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I'm not sure what kind of PSU to get for my friend's rig - it's a Q9300, Radeon 3850, one 160 GB hard drive, one optical drive.
I know to stick with solid brand names, and know that PSUs are not something to be cheaped out on, but budget is VERY tight here (these are all parts we had lying around) and I want to stick as cheap but workable as possible.

Its possible he may upgrade to my 4890 later, but being able to is not absolutly essential. Any tips would be great.

edit: most calculators seem to suggest I'll need between 350 and 400 watts. Any affordable "safe" brands? I know antec gets pretty good repute.

The Antec Earthwatts EA-380D Green is $40 at Newegg. The 430-watt version is $5 more.

I'd go with the Corsair Builder Series CX430 v2.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817139026

The builder series is $54 on NCIX, 380w earthwatts is $52 and the 430 is $74.

any thoughts on this mushkin? I know its not actually 650w, but it's still 500, and 22a on the rails is stable enough
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=58896&vpn ... omoid=1316
$34 seems like a bargain for that.


(also my original post said radeon 3850 - I'm wrong, it's a 4850)

LoneWolf15 wrote:

I'd go with the Corsair Builder Series CX430 v2.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817139026

*thumbsup* Solid PSU for the price. It is frequently discounted with a MIR as well.

Edit: OOPS, it IS discounted, and $35 AR is a good deal.

If only I could get it for that price.

pikaporeon wrote:

If only I could get it for that price.

You can. NCIX currently has the Corsair Builder 430 for $34.99 Canadian, no rebate, through 11/2.

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku= ... omoid=1316

CA$54 -10MIR or CA$52 +shipping or CA$35 +shipping Corsair CX430 V2 (28 A)
CA$59¼ or CA$39 +shipping SeaSonic SS-350ET (27 A)
CA$51 +shipping Antec Neo Eco 450C (34 A)
CA$52 +shipping SeaSonic SS-400ET (30 A)
CA$63 or CA$53 +shipping Antec EarthWatts EA-380D Green (28 A)
CA$61 or CA$60 +shipping Antec HCG-400 (30 A)

I looked at JaE's post and thought I was reading the NYSE ticker...

LoneWolf15 wrote:

I thought I was reading the NYSE ticker...

Surely you meant the TSX ticker.

P.S.: Shipping is about CA$8½ from NCIX to Mississauga.

NCIX's Mississauga store is about a block and a half away from my workplace - shipping is free to there : )