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Please Help Me Pick Between these 2 PSU

U

UMASS

Gawd
Joined
Jan 17, 2008
Messages
1,001
Hello All: I'm building a very budget computer for a friend of mine. Please keep in mind I'm paying for this out of my pocket! I'm $320.00 in @ the moment for the complete system. He doesn't make much money & I offered to build him a rig.

Here is the barebones I'm building:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856167036

AMD Athlon Orleans 2.6GHz CPU (45 Watt/Single Core)
WD 250 GB HD
4 GB A-Data DDR2 800
Samsung IDE DVD Drive from my old computer
Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Basic

I'm worried about the PSU that's included. I know it's a POS & I picked out these 2 PSU (BTW...Both are modular) I just don't want to the PSU that came with the Barebones to kill my system build!

Topower 500 Watt $29.99 AR w/ Free Shipping:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817342016

Antec Neo 430 watt $49.99 w/ Free Shipping:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103939

I have only owned Antec PSU since I starting building myself about 8 yeras ago. Not once have they failed me (fingers crossed) I know Topower is a HUGE OEM builder & they have a decent track record, then again I understand they have made some so-so PSU's as well. I'm on a tight budget & I'm leaning towards the Topower unit. I know one must take some of the reviews on NG w/ a grain of salt, but it appears that the Neo 430 has had some issues.

Please don't recommed Corsair, PC & Cooling or Silverstone because they are out of my price range! I plan on buying a 4830 or 4850 512MB VC down the road for him.

Any & all insight would be welcome!

PS: The parts are already on order from NG. So...I can't change anything!
 
The psu that is in the Asus is a Delta PSU, ok for now. If you will get a VC "in the future", wait for a sale on the earthwatt 380 or 500.

 
UMASS said:
PS: The parts are already on order from NG. So...I can't change anything!
Click to expand...

You can still cancel the order :)

Anyway, hands down, definitely the Neopower 430W. It's of better quality and offers more power on the +12V rail (32A) than the Topower (30A)
 
gwarren007: It's not an Asus barebones. It's a "MSI" w/ a 285 watt cheapo PSU. I have built a couple of Asus barebones in the last couple of years & yes...in fact they are Delta's. You're correct, just that this time it's MSI.
 
Sorry, LOL, looked just like the Asus I looked at yesterday :rolleyes:
Since he should be pushing only ~60watts without a videocard, he would do fine until he installs the videocard.
 
When Lowest Price is the Deciding Factor: Lowest Priced PSU's Recommended

FSP Group ATX300-PA 300W
Max. Combined: +12V@22A (No PCI-E Connectors)
+3.3V@20A, +5V@20A, +12V1@16A, +12V2@16A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@2A
Specs: http://www.fspgroupusa.com/PC_OEM/ATX300PA/ATX300PA.html
$25: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104951
Review 1:
Review 2:

Antec Basiq BP-350B 350W
Max. Combined: +12V@23A (No PCI-E Connectors)
+3.3V@20A,+5V@20A,+12V1@10A, +12V2@13A,-12V@0.3A, +5VSB@2.5A
Specs: http://www.antec.com/us/
$23: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371013
Review 1:
Review 2:

FSP Group ATX350-PA 350W
Max. Combined: +12V@25A (No PCI-E Connectors)
+3.3V@22A, +5V@21A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@16A, -12V@0.3A, +5VSB@2A
Specs: http://www.fspgroupusa.com/PC_OEM/ATX350PA/ATX350PA.html
$30: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104901
Review 1:
Review 2:

SILVERSTONE ST400 400W
Max. Combined: +12V@29A
+3.3V@28A,+5V@30A,+12V1@18A, +12V2@18A,-12V@0.5A,+5VSB@2.5A
Specs: http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=st400&area=usa
$30: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256032
Review 1:
Review 2:

Dave
3-1-09
Click to expand...
Of the 2 you offer, ONLY the Antec can be recommended.

Here are several other options & he doesn't need a PCI-E cable.

Of course as his total system will never draw even 100W, the included one will probably be fine.

You are being good to your friend, that is good.
Dave :)
 
I'd grab that 400W Corsair personally. It's usually in the $40 range.
 
David & All: Many, many thanks for all of your help. I decided to go with the Corsair 400CX @ NG for $$44.99 AR $10.00, plus free shipping. I really wanted modular, but @ the price I was willing to spend & comes up a tad short. I own a Antec Neo 550PSU now & really like it, but there were a TON of bad reviews on NG w/ the Neo430.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

Looks like a soild deal for the coin & I'm sure it can power a 4830 or 4850 in the next 3 months or so. Again...You guys are the best! I really appreciate it!

Alex

PS: David: I am a good friend to him, but he is as well. His computer died like 6 months ago & he surfs the web, plays a few games etc. The upside is he is a "Jack of all Trades" of the handyman world. I can't fix anything around my house & he helps us out all of the time. One hand washes the other.
 
UMASS said:
David & All: Many, many thanks for all of your help. I decided to go with the Corsair 400CX @ NG for $$44.99 AR $10.00, plus free shipping. I really wanted modular, but @ the price I was willing to spend & comes up a tad short. I own a Antec Neo 550PSU now & really like it, but there were a TON of bad reviews on NG w/ the Neo430.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

Looks like a soild deal for the coin & I'm sure it can power a 4830 or 4850 in the next 3 months or so. Again...You guys are the best! I really appreciate it!

Alex

PS: David: I am a good friend to him, but he is as well. His computer died like 6 months ago & he surfs the web, plays a few games etc. The upside is he is a "Jack of all Trades" of the handyman world. I can't fix anything around my house & he helps us out all of the time. One hand washes the other.
Click to expand...
I know just what you mean! I can assemble most systems blindfolded, but give me a leaky pipe & HELP!!! :D

PS: That Corsair is an excellent choice for the long term!
 
Good choice. That's really the only PSU I consider in that price range.
 
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