Power supplies - which one...????

[kenmo]

Can someone please tell me which power supply they would recommend between these two?

Unit will be for a light server

- onboard video / nic / audio
- 3 ide hard drives
- 1 dvd writer
- cpu Intel E2180
- 2 sticks of 1 gb DDR2 Corsair memory

Corsair 550W
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25984&vpn=CMPSU-550VX&manufacture=CORSAIR#CustomerReviews

Sparkle 400 W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103031

Cooler Master 500W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171018

Thermaltake 470
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14660AC7523&vpn=W0090RU&manufacture=THERMALTAKE

Thank you very much in advance

[Constant Gardener]

I'd be surprised if your server pulls over 150 watts; those bigger supplies are for gamers. Check out Antec's "Earthwatts" series - they're reasonably efficient and run quietly.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24128&vpn=EA430&manufacture=ANTEC&promoid=1019

I got one in a sale that had a good rebate.

[redwudz]

I like the Thermaltake PS's also. I run a video server with a 450W PS, 9 hard drives and a DVD burner. For what you have, 400 - 500 W is more than enough. I ran that same computer with a 350W PS without problems. But I wanted a better quality PS.

Other factors to consider with a PS: Noise levels. If you value silence, check the noise levels of any PS you are looking into. Large fans, 120mm or bigger are generally quieter than a 80mm fan. Some PS's use two fans. A larger 120mm that is quiet and turns slow and a faster 80mm that is thermally controlled to only kick in when the PS temp rises.

One Thermaltake PS I use at present has a 140mm fan and is virtually silent, even under load and still runs cool. If you also choose a quiet CPU cooler and case fans, you can have a very quiet system and still have good performance. The machine with the Thermaltake PS is overclocked about 20% and is still very quiet.

[Poppa_Meth]

I have the Corsair myself. It's a very nice PSU. Quiet long cables, solid build, good warranty and service. And I actually got my rebate from them in a timely manner.

[p5bdkw]

I use this Thermaltake, with no problems.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153023

[kenmo]

I just realized something. My mobo had a 20 pin ps connector and the Corsair is has a 24 pin connector.... Are there adapters that will work with the Corsair?

[redwudz]

Most all newer power supplies have a 20/24 pin ATX connector where you can separate the four extra pins and it will work with the older 20 pin socket.

I looked at that PS on New Egg and it shows, 'Main Connector 20+4Pin', which is the common method of indicating it has a ATX plug that is adaptable to both type sockets.

It's good to have the 20/24 pin connector anyway, as most newer MBs use them and that will somewhat 'future proof' the PS.

[Poppa_Meth]

The corsair connector does split. I have a 20 pin board as well.

[kenmo]

Thanks - Corsair sounds like the one to get.

[Krispy Kritter]

I've used this Rosewill ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182017 ) in a couple of builds lately. Decent power supply and it's quiet.

[Bondiablo]

I like the Corsair best of that group but they're all probably more than you need. I'd look at the Corsair 450VX instead. It will still be plenty of power and is made by Seasonic where the 550VX is made by CWT. The 520HX is much nicer and also made by Seasonic but quite a bit more expensive.

[redwudz]

A little late to add comments, but you might also look into a power supply that has modular connectors. They have sockets on the PS and removable power cables. That way you don't have to stuff those unwanted power connectors up into a corner of the case. They cost a few dollars more, but really make cable organization nice.