Power Supply

I am looking for a new power supply for my computer P4 3.0 around 500 watts or so that is really quiet, any advice?

 

Hi! Since you didn't mention a price range, here are 2 very good ones for you to consider. Both are Antec and should suit your needs quite well. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...2010090058 50001516 113142556&name=501 - 600W Of course, there are other brands that are very good also, it's just that I have used nothing but Antec for years and have never had a problem out of any of them. If you want to check out some other ones, this is the place to go...good prices and very dependable. http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=58&name=Power-Supplies
Hope this helps. Just remember, by buying a good, name brand PSU now can save you alot of headaches later. Granted, they are a bit more expensive, but it's worth it in the long run. Trust me, I know from experience, as do other members here!

 

I too have been using Antecs for years and don't hesitate to recommend them. But there are others that are fine too. I have recently used Mushkin and Corsair PSUs too and am very pleased.

I agree 100% with Stubby - get a quality supply.

Here's my canned text on sizing and buying a new PSU:

Use the eXtreme PSU Calculator Lite to determine your power supply unit (PSU) requirements. Plug in all the hardware you think you might have in 2 or 3 years (extra drives, bigger or 2nd video card, more RAM, etc.). Be sure to read and heed the notes at the bottom of the page. I recommend setting Capacitor Aging to 30%, and if you participate in distributive computing projects (e.g. BOINC or Folding@Home), I recommend setting TDP to 100%. These steps ensure the supply has adequate head room for stress free operation and future demands. Research your video card and pay particular attention to the power supply requirements for your card listed on your video card maker's website. If not listed, check a comparable card (same graphics engine and RAM) from a different maker. The key specifications, in order of importance are:

1. Current (amperage or amps) on the +12V rail,
2. Efficiency,
3. Total wattage.

Then look for power supply brands listed under the "Good" column of PC Mechanic's PSU Reference List. Ensure the supplied amperage on the +12V rails of your chosen PSU meets the requirements of your video card. Don't try to save a few dollars by getting a cheap supply. And don't count on supplies that come included with a case. They are often underrated, budget or poor quality models "tossed in" to make the case sale. Digital electronics, including CPUs, RAM, and today's advanced graphics cards, need clean, stable power. A good, well chosen supply will provide years of service and upgrade wiggle room. I strongly recommend you pick a supply with an efficiency rating equal to, or greater than 80%. Look for the 80 Plus - EnergyStar Compliant label. And don't forget to budget for a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation), as surge and spike protectors are inadequate.