Power Supply Basics

[tgxiii]

I am planning on upgrading my power supply because I will be installing four additional case fans and possibly a cold cathode light. I saw some 550-watt dual fan power supplies on Pricewatch, but most of them are generic brand. Are all power supplies created equal (is it okay to get the generic brands)? What do I need to know about them? A friend told me that just because it's advertised as 550-watt that it does not mean it will be 550-watt. Does anyone know anything about this?

[JPMiller]

some generics are great...Most are NOT...
the wattage is not the best indicator of how good or powerfull a PSU is...its the quality of the sustained amps on the respective rails. (did I say that right?...its late)
If your looking for a quality PSU for a generic price...
http://store.yahoo.com/akidacomputer/acpowsup50du.html
Thanx to Omardeath for this gem!

[oolunchbox]

from what i've read all PSUs are NOT created equal and you have a better chance of one crapping out if it's not name brand.. i personally use an Antec 400 watt smart power... i got it for around 50 bucks @ compusa and it's odne me well lotsa people like PC Power and Cooling's PSUs too.. i'd say spend a lil extra money and get something with a pretty well known brand name to save yourself the hassle in the future...

[JPMiller]

http://www.thetechboard.com/tutorials/atx.php
http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/
some general info.
Just so you know I dont recomend anything I dont have personal experience with... I take my reputation seriously.
This is a good PSU.

[Siliconjunkie]

I am a fan of name brand power supplys, they are generally more reliable, quiter and make less heat.

[tgxiii]

Do any of you know anything about the following PSUs?

http://www.amamax.com/psspecial0atxeb550p.html

http://www.amamax.com/pomabyxcgowa1.html

[JPMiller]

Yes...do not buy...they have very poor perfomance...they are generic freebies for cheap cases....I have 3 setting in a cardboard box now

[tgxiii]

JPMiller, how can you tell if a PSU is good or not? Do you know because you've tried the power supplies or is there something about the specs that indicate whether it's good or bad?

[Eryk]

Allied All the way!!!