Best PSU Brand

[Computer0304]

What is the best PSU company because i am thinking of replacing my original psu for a gpu upgrade. The company must have a PSU that is backwards compatible with my hardware.

 

[smarteyeball]

Corsiar, Seasonic

What are you referring to in particular about 'backwards' compatible? All PSU's will work.

All will have molex adapters, 4 pin CPU power, 20+4 breakaway motherboard power.

 

[M1GU31]

No really best company for power supply unit as everyone has different experiences but I have had good luck with my corsair power supply which has about 3 years and hasn't failed and have it running stuff like video games with the current specs in my profile. I've heard Antec is another good one as well.

 

[Computer0304]

How about enermax?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Not so much on the Enermax. Seasonic, Corsair, Antec, Thermaltake, EVGA are all good brands.

 

[Wrenches]

Seasonic (all)
XFX (all)
Antec (Earthwatts series, Neo Eco series, HCG series, True Power New series)
Corsair (TX-V2 series, HX series, AX series)
PCP&C (all)
Silverstone (Strider Plus series, Strider Gold series, Zeus series)
Cooler Master (Silent Pro series)
OCZ (EliteXstream series, Fatal1ty series, Z series)
Rosewill (Capstone series)

Usually all certified (Bronze, Gold, etc) PSUs are usually a good bet. I like Seasonic the best.

 

[Solarstarshines]

How about enermax?

That's a cutting corners PSU i have one can't expect it to do much but run a basic set up anything more is asking for trouble

 

[whs]

I like Antec.

 

[ganjiry]

Be Quiet and XFX make some very good psu's too although Seasonic is the oem on some of the XFX psu's.
PSU Review Database

 

[crankypenguin]

The best PSU is the PSU that meets your needs. Always make sure it has the proper plugs. Fully modular is better because you don't have a bunch of useless tentacles hanging off it. Make sure it has the following:

1. ATX12V / EPS12V - for motherboard connection. The bold connection is an 8 pin connection fyi.

2. Output similar to this +3.3V@24A,+5V@30A,+12V@90A, [email protected],[email protected] the underlined and bold part is if you're planing on buying a really power hungry video card like a Nvidia gtx 700 series, otherwise you can get by with 25-30amps on your lines.

3. A quiet 140mm fan.

4. Proper mounting equipment that comes with it, always check when buying in person, unless you're ordering, then well...you can't.

5. Read as many reviews as you can and make an informed decision, don't just buy the one that has flashy cool LED lights etc etc.

And last but not least, use this tool to find out how much watts you will need http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

For backwards compatibility I would look at the Ikonik Vulcan from around 2008. I had one, was a beast of a PSU.

 

[madcratebuilder]

You need to look at the specific model psu you are buying. Corsair, Thermaltake and others use more than one manufacturer for there psu's. Read this.

I'm using
Corsair AX1200i
Thermaltake Smart 850
Rosewill Green 630
Apevia AS520

The $39 Apevia is used to power a mining operation, I'm pulling 20 amps off the 5 volt rail (maxed out, anymore load and it trips) and 20 amps off the 12 volt rail. It runs 24/7, produces very little heat, if over loaded it just shuts itself down and waits for me to reset it.

 

[GeneO]

Another vote for Seasonic.

 

[sygnus21]

I'll throw my hat in for Antec; been using their power supplies since my first PC in 98. And they last. I've got one that's been through numerous system upgrades and has been in use since May of 07 without a hiccup.

But no matter which brand of PS you get... always look to the upper end models. To me, that's where the difference can lay. Yeah you might get a Corsair, Antec, Seasonic or such, but if you get the low end models... that's where you can run into problems.

My two cents.

Peace

 

[SenileAnimal]

Seasonic and Antek are the best IMO, followed by Silverstone and Cooler Master. From what I've read, Antek is similar quality to Seasonic. I'd buy a modular PSU of whichever of the 2 has the best warranty and best fits your needs. Seeing as your case is presumably on the smaller side, cable management and working with the PC will be much easier with a modular unit.

 

[Stephanie]

This (My System Spec) is my 5th Corsair PSU and never had any problems

 

[kbrady1979]

For my money, it's SeaSonic, Corsair, Antec.......all the upper level lines like was mentioned above. Even the best manufacturer makes junk to sale as a "value" line

 

[smarteyeball]

Even the best manufacturer makes junk to sale as a "value" line

That is very true.

 

[IanDrexP]

Seasonic and Corsair have gotta really good reviews, haven't used one myself but thousands of testimonies can't be wrong

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Also as nice as full modular is and highly recommended if you can find a premium PSU in semi-modular that will also be fantastic as all the must make connections will be bundled in one cable and that's a real clean way to go as well!

 

[Computer0304]

By upper end, do you mean 80 plus gold and platinum efficiency or do you mean actual high quality models?