Power supply recommendations?

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amanzi

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#22012 13-May-2008 16:24

I'm building up a new HTPC around the awesome Gigabyte motherboard - GA-MA78GM-S2H. I'm still deciding on the processor, but I'm thinking along the lines of the BE-2350 Athlon X2 proc which only runs at 45W.

I still need to decide on a case and power supply, but was wondering whether anyone has any recommendations around power supplies? I want it to be silent (or very quiet) and it must be energy efficient.

Disrespective

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#130621 13-May-2008 16:55

This has been talked about here recently.

But for simplicities sake have a look here.

And here to calculate how much power your PC will likely use, and thus need.

amanzi

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#130631 13-May-2008 17:24

Thanks for those links. After some initial research, this HighPower model is looking good: http://www.highpowersupply.com/hpc370n12s.html

Vorbis

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#130642 13-May-2008 17:47

amanzi: Thanks for those links. After some initial research, this HighPower model is looking good: http://www.highpowersupply.com/hpc370n12s.html

I chose that psu for my new build, should be here tomorrow, I'll let you know how it is...

amanzi

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#130650 13-May-2008 17:58

Good to hear that. Looking forward to hearing your opinions - especially about the noise. It should be pretty quiet with the 12cm fan and speed control.

Vorbis

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#130654 13-May-2008 18:07

Hope so, it's going in the bedroom....must keep wife happy...I've had a silverstone ST50EF plus and that was pretty good, more juice than I require for this build 'tho.

ajst2duk

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#130933 14-May-2008 17:44

Vorbis: Hope so, it's going in the bedroom....must keep wife happy...I've had a silverstone ST50EF plus and that was pretty good, more juice than I require for this build 'tho.

More juice than required is much better than less - less stress, more stability !!!

Vorbis

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#131495 17-May-2008 18:27

Well, it's reasonable. No fan control 'tho. There are quieter psu's out there, but be looking at spending $150+ for them.

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amanzi

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#131921 19-May-2008 21:34

Vorbis: Well, it's reasonable. No fan control 'tho. There are quieter psu's out there, but be looking at spending $150+ for them.

That PSU is supposed to have a fan controller. Did it not have the connector? How's the noise levels?

Vorbis

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#131952 20-May-2008 00:18

Fan controllers on 500W model I think. Noise fine for lounge, just a little louder than I'd like for bedroom. You can't expect miracles at the price 'tho.

amanzi

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#131956 20-May-2008 00:52

Vorbis: Fan controllers on 500W model I think. Noise fine for lounge, just a little louder than I'd like for bedroom. You can't expect miracles at the price 'tho.

The specs here - http://www.highpowersupply.com/hpc370n12s.html - defintely say that it should have fan control. Are you sure you have the same model?

Vorbis

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#132435 21-May-2008 23:20

If you scroll to the bottom of the page on that link, it says you only get the 4-pin controller on the 500W model.

amanzi

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#132530 22-May-2008 13:02

Thanks for pointing that out - definitely misleading.

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#134625 31-May-2008 16:43

I have the 370W hipower. the fan is too noisey for a quiet (HTPC) PC (I guess its just a cheap & nasty fan). I took it out after a week.
I replaced it with a Corsair, they were highly recommended by other forums. This was very quiet (ie silent) for about a month, the fan is no longer 'silent', dissapointing considering what it cost me.

My main(intertnet/gaming) PC has an Enermax nosietaker. Not completely silent, but at least it isnt getting any louder & one of the fans has an external speed adjust knob (so I can turn up fan speed when gaming)