Maximum PC

I'm working my way thru my budget build and came across this OCZ Powerstream 520W PSU. The reviews of it seem good. Any issues with buying outdated PSUs. It looks brand new, just old stock. It's not modular, but that is not so important to me.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0383681

There's a blast from the past - well it's rated for +12v@33A/396W so I would probably use it for any ~420W or lower build according to the PSU calc

What were you thinking about getting?

I was thinking of any sub-$50 psu, around 500-600W.

The plan is an phenom x4 (no OC), ASRock 970 Extreme4 mobo, an HDD+SSD dual-boot, DVD-Drive, and a mid-range card (leaning towards a Fermi).

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=984045 Jonnyguru didn't do a full review but made a forum post on that thread about that PSU saying it is good. That means it is definitely good although a bit dated.

I have one more question. The warranty on that is probably over, right? The warranty is based on the year of manufacture, correct? In that case, I think I'm better off getting a newer PSU.

My build plan so far:
Phenom x4 + ASRock 970 Extreme4: $170
Corsair XMS 8GB: $33 AR
Case: CM 690II : $80 (or another near $80)
HDD: WD Scorpio Black 160GB: $50

$333 so far. A $40-50 PSU will not push me over budget (~500+/-50)

Well, I ran a quick calc for a X4 980 based system w/ a 560Ti - was 380W recommended so that 520W will work in that scenario. They did put a 90-day OEM only warranty only it - most likely since they are older units. I will say this - for $25, and a $10 MIR to boot, that will be the best unit you can get at that price hands-down



In that case, this one should give you a bit more peace of mind

Rosewill Green Series RG530-S12 530W, $50 w/ free shipping

It's a much more modern 80+ rated unit right in your budget and since it's rated for +12v@41A/492W it should be able to handle just about any GPU you throw at it.

Rosewill is a bit iffy this is based on a series of PSU that failed tests on various sites so they just put in some better components and lowered the power rating, I would still avoid, but I have a deep seated hatred for rosewill.

I can't say I blame you for hating them, they (and raidmax) ruined their rep by using really crummy OEMs like solytech. I admit I have not used the "green" RG series yet and I also noted the component/rating change from the "performance" series in the hardware secret's RG630-S12 review but I see that as a step in the right direction - I may pick one up here and there if the price is right - I would like to see a in-depth review of the RG530-S12 just to see if it can actually handle the stated +12v rating

I recall getting nearly a dozen of these ATNG based Rosewill RP500-2 units in budget builds when they were on sale back in the day, no DOAs or explosions

I wouldn't touch any PSU that only costs 50 bucks. What you pay is what you get. Cheap = Cheap.

Are you saying lower end psu made by quality companies e.g. corsair, pc power&cooling (or ocz), etc or even mid-end psu that come on sale at $50 and under are worthless. That argument seems weak, especially when you look at the satisified reviews on some sub-$50 psu excluding rosewill, diablotek, and other questionable manufacturers.

I don't think my build needs a very expensive psu.