What power supply do you guys use for basic customer builds?

[SilverLeaf]

Just had a customer's PSU fail in spectacular fashion on my bench. Really stunk up the place. It was some generic 450w unit that probably came with the case (it was a home/custom build done by someone else). When I removed it, I couldn't believe how lightweight it was. It felt like it was empty. Makes you wonder what they used for transformers, heatsinks, etc. The Antec 350w I grabbed off the shelf to install temporarily, weighed twice as much or more.

 

[pc-quebec]

...... Makes you wonder what they used for transformers, heatsinks, etc. The Antec 350w I grabbed off the shelf to install temporarily, weighed twice as much or more.

PC Power Supply don't use large transformer like traditional PSU, they use switching regulator, you still have very small transformer but they don't count too much for the weight.

 

[gikstar]

Since we don't do a lot of building, I purchase whatever good PS that I can find onsale.

Found a Corsair 1100 watt PS tossed away in the trash at our apartment building in 2011, still in the box with all of the cables and it was dead..., contacted Corsair and RMA'd it, then sold it to a gamer for $140 Pays to keep an eye out for stuff at times.

 

[Scales]

I use Sparkle Power (SPI) ATX-400-PN-B 400W power supplies on most replacements and even new, lower power builds (Core i3). They're around $34-36 CAD and I've installed over 100 in the last 6 or so years and never seen one fail. They are completely OEM and don't come with a box or power cable.

On the other hand, I decided to try 7 Corsair CMPSU-400CX which got rave reviews online and come with a box, power cable, manual, etc. I got them for $31.99 each and 6 of them died I will never purchase another Corsair 400W PSU again but I have had good success with the 430 and above Corsair builder series, contrary to MobileTechie's experience Which is whay I use for mybigger builds.

I have been using the Sparkle Powers for about 6 years give or take, and have not had a single issue. My home server and htpc use them and all my builds I sell in shop have them. I have recently switched to the CoolerMaster 460w to save a few bucks. So far so good. I saw a local shop use cheapo PSU's for years and recently had them all come back in in for warranty.

 

[d3v]

Thanks for all the input, as a result I ended up stocking up on...

Two FSP HH-350ATX(PF), P/N 9PX3504900
Noise Killer, quiet power supply ever.
DC OutPut:
+3.3V 20A(ORG)
+5V 20A(RED)
+12V1 10A(YEL)
+12V2 13A(YEL/BLACK)
+5Vsb 2.5A(PURP)
-12V 0.3A(BLUE)
(+3.3V & +5V = 130W Max, +12V1 & +12V2 = 276W MAX)

And one Antec 350w Basiq

Since we don't do a lot of building, I purchase whatever good PS that I can find onsale.

Found a Corsair 1100 watt PS tossed away in the trash at our apartment building in 2011, still in the box with all of the cables and it was dead..., contacted Corsair and RMA'd it, then sold it to a gamer for $140 Pays to keep an eye out for stuff at times.

What apartment are you referring to? *gathers flashlight and rucksack*

I have been using the Sparkle Powers for about 6 years give or take, and have not had a single issue. My home server and htpc use them and all my builds I sell in shop have them. I have recently switched to the CoolerMaster 460w to save a few bucks. So far so good. I saw a local shop use cheapo PSU's for years and recently had them all come back in in for warranty.

I think Sparkle are rebadged FSP which is why they are good!

 

[chrisaroz]

I don't know about "basic", but we use these in a lot of our builds:
Thermaltake TR-500 TR2 500W ATX12V v2.3 Power Supply

 

[codegreen]

I have been using the Sparkle Powers for about 6 years give or take, and have not had a single issue.

That's good to hear. I picked up a few Sparkles on sale based on the good reviews.

 

[joydivision]

I find FSP are hard to get hold off now, so ended up buying the cheapest Corsair or Coolermaster.

Was a massive fan of FSP, I did have a couple of issues in that they were faulty from new, but never had any fail in service. My own i3 PC is powered by a 6 year old 500W FSP.

 

[Rosco]

I have had good luck with Newegg's Rosewill brand for basic needs. Before SATA took over, I got the 350W versions, now I mostly stock the 400s and 450's.

i know a lot of people on here dont like rosewill but i have bought a lot of there products and not had any come back. routers, cases, usb front panel, they are great.