Can someone explain the TRUE difference between Expensive Power supplys & non-ex ones

[thetruth]

Basically, I just am curious as o why Enermax & Antec are expensive & then I see ones like Okia ,Powmax etc.. are so much cheaper for , what it looks like, is around the same specs / wattage or what not--?? I'm basically a novice building a system , came to the power supply & just wanted to see what some people thought.. Is it that they may just last longer or do they actually cool THAT MUCH better ? do they keep it cooler for longer periods of time? OR are the above mentioned name brands better for Gamers? I use mines for Audio recording..(software like Nuendo & Wavelab) So should I invest in one ?

Or is it that were just paying for the Names & there really isnt any documented difference?

all info is appreciated & yes I'm cheap BUT will pay for quality when its warranted!!Haha

Thanks..

[stroyal]

The heat sinks are smaller, the capasiters are cheeper, the wiring is lighter and they don't put our the same amps on the output legs as the same size quality power supply

[jman01pa]

Cleaner power and reliabilty,.

Like with anything else, you get what you pay for

[thetruth]

Thanks for replying..

is this by experience you've had? is this documented in articles I can check out ?

or is this just common knowledge in the cirlces of computerland..

[stroyal]

They do make good inexpensive ones, you have to chech the numbers
http://www.dealsonic.com/40atxpowsupp.html\

and Omardeth's
http://store.yahoo.com/akidacomputer/acpowsup50du.html

[stroyal]

This might help

http://www.techimo.com/articles/index.pl?photo=145

[thetruth]

Thanks for the replies..

One thing though, it doesnt say if this is compatible with AMD XP 3000+ ..do you know if it is?

thanks again.. & I am talking about the Achieve AX500.N..

[stroyal]

It is compatable with 3200+ also

[thetruth]

Just bought one..based on what everyone says, hope this does the trick..Thanks!!

[Sweeper]

Well I had an Antec SL350 PSU that cost around $50.00 and thought Antec was one of the best around for PSU's.... had it for around 6 months and it blew up. (literally) Before that I had a PowMax (much cheaper in price) that is still going in another case. Had it for over 1 1/2. Now I have an Allied 350W that I picked up with Enhanced +5v and +12v & Serial ATA connector & Thermally controlled variable speed double ball bearing fan. Guess time will tell.