PSU replacement

[newbiecomp]

Hi all, i am not a computer pro. However, I need some help with my problem now

I am currently running a system with:
AMD X2 3800+ Dual Core
2x1Gb Corsair Value RAM
2x250Gb SATA Harddisk
NVIDIA 7600GT 256MB
2xDVD-RW Drive

Running on Antec Sonata II / Antec SmartPower 2.0 450W.
Mostly used for gaming, watching movies, and programming/design.

I use this system everyday for 8-12 hours a day.

Recently, I keep hearing high frequency sound from my case. I've already tested it and the PSu is the source of the sound. My friend told me something is broken inside the PSU.

So, I decided to replace my PSU soon.

I really need your reccomendation, what PSU should I buy? Actually, I prefer to have silent system, including the PSU.

Here are some list of PSU which is readily available at my place:
Thermaltake 430W - $39
Thermaltake 460W - $95
CoolerMaster Extreme 430W - $55
CoolerMaster Extreme 550W - $89
CoolerMaster iGreen 500W - $123
CoolerMaster Real Power 450W - $88
CoolerMaster Real Power 550W - $155
Antec SmartPower 2.0 500W - $111
Antec TruePower 2.0 480W - $127
Antec TruePower 2.0 550W - $149
Antec NeoHE 430W - $119
Antec NeoHE 500W - $149

I really appreciate any reply. Thanks.

 

[Operandi]

Of those I suppose the Antec NeoHEs would be acceptable.

This Ehance however is better then all of them, including the $100+ Antecs.

 

[newbiecomp]

I see, how many watts would u reccomend based on my system?

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Operandi
Of those I suppose the Antec NeoHEs would be acceptable.

This Ehance however is better then all of them, including the $100+ Antecs.

I agree, though I'd also recommend this psu: Seasonic 430 watt S-12. It's got about twice as much output capability as your cheapo dying Antec. Of course, if money is a problem, this one would also power your system, just with less upgrade headroom: 380 watt S-12. Oh, and watts means nothing, when it comes to psu's. It's all about continuous amperage on the rails, particularly the 12v rail.

 

[newbiecomp]

I see, although I forgot to mention that at this point, that was the cheapest price I can get from a store.
Unfortunately, that store doesn't have much PSU in stock, only those are available X(

 

[nycdude]

Originally posted by: newbiecomp
I see, although I forgot to mention that at this point, that was the cheapest price I can get from a store.
Unfortunately, that store doesn't have much PSU in stock, only those are available X(

Is online stores not an option??? You can get better deals there.

 

[newbiecomp]

When I checked it, this store seems to have lower price than online market price. So....

 

[Nocturnal]

If you don't mind spending a little, Seasonics are great. I have a M12-700 with a nice battery backup UPS.

 

[smthmlk]

don't buy from that store.

 

[JServ]

I was gonna go with a seasonic, but decided on a corsair psu bc they have a 5 year warranty (rather than 3) and apparently corsair psu's are manufactured by seasonic.

 

[newbiecomp]

Corsair PSU? oww....

 

[Boyo]

Out of all the PSU's you have to choose from, I would not buy any of them. Go online to Newegg and get a Seasonic, Corsair or an Enermax. 500W will be plenty to run that rig.

 

[newbiecomp]

What about Tagan or OCZ? I heard they are impressive

 

[Talcite]

they're ok, but not as good as the ones that everyone else is suggesting. If you want to do some reading, www.jonnyguru.com has some very good reviews and their forums are pretty hardcore about PSUs.

 

[newbiecomp]

Thanks. I am also wondering if its neccessary to preserve more watt than we need?

For example, if my spec needs CoolerMaster 450W, I'll buy 500w (this is what I intended to do).
However, my friend told me to go to 650W.

I can't find this information from that forum though

 

[balane]

I don't have one but these are impressing most who use them. Some good reviews out there. Really seems to be a solid $50 500W PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189005

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: newbiecomp
Thanks. I am also wondering if its neccessary to preserve more watt than we need?

For example, if my spec needs CoolerMaster 450W, I'll buy 500w (this is what I intended to do).
However, my friend told me to go to 650W.

I can't find this information from that forum though

Your power needs are more like 150 watts, based on the specs in your 1st post at least. That being said you should not choose a 150-200 watt PSU; it's best to run any particular unit at somewhere between 30%-70% depending on your upgrade tendencies.

Bottom line, quality is far more important then quantity when it comes to watts. A 350-400 watt Enhance or Seasonic is going to serve you much better then a 500-600 watt CoolerMaster.

 

[Goi]

I would recommend going to jonnyguru, xbitlabs or SPCR, read the reviews, and finding one that does well that and also fits your cash/noise budget. Your system is pretty basic so I'd say a 400+W PSU would do fine, unless you intend to upgrade soon to a higher powered system.

 

[Bobthelost]

There's nothing wrong with the Antec Neo HE line, but they aren't the best value for money, nor are they the quietest for most cases (pun intended). Another vote for a 400W PSU of some description, a 350 or 380W wouldn't break a sweat with that either. It's very tempting to go larger "just in case" but there's really no point.

 

[KAZANI]

Originally posted by: newbiecomp
Recently, I keep hearing high frequency sound from my case. I've already tested it and the PSu is the source of the sound. My friend told me something is broken inside the PSU.

The same thing happened to me a few months ago with a 400W PSU. It was one of the 80mm fans that had begun breaking in the middle and was creating a high pitched whizz. I tried glueing it but it was impossible to achieve a perfect fit of the two parts, so I just removed it altogether and sealed the opening with adhesive tape. I am now pleased not only because I saved my self some money but also because I have a quieter -and just as cool- PSU.

 

[Blain]

A 500W Liberty.

 

[newbiecomp]

No, I'm not going to upgrade my PC. I've read review about my old PSU in Newegg (Antec SmartPower 2.0 450W) and it is just horrible
Everyone experienced the same thing like I am (high pitch squeak).

I am wondering if every PSU can actually generate this sound under heavy load ?
I mean, if that so, then it's pointless to pick any PSU, with similar outcome