Power supply for 25.00. Sketchy, much?

[SkyeWindbinder]

Okay, so the grafix card I want has a 500W power supply requirement. I plan to buy a 550W power supply. But just one question...

I found one on sale for $25.00. That's bad, isn't it? I shouldn't find one so cheap unless it's REALLY bad, right? Also, any advice on the place I can find HD 7870 and power supply for best deal?

[ispano]

Okay, so the grafix card I want has a 500W power supply requirement. I plan to buy a 550W power supply. But just one question...

I found one on sale for $25.00. That's bad, isn't it? I shouldn't find one so cheap unless it's REALLY bad, right? Also, any advice on the place I can find HD 7870 and power supply for best deal?

If I knew the model I could figure out if it's bad or not

[SkyeWindbinder]

It's made by Kentek

[Elexia]

Model Model, especially if its modular or not (also matters). My 750W supply was only $50, 250-550w supplies are generally very cheap as that's pretty low wattage these days, much like 2-4gb won't run you much like it did 4 years ago.

[SkyeWindbinder]

I dont know what model it is, but this is what it looks like

http://www.ebay.com/itm/550W-ATX-12V...item4d01e9b578

[cloverkitty]

I dont know what model it is, but this is what it looks like

http://www.ebay.com/itm/550W-ATX-12V...item4d01e9b578

There are several issues here.

1. If the Video card calls for 500W minimum, a 550W might not be enough. (You really need to consider you HD(s), USB devices etc. You would be borderline on maxing or going over. Plug in a power drawing device and your whole computer can go wonky.

2. I would highly recommend you avoid that guy, While he does not have a lot of bad feedback, ebay has things setup to prevent a lot of really bad feedback. However over the last month he has already had a neutral and a complaint about issues, lack of communication and quality, and is averaging several complaints a month a couple of which are power supply related. That is a sign to stay away.

3. This company is not well known, if you do plan to get it go with a company that has a reputation such as Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/KENTEK-Supply-...t+power+supply

4. A cheap powersupply can damage your hardware costing much more than your savings. It can also cause inconsistent perf if there are fluxuations.

I would personally recommend (if you can) buying a cheaper video card and getting a good power supply.

[Coris]

It might not be bad to check if the PSU is 80+ certified.
What do you want to spend max. on a PSU?

[SkyeWindbinder]

It might not be bad to check if the PSU is 80+ certified.
What do you want to spend max. on a PSU?

As little as possible while still getting something that won't explode when I touch it. lol

[Abriael]

That power supply is the fastest way to burned components. Quality of materials is one of the most important aspects of a power supply, and that one looks like something able of offering very little stability and reliability.

Get a corsair or an antec, and you'll be much safer. Spending "as little as possible" on the PSU is the most basic (and very often fatal) mistake one can make when building a PC.

[Coris]

Phew, not easy for me @.@
I checked Newegg, Amazon and this BestBuy (Note: I am from Europe) to get some examples.
The thing is that I barely know/knew the manufacturers I saw at Newegg. One I know is Corsair (they sell RAM, too xD"), which is why I stuck to it for further research.
Actually I would recommend be Quiet! PSUs but even the one I bought for 77€ in August last year now sells for 116$ (89€) at Amazon.

In my opinion it won't be bad to go on 600W, because if you want to build a PC in the future it might be helpful. (By the way, the 7870 I'll get soon too, will use around 175W.)

Here are a few models I found. I used the Links from corsair.com because I don't know where you would buy from °°"
Found out that they are all around 70$ and more, bleh.

600W modular (84.99$)
600W non-modular (79.99$)

500W modular (79.99$)
500W non-modular (69,99$)

I hope I didn't look for rubbish :/


P.S.: That Kentek one also just has a 1 year warranty :S