550 Watt PSU

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06-07-2003, 08:55 PM
jagojago12

550 Watt PSU

http://www.svc.com/ac55dufanp4r.html

This is a 550W ATX power supply that is pretty cheap. I was going to go with the 520W TT-520SS ATX power supply at $69.99 but the 550W ATX power supply actually has rails that provide more amperage than the more expensive model.

DC Output: 3.3V @ 28.0A, 5V @ 50A, 12V @ 20A on the $69.99 model
DC Output: 3.3V @ 30.0A, 5V @ 50A, 12V @ 25A on the $32.99 model

I tried searching for a review of the Achieve 550W power supply, but I can't find any. I read a TT-520SS by a good reviewer and it seemed like a nice power supply.

Basically what I'm wondering is how can the Achieve 550W power supply be so high quality and be so cheap? I don't want to buy something to have it underperform or crap out on me easily. If it's good quality then I'll grab it up right away.
06-07-2003, 10:44 PM
lonewolfroger

I would go with the TT-520SS, I have learned that in most cases if the power supply is cheap then it was built cheap. For example my Turbo Link 420 is rated the same as the other 420w power supplies, but it performs like a 300w power supply.
06-07-2003, 10:47 PM
XP1800

Yeah I've learned the hard way to never go with a cheap power supply. I only buy Antec and Enermax:)
06-07-2003, 11:36 PM
rusty c

It comes out to $41.34 with shipping! Nice price but like you I don't know how they will perform!!!:(
06-08-2003, 02:17 AM
jagojago12

There was this blaring thing that I overlooked when considering power supplies: Machine efficiency.

My Enermax EG465P-VE 431W PSU has at least 70% efficiency at full load. In comparison, Thermaltake's Xaser III PSU has at least 65% efficiency at full load. While the wattage output and amperate on the cheaper power supply is superior, it probably has a far greater standard deviation than those higher quality supplies under full load.

I read a review comparing the EG465P-VE and the TT-520SS and the TT-520SS had a higher 5V rail but the 12V was a bit low. Good thing it has adjustable pots though. I think I'll grab that up.
06-08-2003, 02:57 PM
RavenLord

Why do you need so much power?
06-08-2003, 08:12 PM
ewitte

Quote:

Originally posted by RavenLord
Why do you need so much power?

Because he is looking at cheap ones and would be lucky to get 350-400W out of them :) My choice would the be Enermax 550W for around $150 if you wanted a 550W. You can live with a Antec True430 for quite a bit less and it would be better IMO. Don't skimp on the parts that matter the most.

Eirc
06-08-2003, 08:36 PM
Royal Oaks

Definitely go with the TTGI. Lots of guys use those, and power all sorts of things with them. I would go with that way before I went with an unknown PSU.