Generic PSU's?

  • Thread starter Shannon
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Shannon

Shannon

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I got a new case when I assembled my new computer a few weeks back, but it only came with a measly 300W power supply (and my old 400W is screwed). So, obviously, I intend to replace the PSU. I've been looking at the range of PSU's from the place I shop at and they have a selection of generic, no-name PSU's and more expensive ones from brands such as Antec and Thermaltake.

My question is, is there much difference to justify the price gap between the generic and name-brand PSU's? I can get a 550W, 24-pin, 2x SATA generic PSU for $AU99, whereas a 430W Antec PSU costs $AU103.

The only conclusion I can come to is that the name-brand PSU's probably run quieter, but still I can get an extra 100+W for $4 less by going with the generic option.

Thanks. :)
 
Yes, get the more expensive one. Cheapy generic ones often suffer from voltage inconsistencies and when they fail, they can take out other components. All electronic equipment can fail but a better quality one has more reliable components inside it (caps, heatsink, filters etc) so it's less likely to fail. If you compare the weight of a cheap one and a good quality one like a Thermaltake or Antec you will see that the more expensive one is heavier. There will be more and bigger componentry inside the better one. The cheapy ones are so light because they put in as little components as possible to make them work.

If I were you I would fork out a little more cash and have peace of mind that your house won't catch on fire. Your other components will be happier to, so make them happy!
 
I'll vouch for those two hoons above me.

Seeing as the dirt cheap supposedly 500w Q-Tec PSU I bought blew up after about 4 months use.

The cheaper ones cut costs by using shoddy components.

Good tomshardware link.

Edit: Sup Shannon. ;)
 
Race Idiot
I'll vouch for those two hoons above me.

Seeing as the dirt cheap supposedly 500w Q-Tec PSU I bought blew up after about 4 months use.

The cheaper ones cut costs by using shoddy components.

Good tomshardware link.

Edit: Sup Shannon. ;)
Click to expand...
Hmm, interesting. After reading that and the above comments, I think I'm going to go with the Thermaltake 480W Total Watts Viewer PSU, mainly because it looks sexy and is the only name-brand PSU with active PFC (that the shop stocks at least).

Anyone want to give me $AU159?

Edit: Not much Breet. :dopey:
 
Vantec 400watt ION. 3 year warranty .i got it for $75 bucks from tigerdirect.

i had to get it after my 6 year old stock 300watt Enlight PSU was becoming instab.
 
When looking to buy a PSU make sure it can support PCI Express because that is the future of graphics cards like we all know buds.
 
TVR&Ferrari_Fan
When looking to buy a PSU make sure it can support PCI Express because that is the future of graphics cards like we all know buds.
Click to expand...
I already have a PCI Express card in my computer (Radeon X850XT). Your PSU doesn't have to support PCIe as you can connect PCIe cards via the mini power cables too (the 4-pin ones you connect to harddrives and optical drives). :)
 
But making sure it has enough power to support the card is what needs to be taken into consideration.

After all, you wouldn't want a ****ty psu taking out a not quite so ****ty graphics card would you?
 

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