Do I *really* need a new PSU?
Have upgraded to a P8Z68-V with i5 2500k system, but still using my old 550w Aerocool PSU, spec is:-
http://www.aerocool.us/psu/Turbine%2...er%20-spec.htm
Do I really need to get a new one? Are these any good? I seem to recall it got glowing reviews at the time, but it's about 5 years old now. It works fine at the moment, I've got a pair of 1TB HDDs, 120GB SSD, HD4830 512MB (although looking at a 6870) and it draws about 200W full load.
Hellraiser.......>
Re: Do I *really* need a new PSU?
With a HD 6870 I would personally have some room so the power supply its always at peak load. I use a Corsair TX 650 and I have:
500GB HDD
HD 4870
Athlon 64 x2 2.9ghz
But I bought this a while go, about a year ago and I am planning to upgrade my CPU. Moving to a higher power supply I think will last a longer time, as it isn't always using a lot of power, and you can more future upgrade. Always go 100W or something higher than you need anyway for head room.
Re: Do I *really* need a new PSU?
Re: Do I *really* need a new PSU?
Only real issue is that we have no way of knowing how much it's degraded in five years of use. I don't know much about Aerocool as a company or who makes / designs their PSUs, and I can't find anything better than a quarter-decent review ("we plugged it into our computer and checked the voltage on the 12v and 5v lines! Woo, we're great reviewers!" :rolleyes: ). Doesn't look like it's been through any of the reputable PSU reviewers (the ones who actually do proper empirical testing). With a five-year old PSU of unknown provenance, I'd generally advise caution. A £50 investment now in a decent 400Wish PSU would give you peace of mind through another 5 years of computing. Sounds like good value to me... ;)
Re: Do I *really* need a new PSU?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
scaryjim
Only real issue is that we have no way of knowing how much it's degraded in five years of use. I don't know much about Aerocool as a company or who makes / designs their PSUs, and I can't find anything better than a quarter-decent review ("we plugged it into our computer and checked the voltage on the 12v and 5v lines! Woo, we're great reviewers!" :rolleyes: ). Doesn't look like it's been through any of the reputable PSU reviewers (the ones who actually do proper empirical testing). With a five-year old PSU of unknown provenance, I'd generally advise caution. A £50 investment now in a decent 400Wish PSU would give you peace of mind through another 5 years of computing. Sounds like good value to me... ;)
Scaryjim beat me to it - I'd be thinking about changing it.
If you do, look strongly at the Seasonic (or Seasonic made & otherwise branded) PSUs. Little more than some others but I've got a few of them in various guises (500w S12, 430w S12, 400w Corsair CX) in various machines and they are very good PSUs. Worth the extra few quid I think :)
Re: Do I *really* need a new PSU?
Yeah, I suppose it's lasted me well. Been looking at a 700W Silverstone Strider as per link:-
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/700w-...iet-fan-atx-v2
Seems quite nice, and on today only it's not a bad price. Just want another 5 years of trouble free power, and I have to admit the Aerocool has been a cracking PSU, the only issue I had when I took it apart a couple of years ago was I had to change the exhaust fan (a common problem - the plastic they make the fan blades from degrades due to heat and starts to contract, causing the blades to catch on the outer housing - makes a really annoying row!) but aside from that it's handled abuse really well.
Hellraiser.........>