need a new PSU

[hyperian]

Hey,

My cheap PSU that came with my case is acting strangely, and I think its time to get a new one. It keeps dipping down to 10.5v on the 12v+ rail.

I'm looking for something in the range of 500w, 80Plus certified, for around R 900. So far I like the look of the BFG 500w LS but that is now out of stock on take2

Any suggestions? Where would be a good place to buy from in Cape Town? I considered kalahari again, but when I called and asked about the BFG guarantee (which I think is 5 years), they said that they only guarantee electronics for 1 year.

Thanks

 

[PostmanPot]

I take it your budget is ±R850, for that I'd recommend the Corsair VX450W or Vantec ION2+A VAN-550W.

The BFG looks to be good value for money though!

 

[hyperian]

Do you think the Corsair VX450 is powerful enough to run a decent graphics card, core 2 processor and about 4 hdds?

 

[blaaislaai]

450 doesn't sound much.. rather get the 550w at least. just to be safe

 

[hyperian]

450 doesn't sound much.. rather get the 550w at least. just to be safe

Most reviews of the Corsair say that it runs stable at 570 watt and still runs at 80% efficiency

 

[PostmanPot]

Which graphics card?

It's a lot more more efficient than a Cooler Master Extreme Power 460watt - which runs a 4870/9800GTX+. The Corsair's actual rating is 396watts @ 12v (CM Extreme Power 460watt = 312watts).

You can check how much power your PC uses here - http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

 

[hyperian]

Which graphics card?

It's a lot more more efficient than a Cooler Master Extreme Power 460watt - which runs a 4870/9800GTX+. The Corsair's actual rating is 396watts @ 12v (CM Extreme Power 460watt = 312watts).

Nothing too hardcore - nothing more than the cards you mention. Would it be better to get the VX550W, or do you think the 450 will be powerful enough?

You can check how much power your PC uses here - http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Awesome - thats a great link! With a 9800GT it says that my system will draw 236 watt.

 

[PostmanPot]

Nothing too hardcore - nothing more than the cards you mention. Would it be better to get the VX550W, or do you think the 450 will be powerful enough?

Here's your answer:

Awesome - thats a great link! With a 9800GT it says that my system will draw 236 watt.

 

[hyperian]

Ive been playing with that tool. Even with an i7 cpu, a 260xt graphics card and 5 sata drives and an optical sata drive, it only draws +- 350 watt, and I don't see myself needing more than that anytime soon. Looks like the Corsair looks like the one to go for.

 

[PostmanPot]

Ive been playing with that tool. Even with an i7 cpu, a 260xt graphics card and 5 sata drives and an optical sata drive, it only draws +- 350 watt, and I don't see myself needing more than that anytime soon. Looks like the Corsair looks like the one to go for.

Agreed. And it's got a 5yr warranty.

 

[hyperian]

Cool, thanks for the help dude

 

[Zenbaas]

OCZ Fatal1ty 550W Modular

 

[hyperian]

Got the BFG 550w LS from Take2 @ R804. Thanks to PostmanPot for the help!