Any ATX 350W 12V/18A quite power supply less then $30?

behr · Post by **behr** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 9:21 pm

Hi:

I have been looking for a quite ATX power supply with more than 350W power and 18A output on 12V line for Pentium 4 2.0 Ghz PC. But, suggested Seasonic, Enermax, SilentX power supplies are more than $50. Is there any power supply with a few dB more noise than Seasonic for less than $30?

Thank you.

Ackelind · Post by **Ackelind** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:33 am

Perhaps a seasonic super tornado 300W? Is is discontinued, but it has 18 amps on the 12V rail, and it is really cheap, atleast here in sweden.

frankgehry · Post by **frankgehry** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:46 am

enermax noisetaker 370w at newegg for about $40.

StarfishChris · Post by **StarfishChris** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 3:52 am

$30 is peanuts unless you don't mind having a PSU that isn't very quiet and/or of questionable quality. Spend a few dollars more and get a decent PSU like the Enermax or an older Seasonic.

fjf · Post by **fjf** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:09 am

http://forums.silentpcreview.com/viewto ... fsp35060pn

I have the one rebranded by AOpen and IS quiet.

Regards

behr · Post by **behr** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 10:33 am

Thank you for your replies.

I have found FSP300 series power supplies which are in my price range; however, they have 15A on 12V line. If I am not wrong, both Sparkle and AOPEN rebrands Fortron PSUs.

FSP350 has 16A and comes around $50 including shipment.

Also, I am concerned of the power supplies with fans directed towards CPU. I tested and found that my CPU temperature increased 2C which resulted in CPU fan to rotate 500 RPM faster. In this sense, I would prefer traditional power supplies with one fan at the back of the case.

In the meantime, I have seen some cut the top of the computer case and installed the fan upside/down which probably is the best solution. But, I do not have the tools to cut the case.

behr · Post by **behr** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:15 am

I was thinking of Thermaltake Silent PurePower TT-420AD at Newegg which comes to $38. Reviewers are saying it is quite, but I did not see it mentioned on this forum. I also do not want to have power supply with two fans.

Antecs have good reputation too, but I do not see them mentioned here either.

Seasonic Tornado 300W has good specs 18A/12V, 77% efficiency, active PFC.
But, Seasonic's are very expensive, they are at least $50.

I would really appreciate if you can point where to find Seasonic's for a low price.

Thanks.

fjf · Post by **fjf** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:07 pm

The psus with 120 mm fans suck the air from the CPU and push it outside. Those are the only PSUs that are silent. The others, with 80 mm fans at the back, are usually noisy. That's because a 120 mm fan can push more air with lower turbulence at lower RPMs, therefore making less noise. I had an antec with 2 fans (80mm) and it was like an aicraft. I'm afraid that fortrons-aopens are the only cheap-silent PSU I know. Anything else (I would buy a seasonic now) costs more.

Regards.

behr · Post by **behr** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:43 pm

Thanks a lot for your reply. I was leaning towards Antec. I know that many power supplies are labeled quiet, but actually they are not.

I am a bit suspicious of the 120mm bottom fans. My BIOS states that the temperature around my CPU is 40C. However, when I touch, CPU sink is pretty cold. 40C should be very hot. If PSU sucks the hot air from CPU, would not inside the PSU get hot and fan turn faster?

Another option is to modify a power supply with Panaflo 80mm L1A fan. Would this be quiter than Fortron 120mm PSU?

In any case, an efficient power supply with active PFC is at least $30, plus $8 or so for Panaflo fan which would bring it to $40. Forton seems to be the best choice. But, I currently have Tiger Pro 300W 15A/12V power supply and it seems to be struggling to supply my system.

frankgehry · Post by **frankgehry** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:45 pm

f,

you should read the info in spcr about psu's. Then read the recommended psu list. There are many 120 psu's that have been tested and are not on the list. Its not as simplistic as you seem to think. The next thing to a seasonic is an enermax noisetaker. A 120 with a noisy fan and a controller that ramps up too fast will be noisy. Same goes for any configuration. - FG

This is an open book open notes question.

behr · Post by **behr** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 1:09 pm

OK, back to square one, I need to find cheap Seasonic.