Comments on: Power supply secrets

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 05 Jan 2003 03:29:24 +0000

Long-time computer columnist and SF author Jerry Pournelle has been suggesting PCP&C stuff for ages. I couldn’t quite justify the price last time, but I’m happy with my 350 W Enermax. I also liked Rich’s suggestion about getting a case from a well-known PS mfg like Antec or Enermax if you’re building a system.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Jan 2003 20:47:54 +0000

If I were building a server (I started to write a long diatribe about why I wouldn’t do that, but I guess that ought to be a seperate post), or even a high-power workstation, I’d get a PC Power and Cooling power supply. They cost twice as much as an Antec or a Sparkle of equivalent rating and usually even more than Enermax’s premium models, but they have more power regulation, so there’s less variance on the amount of juice they’re kicking out and where. If your system crashes, it won’t be because of a power problem.

If PCP&C isn’t available and I needed highest-possible reliability, I’d get one from either Antec’s or Enermax’s premium line if I could. Again, with those, you’re paying extra for the extra power regulation and, in some cases, better cooling.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Jan 2003 19:57:34 +0000

A quick way of getting covered: Buy a brand name case with a brand name PS. (Enermax, Antec, Sparkle).

*Especially* if you are running a server where reliability is critical.

If you MUST buy a cheapie PS for a desktop, always buy more PS wattage than you need. Just in case.

In the absence of anything else, who knows? In the US you guys have far more options in terms of brand depth and width.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Jan 2003 19:27:21 +0000

Thanks for the info. I've had just about every one of the symptoms you mention. I've put "buy a new PS" on the top of my errand list.

Fortunately I bought an extended warranty when I got the computer, so the dead CD drives are covered.