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Getting a new power supply

CyvrosCyvros Registered User regular
edited June 2008 in Help / Advice Forum
To cut a long story short, my laptop's HDD died and, while I'm waiting for the replacement to come through, I thought I'd try my desktop. I had it on for five minutes so I could get it ready for a fresh Slitaz Linux install. As I shut it down, the power supply blew (that certainly was an enjoyable smell).

I'm going to go get a new one over the weekend, so I was wondering whether there's anything I should keep in mind when I get it. Thanks.

Cyvros on

Posts

  • Monolithic_DomeMonolithic_Dome Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    The total wattage advertised for a power supply is meaningless (well, near-meaningless). What matters is the amperage rating on the 12-V rails, and how many 12-V rails. You can get this data on the label of your blown power supply, and then use that to establish a minimum spec for your new power supply. If your current PSU is rated for 15A on the 12 volt rails then you are going to want to get one that is at least as good as that.

    As far as brands go, I'm a big fan of the antec earthwatts series, which are actually on sale at newegg right now.

    Monolithic_Dome on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • TetraNitroCubaneTetraNitroCubane Not Angry... Just VERY Disappointed...Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    Monolithic_Dome wrote: »
    The total wattage advertised for a power supply is meaningless (well, near-meaningless). What matters is the amperage rating on the 12-V rails, and how many 12-V rails. You can get this data on the label of your blown power supply, and then use that to establish a minimum spec for your new power supply. If your current PSU is rated for 15A on the 12 volt rails then you are going to want to get one that is at least as good as that.

    As far as brands go, I'm a big fan of the antec earthwatts series, which are actually on sale at newegg right now.

    I have to disagree on the total wattage. That can be very important when it comes to video cards. The advice about comparing against your old PSU is good, though. Use nothing less than what was in there to begin with.

    Google around about a PSU before you buy it. There are crazy many reviews out there about just about everything. I suggest Enermax or Corsair as brands. Most people love Antec, but the last two Antec PSUs I bought were always under-voltage on the 12V rail. Still, YMMV.

    I also suggest testing any new PSU with a multimeter after you've got it in the case.

    TetraNitroCubane on
  • Monolithic_DomeMonolithic_Dome Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    TetraNitroCubane wrote: »
    I also suggest testing any new PSU with a multimeter after you've got it in the case.

    How does one go about this? I'm intrigued

    Monolithic_Dome on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • CyvrosCyvros Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    Thanks for the advice. I'll make a note of any important-sounding numbers. I'll also have to check if I've still got my multimeter.

    This is the first time I've bought parts myself. Always pestered my brother over the stuff in the past (the man has lots of spares).

    Cyvros on
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