seasonic is cheaper today! go get one while you can!

[alcor]

My biggest concern was not to buy a PSU which is basically an overpriced paperweight (as i have heard them described in another thread).

And i think i have got the answer to my question, basically: yes the Seasonic is worth the extra money.

And although not many of you have heard of the Xclio its not worth the risk.

Thanks for all your time guys!

[-ChEM-]

Strongly disagree with that. Seasonic and PC Power and Cooling are by far the two best PSU manufacturer. PCP&P are only neccesary when someones running a monster rig really, but Seasonic S12's are definately the PSU's to go for otherwise.

dont know why you think that, in terms of high end gear the seasonic has high flutter and not very stable rails under heavy load (they dip before 300W load), and from the start its unnecessarily high on the 5v and 3.3v rail compared to other psus so inevitably the 12v loses out

its probably a worthwhile step up over the xclio although i dont know anything about those particular models but their psu's on the whole seem to be comparable to things like coolermasters and antec smartpowers, which the s12s are definitely better than, but the amount they sell for is just too damn high unless you really care about noise

it seems like once upon a time everyone who wanted a good psu with low noise level bought one and its just snowballed from there to a point where now everyone is saying they are the best you can get just because everyone else is saying it

if you have seen reviews that say otherwise i would genuinely like to have a gander

[chuckskull]

The modular enermax PSU's are very good, shares many parts with the noisetaker series, which is an awesome PSU. If I remember right the 600W version comes in just under £70 on scan.

But out of the two you picked, it'd have to be the Seasonic everytime, especially if you are considering crossfire.

[alcor]

Have i perhaps nerrowed my search too early?

Should i consider an Enermax PSU also?

I have decided after your reccomendations that 500W is probably ample.