Confirming part choices

[shadowbreaker513]

My motherboard for the system in my sig died, so I took the opportunity to do a bit of an upgrade and grab a reliable PSU. I'm pretty sure that I got parts that will give me good performance for the money, but I figure it never hurts to get a second opinion on parts, so I'd appreciate any input, positive or negative, before it's too late to cancel the order.

CPU - AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649

Motherboard - ASUS M4A78 PRO AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131362

PSU - OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

 

[shroud27]

OCZ PSU's aren't very popular around here...

 

[shadowbreaker513]

I've noticed that pop up from time to time, and I haven't quite figured out why, as this seems to be one of the only sites with that distinction. I read up more on that particular PSU, which is a rebranded FSP unit, making it quality-wise right on par with Antec or Sparkle unless I'm mistaken and the quality of FSP Group units has severely degraded in the past fews.

 

[Dangman]

I've noticed that pop up from time to time, and I haven't quite figured out why, as this seems to be one of the only sites with that distinction. I read up more on that particular PSU, which is a rebranded FSP unit, making it quality-wise right on par with Antec or Sparkle unless I'm mistaken and the quality of FSP Group units has severely degraded in the past fews.

The StealthXStream is based off the FSP Episilon PSU design which has out of spec ripple, or voltage fluctuations, at high loads that can damage or kill your system. Granted, you may not reach such high loads but why pay for a PSU that can kill your system?

Proof that the FSP Episilon platform is of low quality and crappy above 500W:
FSP BlueStorm II 500W PSU @ HardOCP
FSP BlueStorm II 500W PSU @ jonnyGuru
FSP Everest 700W PSU @ HardOCP
FSP Everest 700W PSU @ jonnyGuru
FSP Everest 900W PSU
FSP Everest 1010W PSU
OCZ GameXStream 700W
OCZ GameXStream 1010W
Sigma SP-700 700W PSU
Super Talent Atomic Juice PS-700 700W PSU
Antec Basiq 500W PSU

OCZ's ModXStream PSUs are built by Sirtec, makers of low quality PSUs. So yes OCZ's StealthXStream, GameXStream, and ModXStream PSUs are of low quality. There are often better quality PSUs in the same price range as those OCZ PSUs.

OCZ does have good PSUs like their EliteXStream and ProXStream line but they tend to be a bit overpriced.

I recommend this alternative:
BFG Tech LS-550 550W PSU - $68

 

[shadowbreaker513]

Meh, fair enough. I was able to cancel the order right before it shipped. Reordered same cpu/mobo but switched the PSU to the 550w BFG.

 

[engiNURD]

If you already have one of the above listed PSUs, and your system power draw at full load does not come to within 80% of the PSU's capacity, then don't bother replacing your PSU. However, if you're shopping for a new PSU, you might as well buy one that you can use to its full potential without the risk of killing your components.

 

[Dangman]

Meh, fair enough. I was able to cancel the order right before it shipped. Reordered same cpu/mobo but switched the PSU to the 550w BFG.

Which 550W BFG PSU? There's two good ones (LS and MX series) and one crap one (GS model)

 

[shadowbreaker513]

I got the LS-550. $40 off at newegg, so it was the same price as the OCZ.