Best "Cheap" Power Supply?

As a specialist in PC repair and upgrades, I know the importance of using a quality power supply in new builds and repairs.

Due to the economy, I am seeing an increase in people who are trying to eek out another year or two from older major brand (Dell, HP, etc.) desktop PCs. Although I'd like to talk everyone into a decent ATX PSU with active PFC, 80 PLUS, etc.; reality (and my competition's pricing) often require a cheaper option.

I know must cheap brands have higher failure and DOA rates. I'm just trying to figure out what the "best of the worst" is.

My question for repair techs and builders of lower-end PCs: What brand(s)/model(s) of OEM grade ($15-$25 at Newegg) power supplies have you had the best luck with? Again, we're talking basic ATX (350-400 claimed watts) models as replacements in desktop PCs running either on-board video or a puny (512MB or less) video card.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

Is there a standard cheapo brand?I don't think I've seen one,every time I look the cheapo PSU's have a different name.IMO most generic PSU's are the same anyway,made using the same plans,probably from the the same factory but branded differently for different markets.

I just go with the one that's on offer at that time if the computer is old.I put one in my sister in laws dad's computer after his PSU blew.

It was disgusting:-D Generic gold base metal,thin gauge cables,it felt like it was empty but it only cost £10 new with a 3 year warranty.

That was 7 years ago,they still use their computer on a daily basis with no problems,go figure.

 

Hey, Gman.

I just took a look at what Newegg has to offer in your specified price range, and of the brands listed, I've worked with LOGISYS, Rosewill, and Sunbeam. The others I've never heard of, for what it's worth.

Agreed with Rikky: in the cheapo market, I tend to do more research into what warranties are offered - for the most part, the technical specs are all going to be about the same.

 

Thanks for the tips.

I usually buy my parts through Directron - pretty much the same brands as Newegg but with local pick-up in Houston (fast, no shipping charge) and a one-year in-store RMA on almost everything they sell.

My thought behind this post is preventing (no-profit) warranty callback issues and p:***ed off customers.

One trick I've heard about is to pick up the power supply and feel its weight - the theory being that heavier units have bigger (and better) parts inside. Is this a decent way of guessing or just an old geek's tale?

 

You could be onto something, there - unless they're packing the damn things with lead. :-D

 

Hmmm. I've always wondered what they did with the recycled lead from old CRT monitors. You may be on to something. :-D

 

Totally true,usually the better the PSU the heavier it is.

Like I said that generic one I bought felt like it was empty,I was surprised it even worked:-D The gauge of the wire is also a good indicator and its stiffness,cheaper PSU's also use aluminium instead of copper wire for the cables.

Another thing I've noticed the cheapo's use big loud fans to keep them cool instead of using good quality parts and heavy 'expensive' heatsinks.