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New Build Question

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 12:08 pm
by ronch
Hi gerbils. I just got a new PC. What a day! Here are the specs..

AMD FX-8350
MSI 990FXA-GD65
2 x 4GB DDR3-1866 (G.Skill)
Powercolor HD7770 1GB
TP-Link TL-WN723N (recycled)
Hitachi 1TB 7,200RPM HDD (recycled)
1 x LG DVD writer
FSP 700w PSU (FSP700-80APN)
Aerocool tower case

Now, the problem is that I'm not too sure my PSU is up to the task of powering this rig. You see, I ordered the PSU from one store and rushed off to look for other parts from other stores (many PC stores in the area where I usually buy my parts). My wife received and paid for the PSU (plus video card and DVD drive) with the money I left her. We were really rushing things that when I checked the PSU she received for me, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I was expecting an FSP Epsilon 700w unit but instead I got this FSP APN Series model. There aren't even any 80+ Bronze logos (there's a dubious 85+ efficiency logo though). Also, both 3.3V and 5V rails can each do 30A, while the 12V rail (or rails?) can do 18A (there are supposedly 3 rails, if I'm correct, because there's a 12V1 = 18A, 12V2 = 18A and 12V3 = 18A). Is that enough to power my rig for the next decade (exaggeration, I know)? Or does that mean the 12V rails can do 3 x 18A = 54A? I don't have any plans to overclock.

Many thanks in advance.

Re: New Build Question

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 12:13 pm
by ronch
Ah, I suppose I have to change my signature (or whatever you call it)! LOL!

Re: New Build Question

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:19 pm
by Chrispy_
Looks like a variation on this model which is a fairly basic unit and they were too cheap to even bother getting it certified.

On the plus side, 3x 18A rails should be fine, Fortron are one of the better PSU OEM's and if they know what it takes to meed the various bronze/silver/gold/platinum-certified PSU (of which they have many) then I'd be more inclined to believe them than several other manufacturers. I would imagine the lack of certification is just a cost-saving measure rather than a false claim.

My guess is that of the three 18A rails, one powers Motherboard and SATA connections, then you get a pair of PCI-e connectors on each rail giving you a total of 4 PCI-e power connectors; Pretty common for the PSU's in the 500-750W range.
I wouldn't stress about the PSU, but it looks like a model aimed at OEMs so I'd check that it comes with a full retail warranty and not just the 1-year one that so often accompanies models not aimed at the consumer channel.

Re: New Build Question

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 10:26 pm
by ronch
Yeah, Chrispy_, I saw that page too. I just can't find more info about this specific PSU on the net. I'm sure it's a fine PSU but since this is my new build (whose parts I obviously really like), I'm inclined to have it exchanged for a PSU that will give me better peace of mind.

Re: New Build Question

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 6:19 pm
by DPete27
To add to what's already been said: If it's any colsolation, you'd really only need a 400W PSU for the build you have listed. In fact, I would wager the actual power draw to be around 200W or so at full load. I wouldn't worry about it too much personally.

Re: New Build Question

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 6:27 pm
by Chrispy_
Well, it's a variation on one of the cheapest models they make. I suspect it will be fine, being Fortron - but if you want peace of mind, pony up and exchange it for something with a full 3-year retail warranty.

My staple recommendations is Seasonic just because you know the OEM is Seasonic. The other big boys are just re-labellers, as I'm sure you're aware.

With Antec/Corsair/Silverstone/OCZ etc, you will get one of:

  • Acbel
  • Channel Well
  • Enhance
  • Delta
  • Flextronics
  • Fortron Source
  • HEC
  • Hiper
  • HuntKey
  • Seasonic
  • Sirtec
  • Superflower
  • Topower
There are probably many others but those are the main manufacturers of all these rebadged PSU's and if I had to pick three that are typically higher quality from that list it's Seasonic, CWT and Superflower, of which Seasonic has the largest retail presence.