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PP&C vs. OCZ Powerstream

R

rottweiler

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
May 13, 2000
Messages
1,126
My PP&C 510XE just died.
It wasn't the PSUs fault, exactly, and I am not holding any grudges against them for it since it did not take any other components with it.
I am going to get it replaced since it is still under warranty.
But I was wondering if getting an OCZ Powerstream 520 or 600 and selling the PP&C might be a better option.
I know that PP&C is supposedly the best, and when I purchased it, OCZ Powerstream wasn't even being talked about.
But I see that the Powerstream has adjustable rails and a universal connector.
The universal connector is what really makes me want the Powerstream more.
Since I could use it in my current computer which requires a EPS12V, and when I upgrade, it will still be good.
I plan to upgrade when the dual core Opterons come out, since I will want a mobo with PCI-E as well.
Also, I would be able to test any other motherboard/system that a friend or I would have.
The adjustable rails also looks like a nice feature.
I'm not sure if I would take advantage of it yet or ever, but it's always nice to have options.

So, what do you think of picking the Powerstram over the PP&C?
If you think one is unquestionably the better option, please let me know why.
The only bad thing I see right now is being able to sell an EPS12V PP&C.
I figure most people that have a mobo that needs this connector probably have a pretty decent PSU already.

Thanks
 
The pcp&c is unquestionably better. Also I have become privvy to the information that they are releasing a new 7-in-1 psu very soon that will become the new standard for all connections, so if I were you I would buy a 510 deluxe SLI and then have them replace it with the new model for no or little charge (that's what I did; I have a 510 deluxe vanilla and they replaced it with the SLI edtion when I upgraded for little more than the cost of shipping).

1. OCZ themselves admitted it themselves

bigtoe said:
Guys

First off I need to set the record straight here on a few Items.

The powerstream is made by the same manufacturer who makes the Tagan, that doesn't mean Tagan make it though.If you look at ANY review where they open up the PSU you will see who makes em..so go LOOK :p

Next...NO ONE from OCZ has said the Powerstream is better than PC Power and Cooling ... if you want to spend $200+ on a PSU then fine, go do it... please don't diss the powerstream though, its the best PSU on the market for the price, as the PC P+C is for its price.

We looked at adding the same features on a PSU to compete with PC P+C and it would have just cost to much, and been WAY to noisey...so we went with the Powerstream you see and can buy now. We are constantly looking to upgrade specs etc but we have to remain competetive
Click to expand...

2. OCZ is made by Topower, pcp&c is made my Zippy. Two manufacturers in totally different classes.

3. OCZ is rated at 40C, pcp&c is rated @ 50C. Apply a derating curve to the OCZ and the power numbers drop where you don't even have to apply one to the pcp&c. The 38amps on the pcp&c are like 42amps if rated the OCZ way.

4. Pcp&c uses 400mf (or 1400, can't remember) @ 125C caps to regulate their input voltage IIRC; Topower uses much less capacity ones

5. Pcp&c delivers tighter voltage regulation, cleaner power, more power, and is warrantied for 5 years to power a Dual CPU SLI system with 11 hard drives plugged in.

No one can beat that right now.


On a side note, how the hell did you kill yours? I'm ordering my 30th or so for machibes I build and not one has died yet....
 
Actually, the current rumor going around is the PC P&C 510w is Etasis made. I've yet to confirm that, but I have seen a statement (forgot where) where someone directly asked a PC P&C rep if the OEM for it was Zippy. They would not say who it was, but that it definitely wasn't Zippy in that case. However, PC P&C uses many OEM's, and myself I do believe the new 850w is a Zippy.

That said, I agree with computerpro3 and would not take a Powerstream ahead of the PC P&C 510. Topower has some improving to do yet to get to that level of build quality.
 
I would suggest an OCZ PowerStream 520w or Antec Neopower 480w. Chances are you would never notice a difference between one of these and a PC Power and Cooling unit which costs $100 more when these two are already cream of the crop. You will notice a difference in noise output though because the PCP&C units are loud and the PowerStreams are very quiet. The PowerStreams are also more efficient and use less input to output the needed power. They also look more stylish with the mirror finish and green LED fan and you also have easily adjustable pots instead of having to take apart the PSU. OCZ also has one of the best customer service teams out there and its easy to get a new replacement if you need it.
 
Here's a link to the AMD forums where in my last post I describe how it died, or atleast how it was explained to me.
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=883900
Technically it was my fault.
I did not know that I could upgrade my PP&C for a little extra going through PP&C, so that definately increases my decision for them.
I have no problem with the sound, and don't care for the look or color, I don't make pretty computers, just nice components.
The money isn't a big deal, since I already paid for a PP&C, The reason I was thinking about going for the Powerstream 600 was that it's basically the same price as the PP&C 510, atleast my XE.

Thanks for the info computerpro3, that definately puts things into perspective.
I think I'll stick with the PP&C and just upgrade for a small price when I get a new mobo.
And hopefully can upgrade when their multi-connection comes out.
 
burningrave101 said:
They also look more stylish with the mirror finish and green LED fan
Click to expand...
more stylish, lol

to each his own, I guess
 
No more than 5 minutes ago, I finished installing a powerstream 520 to replace my antec trupower 550. The voltages on the 12 v rail were low on the antec. The powerstream is quieter than the antec and the 12 v is going from 11.96 to 12.03. My rig has 2 raptors, 1 200 gig WD, well look at sig. etc.

I did not want to spend 200+ on a psu, but wanted one that would run stable.

For anyone who does not want to spend 200+ dollars, I would definately recommend the powerstream 520.

I would like to thank everyone who posts on this forum, you all really helped me make this choice and I could not be happier.

Now, to go to another forum here and pick a vid card for this purchase next month. ( I want a new one before bf 2 comes out.

BTW, it IS more stylish, looks really sharp. In my eyes that is just an extra though. Now to prepare to oc this system.
 
burningrave101 said:
I would suggest an OCZ PowerStream 520w or Antec Neopower 480w. Chances are you would never notice a difference between one of these and a PC Power and Cooling unit which costs $100 more when these two are already cream of the crop. You will notice a difference in noise output though because the PCP&C units are loud and the PowerStreams are very quiet. The PowerStreams are also more efficient and use less input to output the needed power. They also look more stylish with the mirror finish and green LED fan and you also have easily adjustable pots instead of having to take apart the PSU. OCZ also has one of the best customer service teams out there and its easy to get a new replacement if you need it.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Though there always the step upward when buying any PCP&C PSU in terms of quality, I personally don't see myself ever needing that level of "perfection" (blah). Of course, PCP&C is the best of the best, but the options that are located right underneath it are also very nice options. The Neopower right now is my number one choice. I prefer it over the Powerstreams because only the 600W is ATX12V v2.0 compliant.
 
but he's already paid for the pcp&c, so regardless of price, the only argument is noise, and since he said he doesn't care about that, the choice is obvious.
 
computerpro3 said:
but he's already paid for the pcp&c, so regardless of price, the only argument is noise, and since he said he doesn't care about that, the choice is obvious.
Click to expand...

Yea there is no point in switching to the PowerStream 520w now when he already has a PC Power and Cooling unit under warranty. Make PCP&C pay for that dead POS and get a new one lol.

Will PCP&C do advanced replacement or do you have to send them the dead one first? OCZ told me they would cross ship me a new one if i had any problems.
 
I can't speak from personal experience, but someone over @ xtreme said they will cross ship if you tell them its critical you have your machine up
 
I really wish I called Friday to start the RMA.
Now I'll have to wait til monday.
I would prefer a cross ship, but it's not really critical.
I'll ask, and let you guys know on Monday.
 
I pesonally hate any kind of down time related to hardware problems and to me a company that will do advanced replacement or cross ship is a big plus.

For example i like Hitachi drives because their fast and quiet but Hitachi makes you RMA the drive first for replacement. This can result in a couple of weeks in down time if that hard drive is critical in your setup. Western Digital, Seagate, and Maxtor however will do an advanced replacement when you give them a CC number and you can just wait to ship the drive thats having problems after you receive the new one and even use that packaging to ship it with.

The OCZ employees are very active on the popular forums out there trying to be of any help they can to users that use their products. They are there helping with any OCZ memory or PSU related problems and giving advice on how to get the most out of the product.

Several of them used to frequent HardForum and help out users here but i guess Kyle told them he didn't want them to or something because i've had a couple OCZ reps say they weren't welcome here at HardForum and they dont even like you linking to HardForum posts over on the OCZ help forum.
 
they are in disguise now-a-days :p

I wouldnt think to second guess Kyle
but a general observation would be "official" reps dont fair that well

my personal opinion on this issue is fairly well known
the Powerstreams are a great supply
but Ive had some issues about its marketing and specs
never the less I recommend them quite often
 
Just curious Czar...what issues with marketing and specs?

Topower makes these for OCZ, right?
 
LoneWolf said:
Just curious Czar...what issues with marketing and specs?

Topower makes these for OCZ, right?
Click to expand...
I think he's referring to the fact that Topower has them rated at 3% rail regulation, but OCZ claims 1-2% regulation
 
thats basically it
they are rated at 1% load regulation but arent (though they are close)
they also have never cleared up the AC Ripple spec which I have to assume only applies to the 2 leads with the Radiation and Electromagnetic Interference Control (REMIC)
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/other/display/ocz-powerlead.html
http://www.topower.com.tw/home/product_option.htm (scroll down)
as opposed to the supply as a whole

and finally the deceptive way that ATX12V v2.01 compliance is listed on the site
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/power_management/ocz_powerstream_power_supply
while only applying to a single supply (out of 3 currently, perviously one out of four)

if you simply compare specs, the two supply appear identical
when if fact they arent
 
That's what I wanted to know. Wasn't aware of it, and it's really useful to know stuff like this, being picky about PSU's.

(Just to make sure we're straight, I wasn't questioning ya, Czar...just wanted the info. :))
 
Well, for anyone interested, I called to exchange my PSU this morning.
I didn't think anyone would be there yet as I thought they opened at 8 or 9 AM pacific.
But a nice woman answered the phone, and I told here I needed to exchange my PSU because it was dead.
She said we'll ship you another one right away and you'll have it tomorrow.
And I can put mine in that box with a provided shipping label to ship back to them.
I didn't even have to ask for them to ship first, and they didn't ask for a CC or anything.
I was very impressed.
I will definately stick with PP&C, best service I have ever received.
 
rottweiler said:
Well, for anyone interested, I called to exchange my PSU this morning.
I didn't think anyone would be there yet as I thought they opened at 8 or 9 AM pacific.
But a nice woman answered the phone, and I told here I needed to exchange my PSU because it was dead.
She said we'll ship you another one right away and you'll have it tomorrow.
And I can put mine in that box with a provided shipping label to ship back to them.
I didn't even have to ask for them to ship first, and they didn't ask for a CC or anything.
I was very impressed.
I will definately stick with PP&C, best service I have ever received.
Click to expand...

That's what I always tell people. :)

Glad it worked out for you
 
I've got a PCP&C 510 SLI and I will never buy anything else besides PCP&C now.

Go for the 510 again!
 
200 plus dollars is a bargain when you consider your overall investment in your system. Computer pro steered me toward Pc Power and Cooling and I have no regret.
 
Now im curius as to way ocz reps aren't welcome and or what they did because that guy from bfgtech is like a godsend
 
as far as Im concerned they are welcome
but then these arent my forums, Im just the babysitter :p

as far as what OCZ might have done
they have a checkered past and some dont forget that sort of thing
what effectively happened was they lied and screwed over some folks,
then got sideways and
then got bought,
why at that point they didnt change the name I dont know

They have proven themselves to me however
they are on the up and up these days with some of the best customer service around
when the Powerstream 600W was released, (their first ATX12V v2.0)
the first batch was defective and fried some very expensive videocards,
they replaced all those and went out of their way to make everything right
 
I just upgraded to an OCZ 600w psu, and I absolutely love it.
My roomate has a PC P&C 510 (not SLI) and I cant knock it for its performance, but it is noticeably louder than my OCZ.

They're both stellar performers, in about the same price bracket (excluding mods to the P&C, which can jack the price waaay up there.)

Personally I could do without the green LED fan on the OCZ, but the Nickel plating on it is awesome.

 
computerpro3 said:
The pcp&c is unquestionably better. Also I have become privvy to the information that they are releasing a new 7-in-1 psu very soon that will become the new standard for all connections, so if I were you I would buy a 510 deluxe SLI and then have them replace it with the new model for no or little charge (that's what I did; I have a 510 deluxe vanilla and they replaced it with the SLI edtion when I upgraded for little more than the cost of shipping).

1. OCZ themselves admitted it themselves



2. OCZ is made by Topower, pcp&c is made my Zippy. Two manufacturers in totally different classes.

3. OCZ is rated at 40C, pcp&c is rated @ 50C. Apply a derating curve to the OCZ and the power numbers drop where you don't even have to apply one to the pcp&c. The 38amps on the pcp&c are like 42amps if rated the OCZ way.

4. Pcp&c uses 400mf (or 1400, can't remember) @ 125C caps to regulate their input voltage IIRC; Topower uses much less capacity ones

5. Pcp&c delivers tighter voltage regulation, cleaner power, more power, and is warrantied for 5 years to power a Dual CPU SLI system with 11 hard drives plugged in.

No one can beat that right now.


On a side note, how the hell did you kill yours? I'm ordering my 30th or so for machibes I build and not one has died yet....
Click to expand...


Computerpro I said it at xtreme and I will say it here. That is extremely unfair of you to use that quote against OCZ. Bigtoe was simply saying that the 520w powerstream was not designed to go up against the 510 deluxe. They had not released the 600w version at that time which is designed to compete with the 510 deluxe.
 
Bucken said:
Computerpro I said it at xtreme and I will say it here. That is extremely unfair of you to use that quote against OCZ. Bigtoe was simply saying that the 520w powerstream was not designed to go up against the 510 deluxe. They had not released the 600w version at that time which is designed to compete with the 510 deluxe.
Click to expand...

I dont think its unfair of him to use it. Its fact. It came right from the horses mouth. If no one ever wanted it repeated then it should have never been said. Besides As far as im concerned it is in the "same class" as far as size goes. 520w vs 510w. Thats what a consumer will see when shopping for a PSU. Comparing a 600w vs a 510w is bs. Thats like saying were going to compare a FX55 against a 2.8ghz P4. No contest P4 would get whooped. Let PcPwr&C make a 600w unit and then compare it. I use PcPwr&C PSU exclusively now. I have learned after long time of use of a many different brands now. been thru them all and none can compare for quality and service. Price may be another issue but i have a firm belief. you pay for what you get and with PcPwr&C you get the best. The best in quallity, The best in power and the best in service hands down.
 
You compare it by price not by the title of the psu. Everyone knows that pcp&c undervalues their psu's. By the way I am not saying that the ocz is as good as the pcp&c. I am just saying that using a quote out of context is not appropriate.
 
I will say the same as i said on Xtreme where if you read the whole thread you will see the context it was meant to be read in.

If you want to buy PC power and cooling, if you think its better than Powerstream, then fine....its your opinion.

We never went out to compete with them. You all here decided to compare and say that either or is better.... not OCZ.

We are working hard to get the Powerstream better as well as the Modstream line, if you chose to buy one we back it up with very good customer service.

Now i will not post here on this subject again as it normally leads to huge arguments and i don't want to upset Kyle and the mods here.... etc.

I am available on email if you want to contact me...just look at my sig over on xtremesystems.
 
Bucken said:
You compare it by price not by the title of the psu. Everyone knows that pcp&c undervalues their psu's. By the way I am not saying that the ocz is as good as the pcp&c. I am just saying that using a quote out of context is not appropriate.
Click to expand...

Maybe you compare by price but I compare by quality and performance. I look at price last. Im not rich but I do know that when I want something I want something good. Something with the reputation of having quality and performance with excellent service. I dont mind paying for it. If im gonna spend my hard earned money on something i want it to be good. Ive always had a strong belief that you pay for what you get. With PcPwr&C you get every bit that and more. I would rather have it undervalued/underrated and get more then the opposite and current way most manufactures seem to make their PSU's. Thats by saying its 500w and its not even close to 350 watt. I am far from being out of context in my quote cause I value things by the way I do and not by price alone. Im not saying that OCZ makes a bad power supply. In fact quite the opposite. Out of all the manufactures out there I place them in the top 5 Just not the number 1.
 
Capt Insano please show me where I said you used any quote out of context. So by using your logic if I was shopping for a car than any 4 door car can be compared to any other 4 door car. A top of the line Lexus vs. a Honda Civic is a fair comparison? I am happy for you that you can have the luxury to shop for nothing but performance and dont have to worry about price. Most people need to worry about price and shop accordingly. When comparing power supplies it is simply not fair to compare a $200 510 Deluxe to a $130 520w Powerstream.

By the way I have had both a 510 deluxe and an OCZ 600w Powerstream and think they are both very good. The 510 deluxe was just a little too loud for me and because I live in a small apartment and my baby sleeps pretty close to the computers sound was an issue. If it was not then I think that new 850w PCP&C would be getting delivered to my door. :D. No disrespect meant to anyone by my postings here including you computerpro. I just dont like to see people's words twisted around like that.
 
Just purchased a 510 SLI to replace a Neo 480 I am having problems with. I haven't seen or tried the 510 SLI yet as it just shipped today. What is the new unit coming out and when? Also I purchased the 510 from Frozencpu; surprise they are located closer to me and the Rep at PcPwr&C said buy it from them it is closer to you and you will get it faster. I was shocked by that one. Anyhow how do you take advantage of the upgarde program?

I was getting lock ups on the system below, surprisingly, due to the lack of power from the Neo 480 PSU. The 12 volt rail was only reading 11.63 and would drop to 11.57 when running with both Vid Cards in and my system would shutdown. I removed one vid card and everything ran fine I also swapped out the second vid card and it fine as well. I am getting a PP&C 510 SLI to replace it. I hope this helps out some people looking to build an SLI unit. All reviews for the NEO 480 lead me to believe it would run fine with my setup. Even the folks at Frozencpu who sold me the PP&C 510 SLI said the NEO 480 was a fantastic PS. I do like the modular connectors and maybe I just have a bad unit but many reviews mentioned the weak 12 volt rail for this unit. On side note one review suggest strongly to not use the fan only connector as the fans will only run at 50%.

AMD 64 FX55
A8N-SLI-Deluxe
Dual BFG OC 6800GT's
2 Gig Mushkin DDR 3200 512x4 Part 991093 Cas 2.5 - 3- 3 - 8
NeoPower 480
SB Audigy 2 ZS Pro
Case Cool Master Praetorian PAC-T01-EK
WD 74 Gig Raptor on NVidia Sata 1
 
Bucken said:
Most people need to worry about price and shop accordingly. When comparing power supplies it is simply not fair to compare a $200 510 Deluxe to a $130 520w Powerstream.
Click to expand...

this is generally true however we are in a enthusiast community here. i would like to consider myself one. spending another $70 or $100 difference would not end my life.

considering your own piority you should buy accordingly. i actually refused a shipment i placed at newegg for one in return to get the 510sli. to be honest i probably didnt need it however experiencing a bad psu in teh past i just opted to go forward and not have to worry if the psu is the problem of the system. having room for another upgrade path was definately another plus.

i'm also a believer of "you get what you pay for" w/ research. sometimes that isnt always the case like paying for blinged out hardware.
 
Good points TrueRush. This is my first try at building a machine and I read everything I could about all the equipment so I didn't make a wrong choice. Until last night everything I read indicated that the NEO 480 would work on my system. So I spent 2 days trying to get Raid 0 to work and had no luck so go with one drive and get it up and running but it keeps locking up and rebooting. I spend the next 3 days checking memory, drives and someone posted on this forum maybe my PS is not able to handle 2 Vid Crads in SLI I was like What I looked it all up and everything seemed to show it would well low and behold remove on Vid card and it runs like a champ no lock up and no problems. If I would have know about the 510 SLI would I have spent 200+ for it maybe not but now after spending almost a week of time, can only send NEO 480 back for another one or take a 25% restocking fee return I would have gladly spent the extra money instead of going through this frustration.
 
Bucken said:
Capt Insano please show me where I said you used any quote out of context. So by using your logic if I was shopping for a car than any 4 door car can be compared to any other 4 door car. A top of the line Lexus vs. a Honda Civic is a fair comparison? I am happy for you that you can have the luxury to shop for nothing but performance and dont have to worry about price. Most people need to worry about price and shop accordingly. When comparing power supplies it is simply not fair to compare a $200 510 Deluxe to a $130 520w Powerstream.

By the way I have had both a 510 deluxe and an OCZ 600w Powerstream and think they are both very good. The 510 deluxe was just a little too loud for me and because I live in a small apartment and my baby sleeps pretty close to the computers sound was an issue. If it was not then I think that new 850w PCP&C would be getting delivered to my door. :D. No disrespect meant to anyone by my postings here including you computerpro. I just dont like to see people's words twisted around like that.
Click to expand...

If you are going to use "twas when they came out, not now argument" then you also must consider the price that the 520w debuted at.

Back then pcp&c 510 deluxe (SLI was not out) = $179
powerstream 520w = $150-$170

To use your analogy, one was a lexus, and one was a honda, but they were both marketed and priced as the lexus. Therefore, it is fair to compare them.
 
petersondm said:
Anyhow how do you take advantage of the upgarde program?
Click to expand...

For me, I just called them up and asked how much it was to upgrade me from a normal 510 deluxe to a 510 deluxe SLI, they came back with $55 shipped. Keep in mind this was probably a bit higher for me than most people because I had certain mods done to my 510 deluxe from factory (such as custom external pots) that had to be re-done to the new pcb. I also requested ALL the wires sleeved, and not to leave like 2in on the end of some like they do.
 
pc&p owns my 510 is sweet but needs to be QUIETED down a bunch. damn whine under load is nuts.
 
Computerpro do you have pics of your psu? I always wanted to see how they implement their external pots.
 
I just ordered one with a 3.3v pot, Basically its just a line off the PSU that has one of these on it.
pots_sm.jpg


Works out really great for me because I put it in the compartment on the front of my Praetorian :)
 
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