What mfr is "FMI" PSUs?

[bill1971]

I was just looking at the CompUSA website for my sis in New
Orleans who I believe has a bad power supply.

I had looked at one of these CompUSA brands last week, but
could only make out "Powmax" on the exhaust fan.

But I noticed on the site that "FMI" is listed as the mfr. Does
anyone know what company "FMI" is? Just curious. . .
Thanks.

- Bill

[John Prophet]

If I remember correctly, powmax isnt regarded too highly...not that they are sucky..just not supergreat.

Dunno about FMI.

[NeoStarO1]

It is not mentioned what the specs are on your sisters comp. that will help in determining the best power supply for her computer. Unless you already familiar with that.

I'd go with something like Antecs. They are really good. They are a bit more money but well worth it to have a reliable psu.

I don't know about FMI either, I googled it and it says Food Marketing Intitute. I don't think we can eat psu's.

[Xeroid]

What price and # of watts are we looking at Bill? BestBuy carries Antec power supplys.

Mike

[sixf00t4]

http://www.acronymfinder.com/af-quer...ct&Acronym=fmi

i am going to go with "For More Information"... becuz that is what we need from the power supply

[bill1971]

Yes, I'm very aware that Powmax(Leadman) is a mediocre brand,
I'm just looking for a cheap alternative for her.

I built the system for her almost two years ago - she was on a
shoestring budget, so I just used a $32 case which had a 250
watt PSU. It's just a 566 Celery w/ 128MB RAM, a small burner,
CD-ROM, and 10GB HDD.

Sometimes CompUSA will install for free, that's why I was just
considering the cheaper Comp USA brand. . .I was just wondering
who made them.

Personally, I pretty much use either Antec or Enermax PSUs for
a system build.

Thanks guys.

- Bill

[timid1]

CompUSA will ALWAYS install for free. No matter what hardware product you buy from them, it will be installed for free.

[Shocker]

I know at least 6 people using FMI (CompUSA) power supplies. They seem to work just fine, although I personally went for an Antec Tru550 (CompUSA sells Antec as well).

[custompccases]

I saw a p/s review somewhere showing that almost none live up to their described wattage. I hope someone remembers where it was. I'm pretty sure they had their favorite pick out of them.

[bill1971]

Thanks for all of the replies,guys:

There was an independent PC "shop" a block from my Dad's house, so I told my sister to inquire over there.(I had dropped in there once before, a couple of years ago, and the guys there at that time were pretty cool, as far as advise, etc.).

So my sister calls me a week later, and tells me that these guys want $89 just to open the case and have a look! (I gotta move back there and open a shop!).

What I wound up doing ,(once again, because she's on a tight budget), is writing out some fairly detailed instructions on how to replace a PSU, and sending her a new 350 watt Raidmax,(cheap, I know, but lighter in weight, so shipping cost was minimized), that I had lying around for just such an occasion.

(That CompUSA free install definitely crossed my mind, as an alternative - I just thought their everyday prices were too high for the quality that you get).

So my Dad,(78), along with my nephew,(20), tackled the replacement, neither having been inside a PC case before. (I had confidence in Pop, even though he's "dropped a step" due to his age. In his younger years he was an aircraft mechanic and pilot, and he and I built Heathkit stereos and a complete organ from kits, for those of you old farts who remember such things. Many years ago he also took an electronics course, and when in his 60's, completed enclosed/roofed/sheet-rocked/wired a 24' x 24' patio, all by himself! He's somethin' else. . .

To make a long story. . .even longer, they got the PSU replaced, the PC powered up, and they're back in business.

I will still check the CompUSA ads every two weeks. Seems they run their $40 300watt PSU for $20 about every three months or so - worth having on hand for such emergencies, or just as a spare.
I did order a couple of those 300watt Fortron Source Power(FSP) PSUs that were rated so highly in that Tom's Hardware article, for $27 ea. + shipping. Too bad they're not dual-fanned, which would make them an outstanding value,(and a couple bucks more, I'm sure).

I've rattled on far too long,here. But thanks to all for all of the input. This is a great forum with some great folks!

- Bill