I too would like to see some sub $80 PSU's reviewed. For our own machines, sure, dropping $140 on a 650W PSU with next to no variance on the 12v and 5v rail is a no brainer. I prefer the Seasonic ones with the hybrid fan. Completely silent under 40% load; or at least inaudible. But how quiet can I get for under $80? That matters cause most computers I build for people don't need more than 300-400W.
Features I'd care about: Warranty/reliability. Don't want them worrying about replacing it for at least 5 years. Energy Efficiency: when they ask me why it costs more than the Best Buy computer I want to be able to offer energy savings. Noise: This one is the lowest priority, but the closer to silent the better.
Honestly when I build machines for people I either use the Seasonic 300W 80p Bronze for $30, works great, has 120mm fan, is quiet, etc. or if I need a bit more I step up to the Rosewill Capstone 450/550w units, which are 80p gold. I run 2 of the 300's at home (pfSense, HTPC, and 2 of the Capstone 450's in both of my server boxes.) They have been great and are pretty cheap too.
"80 Plus Gold (92% efficiency)" Just to elaborate: 80 Plus Gold requires 87%/90%/87% efficiency on 115V 20%/50%/100% load and 88%/92%/88% efficiency on 230V 20%/50%/100% load. So not quite 92% for all the US based readers. :) @Bobs: How is that name unfortunate?
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stajcer - Monday, September 9, 2013 - link
I'd be interested in a round up of cheap-er power supplies, say things under $60-70? Would like to see how this $40 400w supply performs.Bobs_Your_Uncle - Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - link
Would it be considered inappropriate to suggest that in the BM-MaxBron, LEPA may have adopted a modestly unfortunate naming convention?hojnikb - Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - link
It appears that Yue-Lin Electrical Technology is the OEM behind these units... Anyone knows anything about this company (quality, etc..).Because pretty much all low and middlerange stuff is made by CWT (high end ones are enermax) for Lepa
Hrel - Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - link
I too would like to see some sub $80 PSU's reviewed. For our own machines, sure, dropping $140 on a 650W PSU with next to no variance on the 12v and 5v rail is a no brainer. I prefer the Seasonic ones with the hybrid fan. Completely silent under 40% load; or at least inaudible. But how quiet can I get for under $80? That matters cause most computers I build for people don't need more than 300-400W.Features I'd care about: Warranty/reliability. Don't want them worrying about replacing it for at least 5 years. Energy Efficiency: when they ask me why it costs more than the Best Buy computer I want to be able to offer energy savings. Noise: This one is the lowest priority, but the closer to silent the better.
extide - Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - link
Honestly when I build machines for people I either use the Seasonic 300W 80p Bronze for $30, works great, has 120mm fan, is quiet, etc. or if I need a bit more I step up to the Rosewill Capstone 450/550w units, which are 80p gold. I run 2 of the 300's at home (pfSense, HTPC, and 2 of the Capstone 450's in both of my server boxes.) They have been great and are pretty cheap too.Death666Angel - Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - link
"80 Plus Gold (92% efficiency)"Just to elaborate:
80 Plus Gold requires 87%/90%/87% efficiency on 115V 20%/50%/100% load and 88%/92%/88% efficiency on 230V 20%/50%/100% load. So not quite 92% for all the US based readers. :)
@Bobs: How is that name unfortunate?