Cheap PSU's

PcGk said:
I assume they must be better than the single rail 420W that came with my case.
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Not necessarily. Since you are using an old socket A system, your CPU is regulated of the 5V rail. This means that
1. You need a PSU with a strong +5V rail
2. You will only be able to use one of the two rails in a dual rail PSU (the other rail is connected directly to the 4-pin ATX12V connector, which will not be used in your system).

Of the two units, the Coolmax suits your system better (even though the CoolerMaster is probably the better quality unit). I'd MUCH prefer the (also free) Ultra V-Series 500W, though. It would be ideal for your system.
 
I didn't know that, thanks for the info.
My current PSU has a 5V rail of 32A. So I assume that the Coolmax should be much better at 45A.
Should I be looking at the 12V rails output as well? Because my current PSU is only 13A. While one of the rails on the coolmax is 18A.

Edit: Wow, 28A at 12V. I just ordered it.
 
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PcGk said:
I didn't know that, thanks for the info.
My current PSU has a 5V rail of 32A. So I assume that the Coolmax should be much better at 45A.
Should I be looking at the 12V rails output as well? Because my current PSU is only 13A. While one of the rails on the coolmax is 18A.

Edit: Wow, 28A at 12V. I just ordered it.
Click to expand...
+12V output is usually one of the key factors in choosing a PSU, and +12V@13A is extremely low. Since you have neither a high powered video card, or a CPU that regulates from the +12V rail, drives and fans will be about the only things drawing current from that rail. Those aren't going to draw enough current to even come close to overloading a 13A 12V rail. If you plan on retaining the PSU through an upgrade, it's an entirely different matter, of course.

I would be more worried about the reliability and longevity of your existing PSU than its ability to power your system. Whichever way you look at it, the Ultra is the better unit. Strong single +12V rail, strong 5V rail, and solid performance under high 5V crossloading (i.e. loading up the 5V rail without putting too much load on the 12V).

Good choice.
 
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