Power supply issues! - TTLG Forums

Independent Thief on 2/8/2010 at 16:02

I have 2 computers (one XP, one 2000 pro) and I keep having power supply issues with my XP system and I've shut it down for now so I don't risk damaging anything. I've already replaced the power supply twice this year in that thing (both cheap versions in the $20-30 dollar range). I plan to get another psw to resolve the issue this payday-but can anyone recommend a good psw that isn't too expensive so I don't have to deal with this again for a few years?:p

Renzatic on 2/8/2010 at 17:40

A power supply is the one piece of equipment I would most definitely not skimp on when it comes to price and quality. After all, it's the thing most likely to take out every other component in your computer if it decides to flake out. You just don't screw around when it comes to something with that much destructive potential.

I'd recommend this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015) Antec 650w PSU. I've had two Antec supplies in my day, and have never had a single problem out of either of them.

Alternately, I'd suggest investing in a good UPS. It's rare, but your PSU problems could be caused by weird power issues coming from the wall. Specially if you live in an older house, with older wiring and whatnot.

Brian The Dog on 2/8/2010 at 21:17

I'd definitely agree, Power Supplies are the ONE thing you don't want to skimp on as far as computers go. Antec make good PSUs, but if you want one on a slightly cheaper budget then Arctic Power ((http://www.ebuyer.com/product/124922) 500W or (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/124927) 700W) are OK as well. I got a (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135514) 650W Corsair one due to its high efficiency, but to be honest any of these would be good. I'd stay away from the generic ones though.

Renz, would a power strip with (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/45747) surge protection do the same thing as a passive UPS? An active UPS would likely be too expensive unless you're running an important piece of kit I guess.

Independent Thief on 3/8/2010 at 01:17

Thanks for the ideas, I have a power strip with surge protection and nothing else I have used on it has had any issues-so I'm sure it's just the fact I've been using cheap psu's rather than getting quality products. At least I haven't damaged anything this time.:sweat:

Renzatic on 3/8/2010 at 01:34

I'm probably exposing my ignorance here, but I've never heard of active and passive being used in terms of UPSes before. On a semi-educated guess, I'd assume that a passive UPS only monitors if the line is live or not, and switches to the battery when said line goes dead. If that's the case, then it probably doesn't do any sort of power conditioning or protection by itself.

Ostriig on 3/8/2010 at 03:10

NightRanger, depending on the specifications of the respective PC and whether you plan on upgrading it in the future or not, I might also suggest taking this (http://www.corsair.com/products/cx/default.aspx) Corsair CX400W into consideration. I've bought it on recommendation almost a month ago to replace my old PSU which had finally fizzled out, and at least so far it's been working perfectly.

For some reference, my spec is a C2D E6420 2.13Ghz, 4GB RAM, 1GB GeForce 9800GT, with two HDDs and one optical drive. So if the system you're trying to fix is thereabouts with the hardware and you don't plan on further upgrading it later on, you could also look into the CX400W and see if it's to your liking. In the US it can be had for $50 on (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FXB7X0/ref=asc_df_B001FXB7X01196515?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-401-38-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B001FXB7X0) Amazon and (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008&nm_mc=OTC-pricegrabbermerch&cm_mmc=OTC-pricegrabbermerch-_-Power+Supplies-_-Corsair-_-17139008) Newegg, and other shops are listed on Corsair's site.

Brian The Dog on 3/8/2010 at 10:07

Quote Posted by Renzatic

I'm probably exposing my ignorance here

No you're not - I am :D Active is a company that specialises in making UPS's, so I just assumed active was a type, and therefore so was passive. Oops... Anyway, a UPS might be a good idea, but try a good power supply first, you can always buy it later.

Matthew on 3/8/2010 at 10:39

I bought a PSU made by PC Power and Cooling and must recommend the brand, it's great stuff.