improve cheapo psu

[shovenose]

in what ways could i improve this psu?
this one:
http://hardwareaware.com/review/linkworld-430w/

i was thinking of improving the input filter and recapping it and adding more caps (if possible)...

[370forlife]

Re: improve cheapo psu

I wouldn't even bother with this particular unit.

[stj]

Re: improve cheapo psu

remove & keep the fan, cables, inlet and gray thermal insulators & bolts/bushes.
remove the NTC inrush limiter and send it to me

then bin the rest.

[shovenose]

Re: improve cheapo psu

I know its a hunk o shit but i would learn more if i tried to improve it. And it was only like $12 or something so no biggie if i blow it up.

[goodpsusearch]

Re: improve cheapo psu

I know its a hunk o shit but i would learn more if i tried to improve it. And it was only like $12 or something so no biggie if i blow it up.

You mean you paid for it?


Anyway, I am one of the few who believe that linkworld psus are well designed and they can work good for years if you recap them and add the missing components.

The one you own is one of the worst linkworlds I have seen (not the only one though).

You can start by adding a full input filter. That includes MOVs too.!

Next, you may consider to replace the 4 diodes with a bridge rectifier (4A will be more than enough for that psu if you live in a 230V country).

Next step, I always replace the primary main capacitors with 470uF 200V or more.

You should also replace the secondary caps with low esr ones of same or bigger capacity .

Finally, you can try to add some plastic cover among the pcb board and the metal case of the psu.

If you really want to improve it, you should replace the secondary rectifiers with bigger ones, or add in parallel.

[momaka]

Re: improve cheapo psu

If it's for learning purposes, then okay. Just keep in mind that if you ever test this PSU on a computer, you may ruin the computer if something goes wrong. With that said, I don't advise you test this PSU on any computer you would consider important/valuable. Also, most of these cheapo PSUs have weak 12v rails, so don't try it on a P4 computer or anything that draws lots of amps from the 12v rail. Better suited for older P3 and PII systems.

Now for the PSU improvements: first and foremost, give us some pictures of the inside so we can see what you're working with. Then we'll go from there.

You mean you paid for it?

I was thinking the same thing .

[shovenose]

Re: improve cheapo psu

Look at the review i linked to. It has pictures.

[kc8adu]

Re: improve cheapo psu

pack it with m80's,thread the fuse through the vents,lay on ground light fuse get away.

[Per Hansson]

Re: improve cheapo psu

pack it with m80's,thread the fuse through the vents,lay on ground light fuse get away.

2: Post pictures or video of said event on Badcaps

[shovenose]

Re: improve cheapo psu

Im sure explosives would output some nice ripple-free 12, 5, 3.3v outputs. But it might not last very long
So unfortunatelyni think i have a slightly different version than in the linked review. So i may jave to post some pictures later

[everell]

Re: improve cheapo psu

Remove the components in the 5vsb circuit. Build DM311 circuit on small piece of perfboard. Then wire it in where the old two transistor 5vsb circuit was. Much more reliable, no more over-volting.

[shovenose]

Re: improve cheapo psu

now THAT is too complicated

[kc8adu]

Re: improve cheapo psu

Remove the components in the 5vsb circuit. Build DM311 circuit on small piece of perfboard. Then wire it in where the old two transistor 5vsb circuit was. Much more reliable, no more over-volting.

if only the rest of it were worth the powder to blow it up.

[momaka]

Re: improve cheapo psu

So unfortunatelyni think i have a slightly different version than in the linked review. So i may jave to post some pictures later

That's why I asked you to post pictures. Even if it looks the same or similar, you never know for sure if the guts inside are the same or not.

[shovenose]

Re: improve cheapo psu

well um...
sorry for the bad pics. im moving so im not sure where my real cam is so i used my iphone 3g...
hope theyre good nuff.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: improve cheapo psu

It looks... bad enough. Just your average gutless wonder. First thing i'd do is install a proper transient filter (hint: it needs a coil, a couple X capacitors and proper safety rated blue Y class capacitors instead of those brown ceramic pieces of junk). Then add more/better caps to the secondary, and some coils if you have them, if not, it'll do without.

[shovenose]

Re: improve cheapo psu

heres what would be very helpful to me:
take one of my pictures, and draw in with arrows/circles/etc what the pieces in need to replace are called and what do replace them with. because i dont know what a y cap looks like versus an x cap. tyvm!

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: improve cheapo psu

I'd expect you to use google... Anyway here's my favorite PC power supply article. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/327 <- Check Page 4 for an explanation of what the transient filter needs to have and how the parts look like.

[shovenose]

Re: improve cheapo psu

Aha-very useful aricle. Will look it ver more thoroughly later today when im not in the bus

[goodpsusearch]

Re: improve cheapo psu

If you post some better photos it will be easier for us to help