PW-200-M or PicoPSU?

PSUs: The source of DC power for all components in the PC & often a big noise source.

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Matzon
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Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:31 am

PW-200-M or PicoPSU?

Post by Matzon » Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:51 am

Which should I get?
I like the wide input of the picopsu - but I also like the 200 watts of the PW-200.

I did read some compatibility issues with the PW-200 though?

I plan to use it with a generic 110W AD-DC (yes, makes the 200W a bit moot - but might be relevant in the future).

Also - having problems locating a 100W+ AC-DC without a fan :(
(at least with the right price and able to do international shipments).

Can I go lower than 110W with this setup?:
  • MB: Gigabyte GA-G33M-DS2R
    CPU: Core 2 Duo, E8200
    RAM: 2x1GB
    STORAGE: WD Scorpio WD1200BEVS 2.5"
    FAN: 1x120mm ~ 800rpm

ryboto
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Re: PW-200-M or PicoPSU?

Post by ryboto » Sun Aug 03, 2008 10:08 am

The PicoPSU comes in two versions, one has wide input, the one reviewed here doesn't. I Own both. With my X2 4000+ at stock CPU speed, and an X1950pro, my system drew 135W from the wall. I was running it with a PicoPSU, so, you should be just fine with one. I'd only suggest going with the PW-200 if you plan on adding discrete graphics. Technically, the PicoPSU can output up to 200W, but it's thermally limited. If you had high airflow in the area of the 24-pin socket, it might be ok well over 120W.

Matzon
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Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:31 am

Post by Matzon » Sun Aug 03, 2008 10:38 am

I do not plan to add any graphics card to the setup - the onboard is fine.

I do not expect a high airflow in the setup (passive hsf, 120mm outtake).

However, I guess the X2 4000 and X1950PRO uses a fair amount of Watts? - compared to an Core 2 Duo @45nm and no graphics card?

I know that there are 80W AC-DC's -are they too low wattage for my setup?

ryboto
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Post by ryboto » Sun Aug 03, 2008 10:42 am

Matzon wrote:I do not plan to add any graphics card to the setup - the onboard is fine.

I do not expect a high airflow in the setup (passive hsf, 120mm outtake).

However, I guess the X2 4000 and X1950PRO uses a fair amount of Watts? - compared to an Core 2 Duo @45nm and no graphics card?

I know that there are 80W AC-DC's -are they too low wattage for my setup?
I would consider a 110-150W AC-DC unit, just so you have a bit more overhead. Without a discrete video card, you should be perfectly fine with a PicoPSU 120.

jaganath
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Post by jaganath » Sun Aug 03, 2008 2:27 pm

Can I go lower than 110W with this setup?:

MB: Gigabyte GA-G33M-DS2R
CPU: Core 2 Duo, E8200
RAM: 2x1GB
STORAGE: WD Scorpio WD1200BEVS 2.5"
FAN: 1x120mm ~ 800rpm
yes, probably. your idle wattage should be <50W, maybe a lot less.
I know that there are 80W AC-DC's -are they too low wattage for my setup?
these should be enough, especially if you undervolt the CPU.

potsy
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Location: Australia

Post by potsy » Sun Aug 03, 2008 7:29 pm

Your other option would be to consider the mCubed 280w psu. It comes with the external brick (fanless) and uses a mounting plate for the hardware which fits where your psu ordinarily goes. That would give you enough headroom if you change your mind about a graphics card or whatever else might happen in the future. Has worked well for me for a couple of years now, also with my current system which is similar to yours. No buzzing or humming. But it costs a bit - here's the online shop link

Potsy

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