Train, puzzled why you got 'link expired' ? If you're interested, I copied info from that link and pasted into attached document.
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Train, puzzled why you got 'link expired' ? If you're interested, I copied info from that link and pasted into attached document.
Thank you, that was very kind of you to that.
Seeing that you had a 380 that time, this time I suggest a 450 watt and I believe if you get some think the Tagan, OCZ, Enermax, Hiper, Xion, Thermaltake ones they will last you a long time to come.
I cranked in a bit for capacitor aging is what happened.
A good CPU heatsink/fan will help extend the life of your system, and you can't go wrong with a Zalman. I use the 7000Cu; it's a bit pricier than others, but it also fits Socket 754 and 939 among others so you could perhaps re-use it in a newer build when the time comes.
Thanks so much for the suggestions. I plan to order lgbpop's heatsink recommendation. (Thank you!)
The PSUs = feel like I'm being a bother. Trying to be self-reliant here, but reading all this is dizzying to me. Doesn't help that I just don't get what I'm reading :rolleyes: Amps and volts, dual +12v ? :confused: So I respectfully plead for some help here :o I read in one review that a major mobo manufacturer recommends 24-30 amps on a 12v line, important for 3D video card and/or dual core processor. (And aren't dual cores the new generation?) I've been reading specs, but I can't figure out how you tell if it's got 24-30 amps? I'm also reading up now to grasp what SATA is.
I can't seem to find a 450 in the manufacturers mentioned. It's either 10-20 watts below or above 450. So I listed options in both categories that I found from recommended brands.
I don't mind spending a bit more $ if the product is quality, has longevity, hopefully will slip into (much) later upgrades, and quiet is a huge plus (I barely hear the Antec).
Tried to narrow it all down. Here's what I found, based on brands you all like:
450 + Watts (and these might be overkill, I don't know. Space in the Sonata case is definitely a factor.)
An
Enermax 460 watt
A Hiper 480 watt
A Tagan 480
A Thermaltake 470
And a Xion 500 watt
Now, if I drop down in wattage, to 420/430, I found:
This Enermax 420 (reviews say it won't work on older motherboards. I'm confused, so it might be an issue with mine?)
There are 4 Thermaltake units in the 420-30 Watt range. The Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC ATX 430W appears to be quite popular and well rated.
And one Tagan .
There is no harm at all in having a power supply that is larger than you need, especially if you plan to upgrade other components in the future. I would say that any of the first 5 that you listed would be a fine choice.
As for the amps, it is true that it is a very important specification. Unfortunately, as you found out, it can make your head spin trying to find out what the amps are on each rail. Rest assured, if you buy a quality PSU with more than enough wattage for your needs, then you really don't need to worry about the amps - the makers will have made sure that there is enough current on each rail. All I have ever done when choosing a PSU is to select a good brand, decide how many watts are required, then add a fairly hefty margin to that to allow for the unexpected and for futureproofing.
I'd personally go for the 500W Xion, they have got quite popular in a short space of time, and that's a good price, especially after the rebate, it has dual 12v rails, and puts out 38amps across them, also has PCI-E connectors, and a 24pin connector with 4 pins that can break away so if your board has a 20pin connector you won't have any problems connecting it.
Liam
Actually, the the 4 pin on my 500Watt XION's 24pin connector, swings to one side.
And the 140 mm fan is quiet.
Nick, thanks so much for easing my worries ;)
liam & Train: Thank you! So you both think the Xion 500 watt is good?
Just triple checking, if so, I'll get it ordered today along with the heatsink.
(Sheesh, can you tell I'm nervous about this for some reason, and need extra validation? :p )
"(Sheesh, can you tell I'm nervous about this for some reason, and need extra validation? )"
Under stand real well.
The Xion is the heaviest one weight wise and that means , normally, better better grades of stuff was used inside.
My Xion took a beating last month that should have cost me everything but the case. Still perking along. :D :D
Just my experience.
Ok, hugs to all of you! :D I got my order in to newegg (first time ordering from them). I got the Xion 500 W, the Zalman heatsink and some Zalman thermal grease (because reviews said it lowered temps better than Arctic Silver). I'll let you know when everything comes in and I get it all set up.
Many thanks!
~Kat
Your welcome!
And do let us know how things work out.
Check your Newegg account status around 8:30 your time, you may find they've already shipped your order. If you chose Fedex 3DaySelect service, you may see it Wednesday.:)
I was amazed with my first order, just how fast that company is at order fulfillment.
Me again. Got my order (wow, fast!)
A couple things, though.
First, the Zion Power Supply they sent is v 2.0 and it was supposed to be 2.2 I saw a review at newegg where that happened to someone else (different vendor) and they said the features are definitely not the same. Also, the $15 rebate is only good for the 2.2, not the 2.0 they sent me (so if I kept it I'd be paying more $ for less features). That review is here, under "New Egg Rocks" if you want to read it.
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Here are Specs for 2.0 from the box:
AC Input 115~120 VAC 10.7A/200 ~240 Vac 6.2A Frequency - 50/60 Hz
DC Output: +3.3V +5V +12V1 +12V2 -12V +5VSB
Min 0.3A 1.0A 1.0A 1.0A 0A 0A
Max 23A 28A 17A 18A 0.6A 2.0A
Connectors:
24 pins x1 (20+4 pins) (MBoard)
12v- 4pins x1 (MainBoard)
12V/5V - 4 pins x 6 (Drives)
Floppy x 2
SATA x 2
PCI Express x 1 (6 pins)
Others
MTBF: 100,000+ hours at 70% of full rated load
Temparture: 0~40C (Operating)
~40- ~70C (Storage)
Dimension (LxWxH) 145mm x 150mmx 85mm
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Here are specs for 2.2 As near as I can tell the differences are:
2.0 says "dual cooling fans" but box doesn't say size
2.0 only has 1 PCI Epxress
2.0 has "Dual plus 12v x 1 (2.2 has x 2)
2.0 Input voltage, frequency and current are different
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Next is the Zalman CPU Cooler. It's huge! Must weigh a few pounds easy. The little fan I have on there now it probably 3 x 3 max and weighs a few ounces. Zalman box says it will fit the AMD socket 462 on my mboard, but seems like it's so heavy it would eventually fall right off the mboard. I know you all wouldn't steer me wrong, so I guess I need to hear I'm worrying needlessly and it'll be OK :o
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I think that's it. I can't even find anyone online that's selling the Xion 2.0 to compare it to the 2.2. But it looks like I'm going to have to send it back, yes? (Oh, and I didn't open anything yet.)
Mine says Ver 2.0
uder that it says
ATX 12v ver. 2.01
And it has the 2x sata connections and PCI-E - 6pin X 2 (VGA)
And should have one huge 140mm fan.
760g or so, about 1 lb. 10 oz. but it feels heavy enough to break your foot if you drop it.:)Quote:
Must weigh a few pounds easy.
Zalman's website advises that as long as the unit is mounted according to directions, it's quite safe and won't damage anything. It also advises not dropping the tower after the unit's installed.:D Understandable, it's the inertia thing. Mine's been installed for 16 months now, not a problem at all.
As far as your PSU goes, if there is that much appreciable difference you might try the RMA route but the PSU you were sent is a good one as well; if they'd credit you for the uncollectable $15 rebate, they'd save the money on shipping the replacement out and shipping yours back. Just some food for thought, may be worth asking them.