Need a new psu - a quiet one

[persephone]

Hi I've got to get a new psu I can't stand the noise of this much longer, my washing machine isn't as loud at this psu! I spend a lot of time on my computer, and usually have lots going on at once so this noise is making me really agitated.

I've only recently bought this OCZ Fatality 550w for £51.58 - I knew exactly what I wanted when I went to buy the parts for my computer except for the power supply, so ended up with this one because it's what they guy in micro direct advised me to get.

I've not took it back cause I've had so much work to do, when have I got time to take the psu out? But now I need to get a new one and deal I'll just have to deal with the manufactures warranty to find out what the problem is.

So what would you suggest, one that can do the job but isn't going to make this kind of racket?

[usually_quiet]

I installed a Thermaltake TR2 500W yesterday. Some members here recommended the brand as offering good quality and low noise. It seems pretty quiet so far.

The most similar product on their UK/EU website said 17dB at 1300RPM. Efficiency is only about 72% at typical load, so it isn't one of the best in that area, but they do make more efficient models. 5 yr limited warranty here, 3 year limited warranty in the EU.

The EVO Blu 550 is the most similar to what you already have, though not as efficient: http://uk.thermaltake.eu/product_info.aspx?PARENT_CID=C_00001439&id=C_00001444&name=EV...0W+&ov=n&ovid=

[redwudz]

With newer PSs, go for a large, slow turning fan. I have a couple of Thermaltake PSs that have 140mm fans and they are very quiet. Other PSs with large, slow fans should do similar. Other than that, try to find some reviews for the PS you are interested in and see what they have to say about noise levels. A highly efficient PS doesn't need a lot of cooling as it shouldn't produce that much heat. Avoid using the PS for a exhaust fan as the PS internal fan controller may ramp up the fan speed to control temperatures. Use a good case exhaust fan instead to keep internal case temps down.

[jagabo]

http://www.nexustek.nl/NXS-silentpowersupplies.htm

[ranchhand]

I go with Redwudz; I have built with several Thermaltake units and they are really quiet. As a side thought, your PS may have a bearing in the fan failing; was it always loud or did this develope over time?

[jagabo]

My most recent PSU purchase was a CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Plus 500W, 120mm fan. It's pretty quiet. I have an PSU sitting on the shelf as an emergency backup (got it nearly for free after a mail in rebate), an Antec Basiq 500W, 80mm fan. It's very loud.

[jman98]

I don't remember the model, but I bought a Thermaltake a few months ago and it's so quiet that I can't imagine why I would ever buy a different brand.

[usually_quiet]

I looked at the OCZ Fatal1ty 550W, and the OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W before deciding what to buy. The OCZ Fatal1ty 550W should be reasonably quiet. It has a 135mm fan and 80 Plus Certification.

I found a manufacturer response to someone else's loud noise complaint and OCZ said the problem was likely caused by a defective fan controller.

Other than that, the usual suspects are bad fan bearings (as was previously mentioned), or loose wires/parts rattling around inside or hitting the fan.